We are kicking off the month of March by featuring the first of four woman’s cause organization, Dress for Success Columbus! They strive to empower the career-focused ladies out there who may be struggling to land that interview or seeking extra guidance on how to succeed.
The Who
Dress for Success Columbus promotes the economic independence of women in need by providing professional attire, a network of support, and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. They address every phase of a woman’s career by providing a number of programs: Interview and Employment Suiting, Career Center, Job Training, and Professional Women’s Group Employment Retention. These programs are free of charge for every woman they assist. Any woman referred by a community partner is eligible for service.
The Story
Dress for Success Columbus first opened its doors in 2007 and has since empowered over 10,000 women in Central Ohio! They are one of 140 sister affiliates of Dress for Success Worldwide in almost 150 cities in 20 countries across the globe. Internationally, the non-profit has helped more than 850,000 women work towards self-sufficiency.
A Few Quick Facts
- Was voted ‘2016 Best Small Non-Profit by Columbus CEO Magazine
- Was voted a ‘2015 Top 10 Best’ Central Ohio Nonprofit by Columbus Underground readers
- Provides a complete ensemble appropriate to nail that job interview (1,512 in 2015) and five mix-&-match outfits for clients who are employed, all selected by a personal stylist
- Nearly 50% of clients secure work and return for employment suiting following initial visit
- Had 15,500 hours of compassionate service contributed by volunteers as personal stylists, career counselors, facilitators, and community advocates in 2015 and counting
How to Donate
There are a few ways! As you may know, at Argo & Lehne we’re celebrating women the whole month of March. If you’re feeling social, on Tuesday, March 7th from 5-8pm we’re throwing Dress for Success a party. If you bring in any gently used costume and fashion jewelry item you will receive 15% off all new in-stock jewelry and 10% off in-stock giftware. What’s more, Dress for Success receives 10% off all in-stock purchases to their cause!
Busy that day? Purchase any Sharon Wei piece anytime during the week of March 6-11 and 10% of the purchase goes to Dress for Success.
Have extra clothing you don’t need? Check out their website to find a full list of donation items. You may bring them anytime directly to their agency. (*These donations are separate from what is listed above.)
Included in the photo are Dress for Success’ rock star clients!
How to Volunteer
Dress for Success can utilize a wide range of talents for their career-driven ladies. They can’t do what they do without their amazing volunteers! Opportunities available include assisting with the Suiting Program from a Personal Stylist to Makeup Artist, or in the Career Center boosting that special woman’s confidence with resume building tips or assisting in mock interviewing. Public Speakers, Mentors, Consultants, or even just here and there for Special Events, there’s a place for everyone. Visit their website ‘here’ to get started.
