DRESS FOR SUCCESS CHARLOTTE

Founded in 2000, Dress for Success Charlotte is a women’s advancement center providing a full continuum of workforce development services including job preparedness, job acquisition, employment retention, IT access and training, financial education, and career advancement program and services, Dress for Success Charlotte has been a champion of upward economic mobility for women and their families in the Greater Charlotte area for 20 years. The first point of contact for a client is often job preparedness services, including the Interview and Employment Suiting programs. During the initial visit, specially trained volunteers assess what each client needs “beyond the suit” and then connects her to information on various programs and opportunities. Examples of what we learn during these initial appointments include: a veteran struggling to identify transferrable skills to create a civilian resume; a client who has skills, but lacks access to a computer and internet to complete the required online application; she lacks basic computer skills required by employer and can’t afford classes; she has accumulated debt or has a criminal charge that appears in the background check; she is in a hostile work environment or a domestic situation that is limiting her options; she does not have a phone; her child care has fallen through and she is at risk of losing her job; she wants to apply for a higher level position, but isn’t sure her resume is up to date or if she is ready to advance; she has an evaluation scheduled and the fear is overwhelming; she wants to return to school but doesn’t know if she can afford it; she is new to the area and lacks social capital to help position her for consideration. In every case, there is a coaching or a program at DFS she can tap into. A unique aspect of the organization is once a woman is referred to DFS Charlotte she can access services as long as she needs to or as long as she wants to. If she relocates outside of the Greater Charlotte area, there are affiliates in the U.S. and around the world she can connect with and establish an instant network of support. This personal wrap around support leads to a culture of trust and gaining more confidence in her abilities. Our innovative model and continuum of services connects diverse resources of professionals, businesses, and more than 70 community agencies to move unemployed and underemployed women towards self-sufficiency by addressing their social and economic needs in relation to work, home, and community. In 2019, more than 800 women were referred to Dress for Success Charlotte and 702 women (unduplicated) participated in at least one workforce development program, while more than 25% participated in numerous activities, including weekly and monthly programming. Of those served, 80% are mothers, and 86% of mothers are single head of household. Approximately 10% are parenting grandchildren and next of kin.