Dress for Success has helped over one million women around the world since it was founded in 1997; it currently serves close to 70,000 women a year. Since launching in NZ in 1999, it has assisted close to 40,000 women in this country. The mission of Dress for Success is “to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and development tools t
o help women thrive in work and in life.”
Our vision is: “a world where women do not live in poverty, are treated with dignity and respect, and are strengthening their families and shaping their communities.”
There are now over 150 affiliates/branches In New Zealand we have 8, they are in Northland (Whangarei), Auckland, Hamilton, Bay of Plenty (Rotorua and Tauranga), New Plymouth, Wellington (Wairarapa and Lower Hutt), Palmerston North and Christchurch. Each global affiliate is volunteer-driven and supported by a small staff and board. Ours is a “wraparound” service, with 3 key programmes offered to Dress for Success clients:
• Dressing/Suiting programme which equips each woman for her job interview; once she gains employment, she returns for a 2nd outfit – all free of charge
• Career Centres, which provide CV assistance & review and interview tips
• PWG – Professional Women’s Group, a job retention and leadership programme; NB 75% of PWG members are still employed after one year. NB Some affiliates also offer The Breakfast Club, which supports women who do not gain employment with their first interview. Our clients come to us from a continually expanding and diverse group of not-for-profit and government agencies including Work & Income, immigration services, job training programs, educational institutions and domestic violence shelters. More than 3,000 organizations throughout the world send women to Dress for Success for interview appropriate attire and career development and job retention services. Our best advertisement is our clients:
“I felt like a million dollars.”(Sarah)
“You are made to feel like you matter and count.”(Tariana)
“I am the first person in my entire family, of any generation, to own a house. And I now have expectations for my own children.”(
Chris)
And our supporters also have positive things to say:
“Dress for Success is an organization that empowers … women … You can actually touch and change people’s lives in an instant.”
Iman – Model & Businesswoman
“I am on the Board of Dress for Success (Worldwide) and it’s the only board I’m on and it’s the only board I’ve ever asked to be on.” Bobbi Brown (Bobbi Brown Cosmetics)
“… you are providing practical solutions to women in need .. and ultimately a positive impact on our economy.”
(NZcorporate donor)
To learn more about Dress for Success in New Zealand, please contact: Rosemari Daly, Operations Consultant for New Zealand representing Dress for Success Worldwide on [email protected]
www.dressforsuccess.org
