Purses, Pumps & Pearls

I recently had the pleasure of visiting San Antonio’s local branch of Dress for Success, a nationwide non-profit organization. I had heard of the program prior to the visit, but was not fully aware of just how much this organization does to assist women in need. My heart goes out to this wonderful cause.

The mission of Dress for Success is to provide interview suiting and attire coupled with career training and support to women who are struggling to support themselves and their families. The way in which this mission is achieved is truly remarkable.

Dress for Success receives recommendations from other non-profit organizations with which they are affiliated, including local homeless and battered women’s shelters. Each with a different story, the women who enter the Dress for Success program all have one thing in common – they are all striving to overcome difficult, and often heartbreaking, life situations.

Through the Dress for Success career center, each woman is not only provided clothing and training, but most importantly, she is given the encouragement to believe in herself and her ability to be strong and independent. I can’t express enough the importance of supporting and encouraging those around us, especially those who truly need it most.

Business suiting is an essential donation, but there are three items for which the need is great: purses, pearls and pumps. While each interviewee is gifted a pair of pearl earrings and necklace for her big day, what good is an outfit without a confident handbag and pair of pumps?

I therefore challenge all of you ladies (and gentlemen) out there to search your closets and pocketbooks. While acquiring and maintaining a job is a fabulous thing, the confidence and self-worth that comes along with the ability to do so is irreplaceable.

You can locate your local Dress for Success through their website to read about all of the wonderful success stories made possible by this phenomenal organization.

For all of you ladies in South Central Texas, the Plaza Club is hosting a bridal soiree for you and yours. Jim Hjelm bridal gown designer Francesa Pitera will be there along with Maihar Design. What’s more, the proceeds will benefit Dress for Success.