Dress For Success: Empowering Women to Re-enter the Workforce

On a day like today or any other day, a woman enters Dress for Success Shreveport-Bossier looking tired and unsure of the next steps for herself and her family. These women come from different walks of life — some from shelters after losing their jobs and homes, others fleeing domestic violence situations and others joining the workforce for the first time.  You know her… we all know her or someone like her.

I will tell you the story of Mary and how she received services from Dress for Success Shreveport – Bossier that helped to change her life. Mary was referred to Dress for Success from one of our partner agencies in the community.  Her journey to our organization was hard and long.  She had fled a domestic violence situation, traveled over 2000 miles, relocated to our community and to look for a new start. From the time she entered Dress for Success she looked depleted.  Working with our Program Coordinator and Personal Shopper, who made her feel conformable, was crucial. Mary had been debased and abused for so many years, it was vital to rebuild her confidence and equip her with the proper knowledge and attire to enter the workforce.  That was a year ago.  Mary is currently thriving as a manager at a local professional company in our community and providing for her family.

Dress for Success Shreveport Bossier has been a pillar of this community for over 15 years by elevating women as they enter the workforce. Many in the community know us as a clothing closet that accepts donations and where women can obtain assistance with professional attire as they enter the workplace.  While this is true, our primary focus is workforce development and a place where women come to build confidence as they hit “reset” to their careers.  This work could not be done without community partners, volunteers and donors.

The women who receive services from us are uplifted and enriched by the four programs we provide:

• The Confident Suiting Program
• The Women of the Workforce (W.O.W.) Program
• Professional Women’s Group 
• Career Center Services 

We are here for women who simply need a fresh start from beginning to end. We become a family that is here to support women as they transition through life.  If you would like to support our programs please visit our website: Shreveport-bossier.dressforsuccess.org to make a donation.

Erica McCain is the Executive Director of Dress For Success Shreveport-Bossier