Dress for Success® Quad Cities,a new local affiliate of the international not-for-profit organization, will open its local center/boutique on Nov. 1. The new offices and boutique space are located in the Union Arcade Building, 111 East Third Street, Suite 710, Davenport.
Since suiting the first client in 1997, Dress for Success has served more than 600,000 women internationally by providing them with business-appropriate clothing, mentoring and professional development programs. This brand-new affiliate will join more than 110 others
around the globe.
"Dress for Success changes lives; it's as simple as that. We are about much more than just suits - we empower women to thrive in work and in life," says Joi Gordon, CEO of Dress for Success Worldwide. "And we are thrilled that women in the Quad Cities area will now be able to access the numerous programs that we offer. It is clear that the community has already embraced our mission and that this new affiliate will be a tremendous success."
Women come to Dress for Success Quad Cities by referral only after having completed job training programs offered by local social service agencies and non-profit organizations. Each client receives one interview suit in her first visit and, once she finds work, receives
additional attire, either separates or a second suit, and an invitation to join the Professional Women's Group (PWG). The PWG program, along with Career Center and mentoring services, provides ongoing support to clients as they grow professionally, strive to turn their jobs into successful careers and journey towards economic independence.
"Before embarking on this endeavor, I spoke with staff from over a dozen local non- profits and organizations that help to prepare disadvantaged women for the workforce. I asked if they would refer women to us and whether their clients would benefit from a new Dress for Success affiliate in the Quad Cities. Every single one responded with a resounding 'yes!'" said Regina Haddock Clewell, founder of Dress for Success Quad Cities. "Now with over 25 potential referral partners lining up for the start of our services, we can't wait to begin suiting clients on November 1st!"
A group of motivated Quad-City area volunteers, led by Haddock Clewell, has worked tirelessly for more than a year to become an affiliate of Dress for Success. The process included developing business plans, filing for incorporation, earning 501(c)(3) status, receiving formal approval by Dress for Success Worldwide, seating an initial Board of Directors, early fundraising and clothing donations and more.
For more information, to volunteer, or to donate, please visit www.dressforsuccess.org/quadcities , e-mail quadcities@dressforsuccess.org, or find Dress for Success Quad Cities on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dfsqc.
-end-
