Prior to a catastrophic illness which changed my life, I had a successful career in social work for 18 years. I had to take time to heal and care for my child who recently graduated.

The Department of Rehabilitation, Blind Services referred me to Dress for Success San Francisco.

I have participated in Career Bootcamps, Going Places Network classes, mock interviews, and I received clothing for an employment fair, job interviews and for my new job. I am currently working at the Social Security Administration and will be transitioning to a position at San Francisco Department of Public health.

Participating in services and programs offered by Dress for Success helped me to rebuild my confidence. Volunteers helped me prepare for interviews and ways to discuss the gap in my employment history. I was helped in real time as I was preparing to attend a job fair and needed someone to review my resume. The volunteer made edits and I was able to go to the job fair the next day with a new and improved resume, in a suit provided by Dress for Success.

Dress for Success has been an invaluable resource for me. As a person with a visual disability, re-entering the workforce with Dress for Success by my side has been both exciting and wonderful. The Professional Women’s Group and Career Workshops have helped me stay focused on my goals, when the pandemic made it difficult to focus on anything.

I was referred by the Department of Human Services of San Francisco for an upcoming job interview. I moved back to the Bay Area in December 2016 after living out of state for over 25 years.

Through the amazing support of the staff, mentors, and volunteers at Dress For Success San Francisco, I am now starting my own business as a Housing Justice Advocate.

From the moment I walked through the door everyone was helpful, from wardrobe selection to offering support when participants were nervous about their interview.

I am an alumni member of the Professional Women’s Group and recently completed the 2020 Financial Literacy workshop. The Financial Literacy Program has had a huge impact on how I intend to run a business, create generational wealth, support other women owned businesses and retire with continuing income.

At this time, I am working with a mentor to finalize material for my business. She is not only editing the information, she is also available should I need someone to discuss any issues or concerns I have on this journey to entrepreneurship.

Since that first day, I have had the most amazing experience of being in the company of women who believe in the power within themselves and all of us.

I am currently working at Fred Finch Youth & Family Services. I first came to Dress for Success San Francisco when researching community resources as part of my job. When I learned about the Financial Literacy Program and realized I could benefit from it, I was excited and signed-up.

Prior to Dress for Success I was working but not intentional about my goals for the future. Since discovering Dress for Success, I have joined the Professional Women's Group and Financial Literacy Class series.

The Dress for Success programs have positively impacted me and helped me to think more proactively about my future and money management.

I gained a community of support with the Dress for Success staff and other women in the programs. I love that the staff connected me to resources, helped me plan goals, and offered me a once-in-a-life-time opportunity to be the 2021 Community Action Project (CAP) delegate!