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KVUE's Olga Campos reports
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Layoffs and economic tough times are pushing one local non-profit to its limits. Dress for Success -- which prepares women to enter the work force -- now finds itself in big demand.
Getting clients to look good is top priority at Dress for Success, located at 701 Tillery in East Austin.
Today, students enrolled in a San Marcos job training program are receiving free professional clothes for upcoming interviews.
"I think this puts me at ease -- me thinking I look presentable when I go into an office," said Shaunti Speer, client. When Speer goes on a job interview, she'll be wearing clothing donated to the non-profit agency. Unfortunately, now that the economy is down demand at Dress for Success is up.
Last year's fittings jumped 67 percent over 2007 as more women find themselves out of work.
"Some are displaced from their current jobs, and, unfortunately, we also have women coming to us from shelters -- be they homeless shelters or shelters for abused women," said Judy Chambers, executive director.
"It has just been a blessing. It's about the best way I can sum it up," said Mehndigan Warrior, attorney, as she recalled her first time as a client.
"It is everything from the hose and purse to the suit and shirt and make up shampoo whatever," she said. Now Warrior is a member of the non-profit's professional woman's group, a volunteer and a mentor to other clients.
Plans are also underway to expand resources to keep up with the growing number of women who are trying to make it on their own.
"We're going to have our career center opened here very shortly where we'll have two computer terminals; we'll have a fax machine, telephones where she can actually apply online," said Chambers.
Clients who are hired are eligible to come back for a second outfit, more accessories and endless encouragement.
Dress for Success has expanded to serve clients in six counties, including former military members in the Killeen area who are entering civilian life.
