 |
|
RSVP for DFS Connect Open House
Every first Thursday from 9am to 10am we open our doors to you for an informational presentation, light breakfast and tour - to 'connect' with us and learn the whole story of Dress for Success San Antonio. Click here for invitation.
|
|
The Circle of Success is Growing
Thank you to Klesse Foundation for being a 'Straight Flush' Sponsor; NuStar Foundation/Greehey Family Foundation for their 'Queen' sponsorship.
|
|
In This Issue
|
|
Independence Day - What Does it Mean to You?
What does Independence Day mean to you?
I'm not talking about the conventional hot-dogs-and-fireworks meaning associated with July 4th, but about the things you have in your life that foster your own independence - your freedom to be fully who you are, and to do, give, be, and have all of which you are truly capable in life.
Dress for Success San Antonio
is about so much more than just clothes. It is about empowering women facing challenges to transform and enrich their lives through meaningful and sustainable employment. And, what we do for our clients ultimately impacts all of us because transformed, enriched, employed adults contribute positively to the values formation of their children and to the overall economy and ethos of our community in a lasting, multi-generational way.
So, in the spirit of Independence Day
, I invite you to read some testimonials from clients and volunteers who can relate to the ways Dress for Success San Antonio fosters independence in those it serves. Learn more about us and talk with us about ways meaningful to you that you can participate, directly or indirectly, in someone's transformation and enrichment... There are so many options!
|
|
Independence Renewed
Lillian worked her way up from Data Entry to Director of IT Support Services and, after 28 years, her job was eliminated. She found Dress for Success San Antonio online while she was looking for a suit. On our website, she read stories about women being helped, so she registered for our monthly DFS Connect (open house and tour). She joined the Going Places Network (GPN) program, where she enjoyed getting out of the house and attending the classes. Lillian says that Dress for Success San Antonio and GPN built her confidence back to where "I knew I was worth something." She made friends with other class members from different backgrounds. Lillian is now working for Bahia Business Solutions in Seguin, TX. She has been married for 36 years "to a lovely man."
|
|
Nurturing Economic Independence
-by Board Member Patrick Covert
I was blessed to join the Board of Directors of this much-needed organization in 2016. Dress for Success San Antonio's mission to empower women to achieve economic independence resonates with me since I was raised by a single mother who struggled at times to provide basic necessities and a stable environment. Fortunately, my grandmother provided support and security while my mom searched for a better life. My grandmother instilled the understanding that everyone needs help at some point in their lives and we have a responsibility to provide opportunities for others to gain independence and happiness. It is important to me to support others, which is why I am privileged to volunteer as a Board member. Without assistance, my mom couldn't focus on finding a more stable environment and financial independence for all of us. We should all have this type of support to find fulfillment and independence!
|
From Isolation to Independence
Orietta Reyes-Vargas married in 2012 and moved to San Antonio from Mexico, leaving everything behind: family, career and property. Not long after she came to San Antonio, her husband became very abusive, isolating her in a way that excluded her from making friends and finding work. In June 2014, she took the first step towards gaining her freedom with the help of the Battered Women's and Children's Shelter. She was referred to Dress for Success San Antonio for job search, suiting, and other services. Utilizing these tools, as well as referrals to other agencies, in three years Orietta has gone from being an unemployed, non-English-speaking battered wife to becoming an English-fluent independent career woman. She works with Baptist Child and Family Services. She is an active participant in our Professional Women's Group, an engaged, dynamic client representative on our board of directors, and has recently completed a trip to Chicago, where she represented Dress for Success San Antonio as a Community Action Project (CAP) delegate for the 2016 Dress for Success Worldwide's Delegate Summit.
She volunteers because her main goal is helping others in her community to succeed.
|
|
Independence Paid Forward
-by Sandra Flores-Surprise
The year was 2008. I had completed my service in the United States Army and was living in Arizona during the recession when NO ONE was hiring. I was unemployed and quickly exhausting my savings, so I moved back home to San Antonio. I lived with a relative until I quickly, and unexpectedly, had to find another place to live. The uncertainty of my situation scared me; so I focused all my attention on searching and applying for jobs and updating and customizing my resume. I was FINALLY offered a job, based solely on my resume. I didn't even have to interview. THAT'S the importance of a strong, updated resume! I know first-hand the frustrations of being unemployed, the uncertainty each day brings, and the need to earn a foreseeable income through a long-term career. I volunteer at Dress for Success San Antonio because I want to pay forward my blessings by assisting others with their resumes.
|
|
Client Quote
The best thing about my meeting at Dress for Success San Antonio is "the confidence I received and encouragement for a better future..."
|
Special Shout Out
|
Do YOU Amazon?
Support Dress for Success San Antonio while you shop Amazon by using Amazon Smile.
Click here
|
|
Dress for Success San Antonio | 210.737.1515 |
Email |
Website
600 N. Frio Street, San Antonio, TX 78207
Our special thanks goes to Five Star Cleaners who graciously takes donations on our behalf at any of their 17 San Antonio locations.
Programs and services partially funded by the City of San Antonio
|
|
|
|
|
|
