July 2023
Executive Director's Message
Message from the Board Chair
Client Spotlights
Teacher Appreciation Shopping Event
Overstock Sale
Scholarship Recipient
Ways to Support Us
Hello Supporters & Friends:

Many equate summer with a slower pace. But there’s no slowdown here at Dress for Success Palm Beaches. There were, of course, send offs for some of our “seasonal” volunteers heading back to their home turfs and for those who are vacation-bound. But we’re incredibly fortunate – and grateful – to have more than a dozen new recruits who joined us for our May volunteer orientation and who’ve already dug in to help fill the absences. Where would we be without the commitment of volunteers? 

While schools are now in recess, back-to-school is already on our minds as we prepare for our Teacher Appreciation Shopping Experience, Monday, July 24 through Friday, August 4. This will be the third year we’ve invited local educators – frontline heroes, in our estimation – to come in and let our personal stylists help them select new workplace outfits. Last year’s event was a resounding hit, with over 100 scheduled appointments. We’re anticipating we’ll be fully booked once again. See below for more details.

The current term of Road to Success is in full swing with 25 participants who, almost from day one of the 6-week program, have begun to show signs of transformation and increased self-esteem. It’s helped that a team of Ulta Beauty estheticians worked makeover magic on the RTS clients before they had their head-and-shoulders photo portraits snapped by professional photographer Stevenson Dor – images they can now post on their LinkedIn and Indeed sites. The women also are benefitting tremendously from the personal advice and guidance offered up by their individual volunteer mentors, along with the added inspiration and enthusiasm of facilitator Jodi Cutler. The job readiness curriculum is covering resume writing, interviewing skills, and how to leverage the internet. Overall, each participant is becoming more self-aware of her strengths and potential…more empowered…more on track to achieve a goal of financial independence. RTS is made possible by generous sponsorship from The Jim Moran Foundation. The upcoming fall term will be sponsored by the Community Foundation of Palm Beach and Martin County. 

We’ll close out summer by cleaning out our own DFS “closet”, and that means Pop-Up Sale! Mark your calendar: Thursday, September 7 through Saturday, September 9. It will be in-boutique here at DFS and feature a whole new crop of donated merchandise that includes both runway and everyday name brands.

One other important calendar note: The Style for Hope Fundraising Luncheon is set for Friday, March 15, 2024 (one week later than previously announced), at the Kravis Center. Planning is well underway, sponsorships are being lined up, and the bar is being raised since it also will be the 10th anniversary of the event. Mark Badgley and James Mischka are honorary co-chairs.

So, yes, it’s a summer full of activity with hearts full of gratitude for the unwavering support we receive from YOU… foundations, corporate sponsors, individual donors, and volunteers. Thank you.
Joe Ann Fletcher, M.Ed., ABD
Executive Director

Dress for Success Palm Beaches
2459 S Congress Ave, Suite 204
Palm Springs, FL 33406
(561) 249-3898 (Office)
(954) 263-1984 (Cell)
Hello DFS friends!

I am sad to report that I am stepping down as the board president of Dress for Success Palm Beaches after nearly 3 years serving on the board. 

I accepted a position in Arizona as the vice president of sales for the national homebuilder, Taylor Morrison. I was born and raised in Arizona and the opportunity for career growth closer to family is important at this time. 

Thanks to DFS, I found my passion for empowering women, providing job readiness and interview skills, and professional attire, and most importantly, watching their confidence grow as we care for and believe in them. I enjoyed mentoring 3 clients through the Road to Success program, serving as vice chair and chairing the education committee. 

As for the Palm Beaches chapter, it is in capable and caring hands with Lana Blackman as the new president and JoeAnn Fletcher as the executive director. I will be rooting for you all from the southwest and am confident the organization is doing all the right things to grow and help more clients. 

Take good care and thanks as always, for all you do!

Bridjette Shelfo
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Member of the Circle of Impact
Our Circle of Impact is a select group of current and former business leaders who have pledged an annual minimum donation of $1,000. Members are acknowledged for their generosity, their names appearing on a distinctive plaque at our headquarters, plus they enjoy several exclusive perks throughout the year. View our flyer here for more information or to donate, please visit our website.
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Many organizations offer a company match program for donations made by their employees to nonprofit organizations, and some even offer volunteer grants. If your employer offers such programs, please consider requesting a donation to Dress for Success Palm Beaches.

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Leave a legacy! Please consider adding a charitable bequest to our organization to your will. Be sure to designate our organization by our full name: Dress for Success Palm Beaches.
DRESS FOR SUCCESS PALM BEACHES INC IS A 501(C)3. FL SOLICITATION #CH34892A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE, WITHIN THE STATE, 1-800-HELPFLA, OR VIA THE INTERNET AT WWW.800HELPFLA.COM. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
DRESS FOR SUCCESS PALM BEACHES