February 2023
Executive Director's Message
Message from the Board Chair
Style for Hope Luncheon
Client Spotlights
DFSPB Scholarship Recipients
Meet Our New Intern
Volunteer Happenings
Other Ways to Support Us
Hello Supporters and Friends,

Thank you to our funders, partners, volunteers, and staff for your support as we kick off our first newsletter for 2023. A new year brings reflection, renewal, and revitalization. It is also a time to refocus and recharge. 

Looking back, 2022 was transitional for many of us as we pivoted from the challenges of the pandemic. The transition for us at Dress for Success Palm Beaches was in staff and agency operations. In addition to myself, joining the team is Maria Cook, part-time Volunteer Coordinator, and Jodi Cutler, full-time Director of Programs and Outreach Services. Both immediately immersed themselves in their roles.

Maria has personally met with or spoken to every longtime volunteer, and has already helped recruit newbies for us – a critical need with upcoming fundraising events that include the March 10th “Style for Hope” Luncheon at the Kravis Center and our next in-boutique “Shop for Success” Pop-Up Sale April 13-15.

Jodi has been going out into the community, (our DFS chapter’s coverage area includes Martin County and North Broward), sharing with other social service organizations and their case workers information about the services we provide, the job readiness opportunities we offer, and how we can assist their clients. This outreach already has yielded an increase in our clientele. We are excited about cultivating new partnerships and relationships while revitalizing those that were affected by the pandemic.

We ended 2022 having served 627 clients – exceeding our pre-pandemic numbers. We’re starting off 2023 with equally promising results: A 50% increase in the number of clients seen in January 2023 than last January.

We have introduced a hybrid model for our job readiness program, Road to Success. Some clients choose to attend in person while others opt to log on for it virtually. This allows us to reach a larger service area and is a solution, as well, for those with transportation issues. 

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to attend the DFS Worldwide Conference in NYC. The takeaway was some innovative ideas and strategies that we can implement as we continue to grow in 2023. It was a networking opportunity, as well, with affiliates from all over the world including New Zealand, Singapore, London, and Australia, to name a few. I was honored to serve as a panelist with colleagues from Rome, Canada, Pittsburgh, and New Orleans, discussing strategies for retaining, engaging, recruiting, and sustaining volunteers.

We know we can’t—and don’t—accomplish our DFS goals alone. We are truly grateful for our community partners, funders and volunteers who work tirelessly to support immediate needs, as well as enact meaningful change that can be sustained months, years, and decades from now. We appreciate 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)
We are excited to honor Badgley Mischka at this year’s Style for Hope luncheon on March 10th.

Badgley Mischka is a fashion label founded by designers Mark Badgley and James Mischka in 1988. The brand is known for its glamorous and sophisticated designs that have been worn by numerous celebrities on the red carpet, including Oprah Winfrey, Taylor Swift, and Helen Mirren. Badgley Mischka's collections include ready-to-wear, bridal, and accessories.

Being recognized as an iconic award recipient at the Dress for Success Palm Beaches luncheon is a significant honor for Badgley Mischka.

Dress for Success Palm Beaches empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing them with professional attire, career development tools, and a network of support and has helped many women achieve their career goals.

The recognition of Badgley Mischka at the Dress for Success luncheon speaks to the brand's commitment to empowering women and their contribution to the fashion industry. It's an exciting moment for both the brand and the organization, and it highlights the importance of supporting women in achieving their full potential.

 
Don't Miss our 2023 Style for Hope Fundraising Luncheon
March 10th, 2023

Join Dress for Success Palm Beaches for an inspiring experience as we present our “Style Icon” award to fashion designers Mark Badgley and James Mischka.

Prior to the luncheon, guests will enjoy a fabulous silent auction. We will also hear from a successful Dress for Success client, and present our “HOPE” award to one of our dedicated volunteers.
A limited number of VIP tickets are available for a meet and greet with Badgely and Mischka in the Kravis Center Founders’ Room!

Our 2022 Style Icon, Josie Natori, is our Honorary Chairwoman.
All proceeds from this event benefit Dress for Success Palm Beaches boutique operations and support women’s career development!

Purchase your tickets before they sell out!
Thank you to our sponsors:
Media Sponsors
Pace Center for Girls
We had the pleasure of suiting clients from our neighboring organization, Pace Center for Girls, a supportive community for girls to build healthy relationships, plan for their future and overcome trauma.
Dress for Success Palm Beaches Scholarship Recipients
Congratulations to Guadalupe Ruiz, Maya Vallejo and Jessica Riquiz, recipients of $1,000 scholarships from Dress for Success Palm Beaches and students enrolled in the Nails Technician Career Certificate Program at Palm Beach State College's Belle Glade campus. In addition to the money for tuition and education-related expenses, these women will have access to a network of support, mentors, professional attire and developmental tools that will help them thrive in their work and life.

Read more online at Palm Beach State College's website here.

Thank you to Palm Beach State College's College Relations Specialist, Joyce Edelstein for sharing this story!
Meet Our New Intern
Please welcome our newest intern Victoria Cruz, a student at Palm Beach State College, majoring in Human Services. 

She is multitalented and dedicated to the cause; we are so lucky to have her working with us!
Volunteer Happenings
New Volunteer Orientation
Dress for Success Palm Beaches started the New Year with an incredible turnout of dedicated women for our New Volunteer Orientation meetings held on January 19th and February 16th! We had over 25 new volunteer prospects.

Our Executive Director, Joe Ann Fletcher, provided a detailed account of the services, resources and programming offered by DFSPB, and Volunteer Coordinator Maria Bacas-Cook and the Director of Programs and Outreach Services Jodi Cutler also presented to the group.

Many of the women who attended the orientation have already begun volunteering as stylists, coaches, mentors, and inventory team members. The interest and determination demonstrated by this new group of women is a direct reflection of our commitment to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.
Coffee & Conversation
We love our volunteers!

On January 26th, we held Coffee and Conversation to honor the women who are the backbone of our organization.

Some of our volunteers have been with Dress for Success Palm Beaches for over 10 years, and their various experiences make for incredible stories.

We even had one volunteer tell the story of how her daughter encouraged her to contact DFSPB after talking to one of her clients, a passionate volunteer inventory team member! That super-volunteer happened to be present, which made for an even better story!

We shared a lot of laughter, some really good muffins and quiche!

We are only as strong as the women who support us in our mission of empowering women!
Help Ensure Our Future by Becoming a
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.
Company Matching Grants
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.

Charitable Bequest
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