Each year, thousands of New Zealand women make the decision to re-enter the workforce.  Some will have spent a number of years dedicating their time to family, while others have been unemployed due to sickness or lack of self-confidence.  

For some women, making the decision to return to work is an easy one;  they have support available and the means to do so effectively.  For others, this is not the case. These women may lack money, experience or self-confidence. For this group, the decision alone has taken a significant amount of strength and will-power. Their lack of resource makes taking those first steps much more difficult and it is these women who Dress for Success aims to support.

Dress for Success is a not-for-profit organisation which provides free, high-quality clothing and accessories, plus confidence and grooming advice, to low-income and unemployed women re-entering the workforce.

• A woman who is actively seeking paid employment is invited to our premises where she will work alongside one of our volunteers to choose suitable attire (suit/separates, top, shoes, hosiery, handbag, cosmetics and jewellery) to wear to her upcoming job interviews.  All items selected are hers to keep permanently.
• Once a position is secured, she is invited back and entitled to a further dressing where a second outfit is selected to be worn as she begins her new job.
• Our volunteer personal stylists provide grooming advice and assist each client to select an outfit that allows them to look their best.  In addition, our volunteers spend quality time preparing each client for their interview, thus giving a general self-esteem and confidence boost!

Referral

Clients are referred to us by a diverse range of organisations.  To view the list of approved referral organisations visit our Referral Agencies page.