Dress for Success Shreveport-Bossier

A nonprofit organization

Dress for Success Shreveport-Bossier promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. We provide four specific programs:

• The Confident Suiting Program provides interview and employment clothing. Approximately 300-400 women are referred to us each year from over 50 other agencies.

• The Women of the Workforce (W.O.W.) Program is a 12-week job readiness program for women seeking employment. 7 students graduated from the program in May of 2016 and 4 are gainfully employed.

• The Career Center is a job readiness resource center providing clients with career guidance and technology skills. The Career Center serves approximately 100 women each year.

• Professional Women's Group provides job retention skills and support for clients who have recently entered the workforce. It currently has approximately 85 active members with 75% retaining employment. The PWG meets once a month with an average of 25-30 women attending.

• Our major Fundraising efforts include The Society for Human Resource Management, LSUS Chapter, "Red Hanger" Style Show & Luncheon event, an annual direct mail fund-raiser called "Dress Tess", two annual women's clothing sales, Grants including the Walmart Foundation, The Ballengee Foundation, The Community Foundation, United Way, and the Alta and John Franks Foundation. Miscellaneous fundraising events, including Talbots, Chipotle, and the Dillard's Handbag/Watch Trade-in Event.

• Our Volunteers serve as "Personal Shoppers" to help clients choose their outfits and accessories for their interviews and their new jobs. Our volunteers sort donations and serve as speakers for our GPN and PWG programs. We could not function without our wonderful volunteers and we are always recruiting!

• The Overall Impact of Dress for Success Shreveport-Bossier in the community is HUGE. We are helping break the cycle of poverty by helping women obtain employment, build careers, and become positive role models for their children and their community!

Our services are free and our goal is to help every woman succeed!

Testimonials

"I recently fled a domestic violence situation; forcing me and my son to restart. Coming to Dress for Success Shreveport - Bossier changed my life. I have never had anyone do such nice things for me. I feel confident about going to my interview. I feel like I already have the job." ~ Danielle, Dress for Success Shreveport - Bossier Client

"Young ladies receive support with preparing for interviews, dressing for success, etc. One young lady who is blessed by this service told me all about how this organization helped her to have clothes to wear both for her interview and for work. I think it is a great service being provided to young ladies." ~ Cheryl, Dress for Success Shreveport - Bossier Advocate

Mission

The mission of Dress for Success Shreveport-Bossier is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Dress for Success Shreveport-Bossier

Tax id (EIN)

87-0718643

Guidestar

Parish

Caddo

Parishes Served

Bossier, Caddo, DeSoto

Operating Budget

$100K-499K

Sector

Human Services, Women & Girls, Workforce Development

Address

1520 N Hearne Ave Suite 108
Shreveport, LA 71107