MISSION

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.

SERVICES

suits for success
The Suits for Success program provides women with a complete suit ensemble (suit, blouse, hosiery, shoes, purse, jewelry, padfolio) for her interview and workforce apparel when she finds a position. All women who participate in the Suits for Success program are referred to DFS Indianapolis through our partner referral agencies. Services are delivered on a one-on-one basis by volunteer Personal Shoppers. Over 7,000 women have been served since 2000 and Dress for Success Indianapolis’s goal for 2011 is to suit 1,200 women.

 

The following demographics represent Suits for Success clients 2003-2010:
• 82% have a high school education or better
• 48% are African-American, 39% are Caucasian
• 49% are under age 35
• 87% are not married
• 56% receive some form of public assistance
• 58% support dependents

 

professional women’s group
The ultimate goal of DFS Indianapolis is to help women achieve self-sufficiency. The professional clothing and confidence provided through Suits for Success play a major role in helping a woman enter the workforce, but what will help her thrive? The Professional Women’s Group, fondly known as PWG, promotes employment retention and career advancement by providing skill-building information and networking opportunities in a safe, supportive environment. PWG hosts monthly meetings, as well as workshops on topics such as goal setting, preparing for home ownership and financial literacy, to enable women to see success in work and in life.

 

career development
The Career Development Center at DFS Indianapolis is currently operating an open computer lab 15 hours per week for self-directed job search and computer access. A monthly job networking program, mock interviews, 2-hour resumes and individualized career planning and support are among the other services offered. The Going Places Network by Walmart, a pre-employment program, is offered to help women acquire skills that will help them start their journey to self-sufficiency by becoming job-ready and gaining employment.

Why are the services of Dress for Success important?

Dress for Success is about much more than clothes; the services provided by Dress for Success Worldwide and its affiliates move women toward self-sufficiency and newfound confidence in their potential to find a job.

 

DFS Indianapolis seeks to help women not only look great, but feel great. It’s the right professional appearance and the accompanying confidence that impact her ability to secure employment. Even after she’s employed, however, a woman advancing out of poverty often finds that her support network may be inadequate as she faces new challenges, and that she needs to keep developing her skills and knowledge in order to advance in the workforce. The Professional Women’s Group provides networking and support opportunities combined with educational sessions and resources in order to help women step closer to self-sufficiency.

 

The Career Development Center at DFS Indianapolis allows women to access resources to obtain sustainable employment, research careers and learn skills to job search effectively. In 2010, the Career Development Center provided over 3,000 hours of service to over 250 women.


The unique and crucial services found at DFS Indianapolis combine with the services of over 90 partner agencies in order to provide comprehensive assistance to women in Central Indiana. Learn more at www.dressforsuccess.org/indianapolis.