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Dress for success

Dress for Success supports women to financial independence. The organisation aims to empower women by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. The organisation's services include supporting women into employment.
 
A client of Dress for Success New Plymouth shared her experience. “I had separated from a partner who had a drug addiction and I was going through a really rough time in my life. I had four children. When I moved here, I knew no one."
 
Helen Montgomery, Executive Manager, said funding was always a challenge for the charitable organisation. “During the Covid-19 pandemic, we haven’t held our usual fundraising events. We don’t get any Government funding. The grant enabled us to keep delivering our services to those in Taranaki who need us. It costs about $6k a month just to keep the lights on and keep functioning. It’s really difficult.”
 
A grant of $15k from Toi Foundation enabled Dress for Success New Plymouth to keep delivering their services in Taranaki. The charitable organisation also has the support of around 30 volunteers.
 
“The women can self-refer or be referred to us by certain organisations. We have fully trained stylists here who give them outfits. It is a head-to-toe service, including hair vouchers, shoes, handbag, and self-care kits. We also offer CV advice and career advice. We anticipate that we will help 150 women this year,” Helen said.

The client was grateful to Dress for Success. “I got the job and my career took off really quickly. Today I have a lot of hope. Today I believe in myself. To any ladies who want to come to Dress for Success: it will change your life. I'm really grateful that I've come through and I hope you can too."

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