Helping women wear success well Stephanie Flegel,
Email to a friend Printer friendly Font: * * * * This is the first affiliate of Dress for Success to open on the Prairies, with more than 85 affiliates in Canada, the U.S., Netherlands, U.K. and New Zealand. “Finally, what started out as an idea in November of 2005 has become a reality,” said Hildebrandt. Hildebrandt, her co-founder, Jan Forrest, and the volunteer board of directors have put countless hours into a year-long application process.
Another year was spent setting up the space, finding the volunteers and the donations for the organization. “It has been a monumental task to start an organization from scratch,” said Hildebrandt. Women in Regina could be visiting the trendy style boutique, inside the Westminster United Church at 3025 13th Ave., as soon as next week, said Hildebrandt. “The next big step is to have our first client and we are waiting for our phone to ring,” she added.
The organization works on a referral basis from Can-Sask Career and Employment Services, SIAST Career Enhancement Program, the South Saskatchewan Independent Living Centre, the Rainbow Youth Centre and Regina Transition House. Clients will be provided with a business outfit for job interviews. Once they have obtained employment, the organization will provide them with a full week’s worth of attire, as well as the appropriate skills to mix-and-match the various pieces of clothing.
All of the services are provided by trained volunteers, free-of-charge to the women. Hall & Rae, a local women’s clothing boutique in Regina, donated both training to the volunteers and equipment, such as clothing racks, hangers and a garment steamer. Dress for Success is in continuous need of clothing and financial donations as well as volunteers.