Unemployed women in the Bronx are being treated like A-listers at a designer fashion show by “Dress for Success,” which has an official grand opening Tuesday of its Bronx location.
Dress for Success is a non-profit organization helping women achieve economic independence by providing them with professional attire as well as the tools they need to excel in job interviews and the world of employment.
The Bronx shop, at 839 E. 149th St., offers donated suits and shoes to women by referral only. It was previously located at the Davidson Community Center in University Heights.
"By relocating to the new office, we can now serve more women because we have more space," said Joi Gordon, CEO of Dress for Success Worldwide. "The street location also gives us significantly more visibility in the community. And it's more accessible for more women in the Bronx, as well as volunteers and community members."
Ashley Ruemmelly, 27, currently on welfare, was there Monday. She is interested in finding work as a home health aide, and settled on an interview outfit of matching grey skirt and jacket over a red ruffled blouse, paired with bright red patent leather kitten heeled shoes.
Her personal shopper was Sarai Sanabria, the Bronx Program Coordinator, one of two paid staffers there; the rest are either volunteers or interns.
"I don't know how many outfits I tried on," says Ruemmelly, back in the jeans and t-shirt she wore into the shop. "One after the other after the other."
She and two other women were in the light and airy lobby with a receptionist desk and small waiting area. They held large brown shopping bags with their new outfits.
The women don't have potential employers lined up yet, but 44-year-old Karen Robinson said, as she waited to be assisted, that they are "trying to be prepared, so when (employers) do call, we're decent."
Wendy Morel, 29, chose a button down pink blouse and a tan blazer, though her size 5 feet are too small for the Lela Rose for Payless shoes she tried on.
Besides the suiting up, Dress For Success offers programs to help with the other aspects of acquiring and maintaining a professional job. The Career Center works with clients on resumes, mock interviews, and professional skills, Going Places Network by Walmart helps to land women interviews and provide networking opportunities, and the Professional Women's Group helps women who have gotten jobs tackle the obstacles the professional world presents them.
"We are a community organization in every sense," said Regina Norman, Branch Manager of the Dress for Success Bronx Office. "Our grand opening is truly a celebration of Dress for Success and the Bronx community at large, and all of the great work that we will achieve together."
Local elected officials will join community members and Dress for Success to cut the ribbon on the new office.
To learn more, volunteer or donate clothes, visit www.dressforsuccess.org
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/bronx/dress-success-location-bronx-offers-chic-business-attire-job-interview-women-article-1.1033596#ixzz1rfXsllvB
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