YWCA Greater Lafayette Opens New Dress for Success Affiliate
LAFAYETTE, IN: YWCA Greater Lafayette is pleased to announce the opening of Dress for Success Greater Lafayette at its 605 N. 6th Street campus in Lafayette on March 8, International Women’s Day.“For more than 91 years, YWCA Greater Lafayette has been on a mission to eliminate racism and empower women through our many programs and services,” said President & CEO Allison Beggs. “Dress for Success further strengthens our efforts as we support women in their quest for economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help them overcome gender-based challenges for every phase of their personal and professional journeys.”Dress for Success Greater Lafayette will join more than 140 affiliates around the world and becomes the fourth location in Indiana, joining Fort Wayne, Indianapolis and Michiana.“Women in the (Greater Lafayette) community will continue to benefit from the services that YWCA offers, which will now include those offered by Dress for Success,” said Joi Gordon, CEO of Dress for Success Worldwide. “The pandemic has impacted women significantly, and it is crucial that we expand access to the tools and resources we offer. We are therefore delighted to welcome Dress for Greater Lafayette as the newest member of our global network.”Women come to Dress for Success Greater through referral only. Referring partner agencies include job training programs, women’s and homeless services organizations and other local social service agencies. Each client receives a personal consultation and interview appropriate attire in their first visit. Once employed, each client receives up to five additional work wear ensembles, accessories and grooming products. “And work wear doesn’t always mean suits and high heeled shoes,” Beggs said. “Appropriate work attire could include medical scrubs, work shirts or steel-toed boots.To secure Dress for Success affiliation, Beggs said YWCA Team and Community members completed a multi-phase application, vetting and start-up process that demonstrated organizational capacity and community support. A former aquatics locker room was renovated to house the 1,400 square foot clothing boutique. While Dress for Success Worldwide provides corporate donations, the vast majority of inventory comes from local donors who provide clothing, shoes and accessories. Those donors and volunteers who assist in the boutique or provide direct client services will be crucial to success.Dress for Success Greater Lafayette will officially launch its new clothing boutique and empowerment services with a socially distanced press conference and ribbon cutting ceremony on March 8, 2021 at 3:00 pm. Please contact Joshua D. Allard, Manager, Communication, Engagement & Content for attendance and to schedule advance interviews.EventsYour Hour, Her PowerFour years ago, the cast of Hamilton donated part of their wages to support the Dress for Success mission and Your Hour, Her Power was born. As YWCA Greater Lafayette launches Dress for Success Greater Lafayette, we invite you to be a part of this important movement to provide resources and support for women in our community.During March 2021, please consider donating a portion of your salary - an hour, a day or a week to make a permanent investment in another woman's future. Your support now gives a Dress for Success woman access to education programs, career services and tools that will help her achieve economic advancement and build a more productive and safer community for all.When you give a little, you give a lot - make a pledge to empower women!31 Days of Women in PowerJoin Dress for Success Greater Lafayette March 1-31 for 31 Days of Women in Power. Our annual International Women's Day / Women's History Month campaign, Your Hour, Her Power, calls on individuals to give just one hour of pay to help all women achieve financial independence and upward mobility.With our Dress for Success Worldwide Media Partner, O, The Oprah Magazine, we are honoring women in positions of power throughout the month of March to highlight the importance and impact of female leadership at a time when it is most needed.We invite you to take the pledge to empower women and join us on social media to meet powerful women from across the globe and here in Greater Lafayette.For more information, please visit:Web https://greaterlafayette.dressforsuccess.org/Facebook /DFSGreaterLafayetteInstagram @dfs_greaterlafayette/About YWCA Greater LafayetteFor 91 years, YWCA Greater Lafayette has served the community through its mission of eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Signature programs include Domestic Violence Intervention and Prevention Program; Empowerment Services including STRIVE and Dress for Success, Women’s Wellness Program, Y-Dance and Adult and Youth Programs.