H.O.W. for Christmas - Day 24

Today's post can apply to anyone, whether they have just moved here, or have lived here their entire life.

My Success: Emerging from my shell!!

Why is this my Success?: I've been here in Canada for 10 months already and it has been a tremendous learning experience. At first it was overwhelming, but I am gradually opening myself to so many NEW things. Be willing to try, to believe there are good opportunities out there. Dress for Success is such an encouraging resource for me.

J.T.

In the month of December, we will be sharing the stories, experiences and triumphs of clients who have used our programing. And during these 25 days (December 5 - 31), we are campaigning to raise enough funds to put at least 25 more women through our programming.

To give one women access to the whole suite of programs at Dress for Success Vancouver, it costs the organization approximately $150 ($12.50 a month). Help us raise $3750 by donating this holiday season or giving the gift of a donation.

H.O.W! for Christmas - Day 23

In the time between Christmas and New Year's Day, it is usually pretty quiet. Today is definitely an exception. We will see 16 clients in the morning, and another 15 in the evening (a total of 31) with 7 of them coming in for their employment suiting! Here are some of the clients we helped this morning and their volunteer stylist! The red wall you see in the background is actually "Dress for Success Red", the red found in our logo. Due to some plumbing changes in this wonderful heritage building, the wall was torn down and put back up again, with our choice of colour! Our new "feature wall", provides a great backdrop to showcase our clients and their outfits.

In the month of December, we will be sharing the stories, experiences and triumphs of clients who have used our programing. And during these 25 days (December 5 - 31), we are campaigning to raise enough funds to put at least 25 more women through our programming.

To give one women access to the whole suite of programs at Dress for Success Vancouver, it costs the organization approximately $150 ($12.50 a month). Help us raise $3750 by donating this holiday season or giving the gift of a donation.

IMPACT 2012 on March 8th - Save the Date!

Save the date! This year, IMPACT, An Event for Change, will be held on March 8th, 2012 - International Women's Day - at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia ((the only Canadian hotel included in the Globe and Mail's Top 10 New Luxury Hotels in the World)

Ticket information will available in January! Stay tuned

H.O.W. for Christmas - Day 22 & Update

With 3 more days left in our H.O.W. campaign, we are please share that we are 83% to our goal ($3100 - roughly the equivalent of putting 21 women through our services!). There is still time to donate. All donations received by December 31st are eligible for 2011 tax receipts. Please consider giving and helping us reach our goal of $3750!


As you know, we love receiving feedback from the clients who have come through. Often, they will send a thank you to be forwarded to the personal shopper who helped them.



Client's Note:

Dear Farhan,

"Thank you so much for your dedicated help in finding the right suits for me.I greatly appreciate your kindness and good sense in grasping what I'm looking for. I really like the grey suit you picked out for me, as well as the white blouse :-)

Again thank you so much for helping me and DFS for your generosity.
S.K.

Farhan's Response (The note was forwarded to her via email)

That's a really nice note from Sue - I remember her quite well
and she was quite shy to start off with, then blossomed and smiled nonstop
once she saw how good she could look and how good she felt inside. It
things like that that make what we do that much more fun, gratifying and
really humbling. And you make it all happen so......a big Thank You to you
too!

In the month of December, we will be sharing the stories, experiences and triumphs of clients who have used our programing. And during these 25 days (December 5 - 31), we are campaigning to raise enough funds to put at least 25 more women through our programming.

To give one women access to the whole suite of programs at Dress for Success Vancouver, it costs the organization approximately $150 ($12.50 a month). Help us raise $3750 by donating this holiday season or giving the gift of a donation.

H.O.W. for Christmas - Day 21

Here is another note about the success of a client - though she didn't get the job - she gained confidence.

Dear Fabulous Dress for Success Volunteers.

This is a belated Thank you not for my wonderful experience in August (Where does the time go?) I would like to acknowledge my volunteer for her patience and advice during my appointment, The jacket has been super helpful as the weather turned colder. And I wore my outfit (all hemmed and buttons adjusted) to an interview and it really helped my confidence to know that I looked professional. Although I didn't get the position, it was a good experience. Again many thanks to the staff and volunteers and the generous donors of the clothes and services.. You make a huge difference!

K.R.

In the month of December, we will be sharing the stories, experiences and triumphs of clients who have used our programing. And during these 25 days (December 5 - 31), we are campaigning to raise enough funds to put at least 25 more women through our programming.

To give one women access to the whole suite of programs at Dress for Success Vancouver, it costs the organization approximately $150 ($12.50 a month). Help us raise $3750 by donating this holiday season or giving the gift of a donation.

H.O.W! for Christmas - Day 20

We are getting back into the swing of things, and wrapping up the last few days of H.O.W. for Christmas with 5 more posts coming!

Now that Christmas is over - it is time to start thinking of New Year Resolutions. Saving money often seems to be one of them. The client below started her resolution early!

My Success: Put a start to my financial planning

After working for more than 10 years, I have not put any thought or priority into my future. After talking with one of the PWG mentors, I gained so much confidence and interest in securing my future. Thanks to Lucia for inviting me to attend "Wealth Academy" seminar in June. I gained even more of a wealth of financial information through the professional women who came to teach us.

I now have an RRSP account and planning to buy a home!

W.N.

In the month of December, we will be sharing the stories, experiences and triumphs of clients who have used our programing. And during these 25 days (December 5 - 31), we are campaigning to raise enough funds to put at least 25 more women through our programming.

To give one women access to the whole suite of programs at Dress for Success Vancouver, it costs the organization approximately $150 ($12.50 a month). Help us raise $3750 by donating this holiday season or giving the gift of a donation.

H.O.W! for Christmas - Day 19

Last night, we saw 17 clients come through our doors - with 6 of them coming in for an employment suiting (they secured employment and get to pick out a small working wardrobe. With the clients, plus the 14 volunteers on shift, there was much hustle and bustle, all to the xmas tunes playing on the radio.

This week, the volunteers were able to play Santa to all the clients, giving them each a wrapped present to take home with them. The donation we received from Smart Brands in the summer time provided over 70 gifts (bath and makeup sets) to provide each client.

Merry Christmas, from the staff and volunteers at Dress for Success Vancouver. We will take a break from the H.O.W! for Christmas campaign posting for the 24th and 25th and resume on December 26th, 2011. Have a safe and happy holiday this weekend!

In the month of December, we will be sharing the stories, experiences and t

riumphs of clients who have used our programing. And during these 25 days (December 5 - 31), we are campaigning to raise enough funds to put at least 25 more women through our programming.

To give one women access to the whole suite of programs at Dress for Success Vancouver, it costs the organization approximately $150 ($12.50 a month). Help us raise $3750 by donating this holiday season or giving the gift of a donation.

H.O.W. for Christmas Day 18

More goes into finding employment than making a resume and cover letter. Research, education and peer/family support, will help a person find the job they want.

My Success: New Job

This was a process that started in June 2008. I had been a stay at home mom with a BA in communications, but no work experience. I attended Transitions in June 2008 AWARE's job club in September of 2008. I was referred to Dress for Success and received an interview outfit which I wore to the interview for a job that lasted from March 2009 to February 2010. I have been attending PWG meetings for 6 months and read a book, "4 minutes to the job you want"

All of this lead me to being hired for my second job because I had been given the information needed in regards to how to interview, how to dress and how to present a resume and coverletter. The interview was a fear factor for me and knowing that I have support and the tools I needed from attending the various groups gave me the confidence to land the job. It was important for me to know there are people who are "rooting" for my success.

K.S.

In the month of December, we will be sharing the stories, experiences and triumphs of clients who have used our programing. And during these 25 days (December 5 - 31), we are campaigning to raise enough funds to put at least 25 more women through our programming.

To give one women access to the whole suite of programs at Dress for Success Vancouver, it costs the organization approximately $150 ($12.50 a month). Help us raise $3750 by donating this holiday season or giving the gift of a donation.

H.O.W. for Christmas - Day 17

The last week before Christmas tends to be a bit of a high tension time here. There is a buzz in there air - anticipation of seeing family, friends and lots of events happening.

Today, we had a photoshoot, featuring four of our clients, where all of them were styled by our volunteer, Darelle, and photographed in the Royal Bank, downstairs.

Before her shoot, one of the clients gave us this card.



She was quite nervous before the shoot, especially since she was going last. When she returned and was packed up and ready to go, she told us how happy she was that we could do this and that it was the best Christmas she has ever had.

In the month of December, we will be sharing the stories, experiences and triumphs of clients who have used our programing. And during these 25 days (December 5 - 31), we are campaigning to raise enough funds to put at least 25 more women through our programming.

To give one women access to the whole suite of programs at Dress for Success Vancouver, it costs the organization approximately $150 ($12.50 a month). Help us raise $3750 by donating this holiday season or giving the gift of a donation.

H.O.W. for Christmas - Day 16

We are able to celebrate our clients successes, largely due to the generosity of our community. Through the donors who give funds and clothing and the volunteers who give their time, we are able to deliver services to the over 2000 unique women that come through our doors this year


In the month of December, we will be sharing the stories, experiences and triumphs of clients who have used our programing. And during these 25 days (December 5 - 31), we are campaigning to raise enough funds to put at least 25 more women through our programming.

To give one women access to the whole suite of programs at Dress for Success Vancouver, it costs the organization approximately $150 ($12.50 a month). Help us raise $3750 by donating this holiday season or giving the gift of a donation.

Thanks to Safeway Women's Network Group

This holiday season, thanks to Safeway's Women's Network Group, we get to play Santa! Four families were selected, through Dress for Success Vancouver, to receive Christmas Hampers filled with goodies and necessities!

Thank you so much, ladies!

H.O.W. for Christmas - Day 15 & Update

Only 10 days left in our H.O.W. for Christmas campaign, celebrating the successes of 25 clients over 25 days (December 5-31) to raise enough funds for another 25 women to use our programming.

To date, we have raised, over $1700 and raised the equivalent of sending 12 woman through the entire suite of Dress for Success Vancouver programs.


After finding a job, you let out a a big sigh of relief - phew! its over. Imagine having to do it again, only a few months later, when a new company doesn't have the funds to continue the position.

My Success: I began my job search in mid-June and have recently secured employment with a good company.

After a long job search last year, I started a position last fall with a small, local start up company. My position ended in less than 3 months in mid-February. The company couldn't financially support my salary. After my job ended, I went into a depression and did not put out applications for 3 months. In June I started my job search and started putting applications out in my email and on-line. In July, I saw my PWG mentor and was told I was on track and doing everything right in my job search. I used the cover letter and interview skills I had learned from the DFS Career Centre in 2009.

On Friday, July 23rd, I heard from a company. They said they wanted to offer the position of Receptionist to me and the HR person went on to explain the salary and benefits. I began my new role in August.

-I.N.

In the month of December, we will be sharing the stories, experiences and triumphs of clients who have used our programing. And during these 25 days (December 5 - 31), we are campaigning to raise enough funds to put at least 25 more women through our programming.

To give one women access to the whole suite of programs at Dress for Success Vancouver, it costs the organization approximately $150 ($12.50 a month). Help us raise $3750 by donating this holiday season or giving the gift of a donation.

H.O.W. for Christmas - Day 14

We love opening the mail, in December. We hear from our agencies, volunteers and of course the clients. Here is another card we received this week from a client who has attended the majority of the Career Centre seminars

In the month of December, we will be sharing the stories, experiences and triumphs of clients who have used our programing. And during these 25 days (December 5 - 31), we are campaigning to raise enough funds to put at least 25 more women through our programming.

To give one women access to the whole suite of programs at Dress for Success Vancouver, it costs the organization approximately $150 ($12.50 a month). Help us raise $3750 by donating this holiday season or giving the gift of a donation.

H.O.W. for Christmas - Day 13

We are all about celebrating the successes of our clients, personal and professional.

I am not a patient person for reading for reading, even for Chinese literature, my mother tongue. It was last year I started to enjoy English literature. I started reading a novel, "The Outsider", which took me 3 months to finish. I feel so good that finally I made it. Now I am going to finish my second novel. The ETA will be in June. The title of my second novel is "Some Girls Are"

-S.H.

In the month of December, we will be sharing the stories, experiences and triumphs of clients who have used our programing. And during these 25 days (December 5 - 31), we are campaigning to raise enough funds to put at least 25 more women through our programming.

To give one women access to the whole suite of programs at Dress for Success Vancouver, it costs the organization approximately $150 ($12.50 a month). Help us raise $3750 by donating this holiday season or giving the gift of a donation.

H.O.W. for Christmas - Day 12

It is a week and a day before Christmas, and we thought we'd send you off to the weekend with some client feedback we have received in the last week through our Dressing Services. Our posts will be continuing until December 31st - stay tuned for more client mini-stories and updates on our progress to raise the $3750 (the equivalent of putting 25 women through all our programs

"I really appreciate all the wonderful help I received. Lovely people doing a great job!"

"I really loved the experience. I was skeptical about DFS, but I was very surprised about the service and the kindness of women working here."

"You're amazing - the clothing is the boost I needed for the confidence level for the interview(s). Great volunteers!"

"Thank you so for making me feel better about myself"

In the month of December, we will be sharing the stories, experiences and triumphs of clients who have used our programing. And during these 25 days (December 5 - 31), we are campaigning to raise enough funds to put at least 25 more women through our programming.

To give one women access to the whole suite of programs at Dress for Success Vancouver, it costs the organization approximately $150 ($12.50 a month). Help us raise $3750 by donating this holiday season or giving the gift of a donation.

H.O.W. for Christmas - Day 11

Having a network of support, while job hunting, is a necessity but often undervalued. Coming to Dress for Success Vancouver may not just be for those who are seeking out clothing for an interview, but could be so much more.

What's so Great About Dress for Success Vancouver?

When I was looking for work about five years ago I decided the process would go better if I was to get out of the house and connect with others in the same situation. I signed up for one of the government sponsored 'Job Search' programs and that is where the journey began.

I had entered this job search with little social network, most of my close friends no longer in Vancouver, and my professional network was very small. At the time I did not realize what a important factor in job search your network is.

I landed in a group of very motivated and skilled job seekers, with a wonderful program facilitator that made the daily workshops a pleasure to participate in. It was at these workshops that I first heard about Dress for Success. One of the ladies in my job search group had been approached to join the DFS program, feeling a little shy she wanted someone to come with her when she went to check it out.

She knew of my love for shoes and told me that you can get free clothes, even shoes! And it was all part of a 18 month professional developmentprogram. OK, I would go see what this is all about, it was the professional development that got my attention.

We met at the downtown Vancouver DFS headquarters where we were told aboutthe program, and when the next intake was. My first DFS experience was to meet with a personal shopper, who would guide me through selecting an interview appropriate outfit, 'my first suit'! Once I was back in the workforce I would start the professional development program, one meeting a month for 18 months.

Every meeting we would have a different speaker on a different professional development topic. Some of the people I worked with attended similar workshops by the same speakers, I think I had a better deal, because with DFS I got to practice and follow up on what I learned at these events. As the time progressed I made connections with many others in the group, we all wanted to make improvements in our lives and be self sufficient.

The best part and the most important part of the DFS program for me is the network of positive people. The network of both professional and personal relationships I have built with the Dress for Success team, organizers, members, and volunteers have had the most amazing impact on my life. When the 18 month program was complete, I felt very strongly that it was important to keep those new relationships strong by continuing to meet with the group. There were other members of the DFS group who felt the same, so we started a more formal DFS Alumni group. We are now in the 3rd year of Alumni with regular meetings that follow a very similar format as the regular PWG meetings. With the PWG Alumni we practice our self sufficiency by taking on the roles and tasks required to run the meetings,including being our own speakers.

Dress for Success is a great organization that gives you a foundation to grown on and a supportive network to build your confidence. Every member of DFS has a different story, a different challenge, but we all have very similar out comes; More confidence, better networks, and happier lives.
- H.H.

In the month of December, we will be sharing the stories, experiences and triumphs of clients who have used our programing. And during these 25 days (December 5 - 31), we are campaigning to raise enough funds to put at least 25 more women through our programming.

To give one women access to the whole suite of programs at Dress for Success Vancouver, it costs the organization approximately $150 ($12.50 a month). Help us raise $3750 by donating this holiday season or giving the gift of a donation.

H.O.W. for Christmas - Day 10

Sometimes, all it takes is that follow up phone call.

Last Friday, I was following up on a job application, which I applied for a few days ago. The HR manager told me that they have already shortlisted the candidates and that I was not one of them.

I was disappointed and asked him for feedback on my my resume. He told me that I didn't have the skills that they were looking for. Upon hearing that I immediately directed him to review my resume which had the skills that was overlooked. In addition, I explained to him the transferable skills that I have and how I can add value to his company. After having spoken to him for about 10 minutes, to my surprise, he told me that he was going to include me as one of the shortlisted candidates.

I am really pleased that I succeeded in changing his mind and that I have such a high convincing power and capable of "marketing" myself!

- L.L.

In the month of December, we will be sharing the stories, experiences and triumphs of clients who have used our programing. And during these 25 days (December 5 - 31), we are campaigning to raise enough funds to put at least 25 more women through our programming.

To give one women access to the whole suite of programs at Dress for Success Vancouver, it costs the organization approximately $150 ($12.50 a month). Help us raise $3750 by donating this holiday season or giving the gift of a donation.

Finished your xmas shopping? We need your bags!

Every week up to 75 clients come through our doors for interview/employment outfits and take their clothes home in paper shopping bags. This December has been the busiest December on record, we need your shopping bags!



If you have large, paper shopping bags hanging around home (since you have finished your Christmas shopping early this year!), please bring them down to Dress for Success Vancouver!

Bring them down to our offices (at Granville and. W. Hastings) - we are open Monday to Friday, from about 9:30-4:30 (and till 7 on the 22nd and 29th).

Give us a call when you want to come down and we'll give you more details on how to get in 604.408.7923.

H.O.W. for Christmas - Day 8 & Update!

It's been one week since the start of "H.O.W. for Christmas" and we have 18 more mini-stories to share!

So far, we raised the enough funds to put five women through our program - Only 20 more to go!

Now on to our mini story of the day!

No matter how old you are or where you are, bullying is still a reality. It doesn't stop in the school yard, but can continue on in the work place.

My Success: Overcoming Workplace Bullying

This has been an ongoing process since I started my job a year ago. Since then, I've come to understand the whys and where fores better. I feel for the people who have also experience bullying. Bullying is repeated, deliberate and disrespectful and always aimed towards a target. Through the PWG meetings, I have learned from others that they experience it too! Its an ongoing process and I hope at my next meeting to give a good report!
- A.H.

Our programming doesn't end at when our clients gain employment. The support system and resources are needed when you have a job as well!

In the month of December, we will be sharing the stories, experiences and triumphs of clients who have used our programing. And during these 25 days (December 5 - 31), we are campaigning to raise enough funds to put at least 25 more women through our programming.

To give one women access to the whole suite of programs at Dress for Success Vancouver, it costs the organization approximately $150 ($12.50 a month). Help us raise $3750 by donating this holiday season or giving the gift of a donation.

H.O.W! for Christmas - Day 9

The process of finding a job isn't easy. Nor is it quick. It can take a great deal of patience and determination - especially when glitches happen.

My Success: I got a raise (and a great new job!)

Finally after months of testing, interview and reapplying for the same position, due to a "glitch" - my new boss called me in to her office. "Congratulations!", she said.

What a way to start the Year!

I can now apply some of the principles from Wealth Academy

The energy from the "Positive" Women's Group has been so beneficial. Thank you DFS, PWG and keep up the great work. DFS is truly life changing.

-T.H.

Despite the wait, there was definitely a pay off!

In the month of December, we will be sharing the stories, experiences and triumphs of clients who have used our programing. And during these 25 days (December 5 - 31), we are campaigning to raise enough funds to put at least 25 more women through our programming.

To give one women access to the whole suite of programs at Dress for Success Vancouver, it costs the organization approximately $150 ($12.50 a month). Help us raise $3750 by donating this holiday season or giving the gift of a donation.

BCIT Marketing Association and the Career Centre

The BCIT Marketing Association has done it again! Since 2007, the MA has partnered with Dress for Success Vancouver and hosted several workshops and seminars for our clients through the Career Centre!

On December 1, the 8 presenters discussed creating a positive online image. Using Linked In, and with the use of several laptops, were able to assist attendees with setting up/beefing up their linked profiles! For those who were seeking a "professional head shot", the presenters offered to play photographer and took pictures!

The students with the MA are truly remarkable people, taking time in their very full time course load to lend their knowledge to Dress for Success Vancouver and the clients.

Thank you!

H.O.W. for Christmas - Day 7

During an interview, one really gets the opportunity to show off your accomplishments and let an employer know why you are the best for the job. It can be nerve wracking, and the last thing you want to worry about is getting proper interview clothing.

We snapped a picture of a client, last night, who got the perfect interview outfit. Can't wait to see her for a couple more outfits when she gets the job!

In the month of December, we will be sharing the stories, experiences and triumphs of clients who have used our programing. And during these 25 days (December 5 - 31), we are campaigning to raise enough funds to put at least 25 more women through our programming.

To give one women access to the whole suite of programs at Dress for Success Vancouver, it costs the organization approximately $150 ($12.50 a month). Help us raise $3750 by donating this holiday season or giving the gift of a donation.

Happy Holidays!

H.O.W. for Christmas - Day 6

One of the best parts about working here, at Dress for Success Vancouver, is getting to know so many different women - clients and volunteers. This year, we received the loveliest note from someone who has used our services, come to workshops and was also a part of the PWG. This

note came with the stocking that you see on the right.

In the month of December, we will be sharing the stories, experiences and triumphs of clients who have used our programming. And during these 25 days (December 5 - 31), we are campaigning to raise enough funds to put at least 25 more women through our programming.

To give one women access to the whole suite of programs at Dress for Success Vancouver, it c

osts the organization approximately $150 ($12.50 a month). Help us raise $3750 by donating this holiday season or giving the gift of a donation.

Happy Holidays!