H.O.W. for Christmas - Day 5

Each year, thousands of individuals immigrate to Canada and many come to Vancouver. Starting over in a new country is incredibly challenging - finding a home, employment and starting a new life. It can also be discouraging, upon arrival, to learn that your trade from your mother country may not be recognized here - read our clients story of how she was able to persevere, and build a new life for her and her son.

I immigrated here in February 2009 with my 7-year old son, and I found the current job as an Accounts Receivable in December 2009. Last month I passed the 3 month probation, and last week I got my pay raised by 14%. That's to say I secured the job-related to my major of accounting.

I recall, I was once told by someone that being a new immigrant, you can't find a job in your specialty; instead, you will have to stay with the labour jobs for a couple years, such as Food Demonstrator or Security Screener that I was working on call at the time.

However, I seriously doubted it! How could I get back to Accounting Software or Excel Spreadsheets if I had been betting used to the toaster oven or magnetometer at work?! Fortunately, I didn't listen to the nonsense. I would say to never ever let the negative thinking affect us.

We will find a job matching our skills and experience as long as we do not give up. Sometimes, its just a question of time. Let's keep up our enthusiasm and effort to achieve our goals!

- L.S.

It is so encouraging to see a woman succeed, despite barriers, and maintain her enthusiasm and reach her goals.

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 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 4

Simply getting the job is one thing, excelling in it is another. In effort to empower our clients, Dress for Success World Wide developed the Professional Women's Group (PWG) in 2001 to provide members with support, professional development and guidance necessary to be successful in their workforce.

The PWG was launched in Vancouver in 2001, and since its inception has had over 450 women go through it. The program runs for 18 months, consisting of a monthly meeting consisting of an opportunity to share their experiences, gain knowledge through professional speakers as well as establish a network of support.

Part of the PWG meeting includes a Ya Ya session where attendees can celebrate the successes they had in the past month.

My Success: Business Communication

Every time I see Lucia's [Professional Women's Group Coordinator] email, I feel so happy. I always look forward to coming - I don't want it to ever end!

I learned Business Communication, and as a result, my business is picking up. I'm so happy, and the PWG has been a big part of my success. Talking to other ladies and hearing other ladies "Ya ya" helps my work. [It was comforting] to hear that others have the same challenges and to also learn how others solve their problems and challenges help me too.

The organizers are are so lovely, cheerful and make the raining days easier for us.

M.B.

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.

Coats, Coats Coats!

Just in time for the chilly weather, long time supporter Plum Clothing has donated a huge box of fantastic work appropriate coats for our clients.

Huge thanks to Plum for their continuous support of this organization and the clients and thanks to Olive for adding Christmas cheer to the office with some holiday decor!

H.O.W. for Christmas - Day 3

In 1999, when Dress for Success Vancouver was born, we started with the Dressing Services. Add 4 more programs (Professional Women's Group, Career Centre, Breakfast Club and Professional Women's Group Alumni) and it brings you to 2011.

Dress Rehearsal, piloted a couple months ago, provides our clients with the opportunity to interview in the offices of an industry they are seeking employment in. Think, Information Interview, but add a real mock interview, feedback and a new contact!

We drew from our volunteer base, to run the pilot, and it was a hit! In the new year, we are hoping to gain enough funding to run this program fully, helping 450+ women.

Lucia, our Employment Services Manager, received this note in the mail from one of our Dress Rehearsal participants. She had had an "interview" at the River Rock Casino and got a job!

We are so excited about this new program and hope help more women like the client above.

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 2

Today's story will also be found in our holiday newsletter. Please read a note from our ED, Deb, and especially Maria's testimonial on what Dress for Success means to her.

We have decided to forgo the usual newsletter this month in favour of sharing some success stories with you. From now until the end of the year, please go to our blog each day to see a new "mini-story" of celebration from Dress for Success Vancouver. You'll find one of our stories below and we hope that you also find encouragement from it. If you are able, please consider giving a financial gift to D ress for Success Vancouver. As little as $12.50 a month will provide a woman with all of our services for as long as she needs them. If you would like to make a donate as a gift to a loved one, you will have the opportunity to send an automatic e-card to the person you are honouring. On behalf of all of us here at Dress for Success Vancouver, I wish you warmth and wellness and love and joy. Deb Maria's Story... Last year I was the proud recipient of the 2010 Embers Community Entrepreneur Award. I was walking to the stage wondering if I was really living this moment or was it just another dream. I was so proudly wearing a beautiful suit given to me by the Dress for Success in Vancouver a few months before the night of the awards. Some of the comments were: "Wow! You look so great! Awesome suit! Looks so professional!" Yes, I was that night Dressed for Success; because beyond the fancy suit I was wearing, I was dressed with the encouragement of the inspiring team at Dress for Success Vancouver who supported me as a woman, walking the rewarding journey of reclaiming myself. These are some of the learnings I have experienced in being supported at Dress for Success Vancouver. This is what Dress for Success Vancouver means to me: D etermination to succeed R esearch and planning my strategies E nhance my knowledge through education and awareness S elf-esteem nurturing S trength-based goal setting F lexible to make self-adjustments at any stage of goal achievement O pportunities to grow in every experience R esilience and wisdom from adversity S eeking wellness and practicing self-care U niqueness and inner beauty to be rejoiced every moment of my life C ommunity-based program extending support to all women facing life challenges C ritical thinking as a master tool for evaluation and open mind for change E mpathy to build those subtle and glorious ties among each other S trong commitment to take pleasure in learning, teaching and sponsoring life skills S tand against women oppression and abuse I would like to thank my agency for introducing me to the Professional Women's Group. The PWG is a great community program operated by Dress for Success to support women to achieve self-identified goals in their careers and in life. Every meeting is a celebration of women in partnership working together to promote professional development and networking aimed to sustain rewarding growth in any stage of achieving our goals. It is a fabulous time to enjoy the generosity of our mentors sharing their knowledge and experience with the group; a time for developing strategic planning in our journey to independence; rejoice and nurture our strengths; and, above all, be part of the group where we experience this empowering sense of belonging: a group where we all DRESS FOR SUCCESS. Sincerely, Maria

H.O.W. for Christmas - Day 1

"We see little miracles here everyday" says Deb, our Executive Director at Dress for Success Vancouver, speaking of our Dressing Services.

In 1999, Dress for Success Vancouver was founded. We started in humble beginnings, serving our clients in former nun housing in the rectory of St. Patrick's Parish. Nearly 13 years, and 15,000 clients later, we are situated downtown in space generously donated to us by the Royal Bank.

Every week Dress for Success Vancouver sees between 60-75 clients through our Dressing Services. Each client is referred to us from one of over a hundred referral agencies (from Cloverdale to Sechelt) for an interview outfit. Once they gain employment, they can come for two more outfits to create a small working wardrobe. During the appointment, the client works one-on-one with a volunteer stylist to find the perfect outfit.

We received a card in the mail a few days ago, from a client who had used our services 5 years ago, reminding us about how a powerful a suit can be.

Dress for Success Vancouver aims to remove barriers from women who are looking to gain employment. Lack of professional clothing is one of those barriers. By removing one barrier, clients are even closer to letting their light shine through.

For the next 25 days, we will be sharing the stories, experiences, and triumphs of clients who have used our programming. And during thes

e 25 days, 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!

This Christmas season, Dress for Success Vancouver is celebrating! We are celebrating the triumphs of our clients by telling their stories throughout the month of December, starting today!

This year, we saw nearly 2000 women come through our doors, and the 25 women you will hear about in the coming weeks are only a small fraction.

Help us put at least 25 women more through all the programs at Dress for Success Vancouver programs by donating today. It only takes $12.50 month to give one woman access to our entire suite of programs. By the end of December, we hope to raise at least $3750 (the equivalent of 25 women)

Consider giving the gift of a donation to loved one while Helping One Women (and her family) on the route economic independence.

Check our blog (and follow us on Facebook and Twitter) daily and learn about the fabulous women we get to meet everyday.