Local organization helps residents prepare for the workforce and “Dress for Success”
Creating Confidence with Clothing
MARYLAND- Dressing for Success means looking your best, but not everyone may have the means to do so, but organizers say when you dress better, you ultimately feel better.
Whether it’s blazers, button-ups, ties, or tops, Community Program Coordinator Denzell Bledsoe for the Wicomico County Partnership for Families and Children says they want to help people get their dream job without limitations. “Appearance is everything and first impression is everything, and I’m pretty sure somebody will treat you differently in you come in with a dress shirt on rather than a t-shirt… If anybody comes in they can get as many clothes as they want, we will take them to their car, we will give them multiple bags, there’s no limit at all, because we just really want to see the community succeed and win, and we want to see individuals be successful in the workplace.”
Speaking of limitations, Minyon Savage is the employment service supervisor for Dove Point, an organization that helps Mentally challenged adults find jobs. She says they also need to know how to Dress for success. “So, they were able to come out and pick out and outfit or pants, shirt, whatever it is they needed to make sure they were interview ready… Everybody’s enjoying it, they’re picking out, they know their taste, they know what they like, and they’re able to find something.”
Tiffany McCarter is the Office Associate for the Wicomico County Partnership for Families and Children. She says this is their 3rd annual event, and this time they’ve opened this up to whoever needs it. “Any kind of job really, you always want to look nice, and polished, and just professional… All the clothing is free, anybody in recovery, shelters, who are homeless, really just anybody who’s trying to get back out into the work force can come and grab some free clothing.”
Bledsoe says this is great for someone who’s ready to jump into employment, and they’re here to help in more ways than one. “If they have an upcoming job interview, they don’t have to worry about going out to the stores and having that burden financially… If anybody wants to come in and get help with a resume, our team would be more than happy to do that as well.”
They say an outfit can be taken a notch up by just adding a tie, and this is a prime example of what they mean when they say clothing can make the difference between looking good or looking great. Organizers say this year they didn’t get as many men’s clothes and shoes, and hopefully next year when they call for donations, the community can keep that in mind. If you are in need of resources, give them a call at 410-546-5500, or visit their website.
