Dress for Success Vancouver partnered with 85 referral agencies in the Lower Mainland in 2018. This year we are continuing to foster these partnership and create many more. Earlier this month, Communitas Supportive Care Society brought four clients in for interview suiting appointments. Donna Esau is an Employment Specialist with Communitas Supportive Care Society. She spoke to us recently about her experience bringing clients into our boutique.
Tell me about Communitas:
Our organization is called Communitas Supportive Care Society. Our vision as an organization is to provide “Abundant life for all abilities”. Communitas provides support to people with Developmental Disabilities, Mental Health, Acquired Brain Injury and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum and Autism. We offer services in the area of Residential, Employment, Community Support and Respite Care.
How did you hear about Dress for Success Vancouver
It was through a community meeting of other non-profit organizations, that my collegue was origionally informed about Dress for Success. Through our employment program, he then shared that info with me and I was able to take one lady last year in April, and then organize this second group of ladies this past May. One of the ladies, just received employment a couple days after her visit with Dress for Success.
Tell me about your experience at Dress for Success Vancouver.
I really believe that the Dress for Success experience has been wonderful for each lady that I have taken so far. It has given them confidence to see themselves dressed up professionally. One lady was not sure if there would be an outfit to fit her, but your volunteer was able to find a whole outfit that looked wonderful on her. She was beaming!! Your team of Volunteers treated each lady with respect and dignity. Each lady came out looking beautiful, finding a full outfit, that worked well for them. They had so much fun too.
Many of our woman are on disability income, and often cannot afford to buy clothing for an interview or work. Your organization has solved a very important part, of the many barriers a person can have in the journey to finding meaningful employment. No two people are alike. Dress for success recognizes this and honors each woman who walks in the door. Thank you for all that you are doing, it has been a valuable partnership.
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If you would like to become an agency partner with Dress for Success Vancouver please connect with our Dressing Services & Volunteer Manager, Anna Summer: asummer@dfsvancouver.org.
Note: Photo provided by Communitas Supportive Care Society and is shared with the consent of the clients.