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Empowering women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.
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RSVP for DFS Connect Open House
Every first Thursday from 9am to 10am we open our doors to you for an informational presentation, light breakfast and tour - to 'connect' with us and learn the whole story of Dress for Success San Antonio. Click here for invitation.
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The Circle of Success is Growing
Thank you BDO USA, LLP, IBC Bank, Great Clips, Paesanos Parkway Imaging and Tesoro for their sponsorships of our Taste of Success Gala event.
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In This Issue
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| ac·com·plish·ment /əˈkämpliSHmənt/ noun
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Robbye P. Floyd, Interim Executive Director
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- Something that has been achieved successfully (triumph, feat, success...)
- The successful achievement of a task (completion, realization, attainment...)
- An activity that a person can do well, typically as a result of study or practice (skill, talent, ability...)
Can you believe 2016 is more than halfway over?
As we settle resignedly into the drowsy dog days of our South Texas summer, we here at Dress for Success San Antonio find ourselves pondering the accomplishments of this year so far and the things we still want to achieve in the coming months and years.
In this issue,
you will hear from our Director of Operations and our Director of Client Services about the things we have accomplished, so far this year, on behalf of those we serve. You will hear from one of our Clients about the things they have personally been able to accomplish as a result of receiving our services. You will hear from our newest Board Member how learning what Dress for Success San Antonio accomplishes with the support already in place has inspired her goals for attainment of new sources of support that will enable us to accomplish even more.
Think of all the things YOU could help us accomplish!
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A Glimpse of Our Accomplishments
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Phyllis Jendrusch, Director of Client Services
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Olivia Jimenez, Director of Operations
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The first half of 2016 has seen many accomplishments
in Client Services and Operations, which together
are the foundati
on of Dress for Success San Antonio. Of course, it is the
staff and volunteers from these departments w
ho
provi
de great service, coupled with compassion, to everyone who walks through these doors. Our philosophy is "clients first," and this attitude underlies all we do. As a result, from January through June, first-time clients exceeded projections by 29%; even better, the number attaining employment was 22% higher than predicted. Two cohorts of the Going Places Network graduated, moving forward on their journeys, and special seminar series were offered for veterans & transitioning military, re-entry candidates and members of the LGBT community. In addition to
clients, we accommodated 67 community service volunteers who contributed 507 hours. We also attended to our "home," our wonderful permanent location acquired in 2012, with a new ceiling and secure doorways with polished floors coming so
on. The remainder of the year holds promise for more successes, and we look forward to sharing them.
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Unexpected Accomplishments - A Client's Story
- by
Interim PWG Coordinator
Shavonne Broom
Guadalupe (Lupe) was brought to Dress for Success San Antonio following the devastating effects of Hurricane Ike to her home and personal belongings. As we know in life, what seems to be our greatest challenge can be a blessing in disguise, as was the case for Lupe as she started anew. The transition to a new career and a new life did not come without growth opportunities. She admits to being a bit stubborn about her résumé. "I wanted to do it my way until I noticed no calls for interviews for a whole year. I had to let go," she explains.
With great courage, perseverance, and discipline, Lupe landed a job as an Administrative Assistant. She is also a published poet and shares her interests in writing, floral design and academia (she maintains a 4.0 GPA).
"Through all the trials I have gone through, I can depend on the helping hands [at Dress for Success San Antonio]. They help me and encourage me with managing my life and finding a job." she says.
Lupe's story shows us how starting over, although not always planned, bring us to unexpected accomplishments. We applaud her progress over the past seven years as a Dress for Success San Antonio client and active member of the Professional Women's Group.
(editor's note: no photo available)
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The Joy of Accomplishing Goals
-by Board Memb
er Lory DuMenil
After losing a dear friend to cancer, I made a donation to Dress for Success San Antonio in her honor. But that hardly seemed adequate to honor the memory of such a beautiful soul. So, I signed up for a DFS Connect tour to find out how I could get involved. Immediately inspired by the powerful stories of Dress for Success San Antonio, I worked with Tesoro's Women's Inclusion and Engagement team to host a clothing drive and sponsor 2015's and 2016's "A Taste of Success" fundraising events. Doing that, I found that I enjoy reaching out to other San Antonio companies, friends, and former colleagues, and encouraging them to attend the tour. In addition to honoring my friend, seeing the passion and the earnestness to help among tour attendees brings me a tremendous sense of accomplishment. As I embark on a new journey as the newest member of the Board of Directors, I look forward to contributing even more towards Dress for Success San Antonio to help them accomplish their goals as they continue to serve our wonderful community.
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Oprah, Talbots and Dress for Success®
"O," the Oprah magazine, Talbots and Dress for Success have created an unprecedented collaboration whereas shopping the Oprah magazine collection at Talbots supports Dress for Success' mission to help women in their work and life.
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Pictures of Support
Thank you to the Valero Vanguard Volunteers who spent their time at Dress for Success San Antonio stuffing the tote bags for our clients. The goodies that we are able to give clients when they start working with us always gives them a lift.
From now through August 31st, Hotel Valencia is asking any and
all business professionals to leave behind an article of clothing from their business wardrobe to donate to someone in need. Just pick an article of clothing you are willing to part with. Hotel Valencia will launder the item, then give it to Dress for Success San Antonio. Click here for Hotel Valencia
Thank you Broadway Bank and Jeannette Westbrook for the coffee supplies donation.
The staff, clients and volunteers are extremely grateful for your continued support - we love coffee! Click here for Broadway Bank
Dress for Success San Antonio is excited to be new members of the Hispanic Chamber. Thank you to the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber for being a supporter of Dress for Success San Antonio.
Click here for more info
Many thanks to Mia's Mirror, at HEB, Potranco Road, for hosting a 'Handbags for Hope' event in July that supported Dress for Success San Antonio.
Click here for info on Mia's Mirror
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Special Shout Out
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Do YOU Amazon?
Support Dress for Success San Antonio while you shop Amazon by using Amazon Smile.
Click here
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Dress for Success San Antonio | 210.737.1515 |
Email |
Website
600 N. Frio Street, San Antonio, TX 78207
Our special thanks goes to Five Star Cleaners who graciously takes donations on our behalf at any of their 17 San Antonio locations.
Programs and services partially funded by the City of San Antonio
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