November 2016

Thanks and Giving

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In This Issue
ForwardMoving Forward with Thanks

Robbye P. Floyd, Interim Executive Director
As we enter another season of Thanks and Giving, we are thankful for so many things, not the least of which is the fact that we now have our new Executive Director on staff!  Dawn A. Thurmond started with us on November 1st and brings with her a wealth of skills, experience, and connections that she will use to move our organization forward in new and energizing ways.  Watch for much more to come from Dawn... she has hit the ground running!

Through November and December, Dawn and I will work together to ensure a seamless transition before I move on to whatever will be my next exciting opportunity in the San Antonio nonprofit world.  I have loved every minute of my time as Interim Executive Director, I will continue to be involved here in other ways, and I'm happy to be handing the reins over to someone as creative and capable as Dawn.

We are so thankful for the opportunity to empower our Clients - our reasons for being - as they pursue employment goals that will powerfully impact their lives, the lives of their children and family members, and the community at large.  We are filled with gratitude for all who support us in this mission with their time, treasure, and/or talents - our Board of Directors , our Volunteers , our Community , and, of course, our dedicated Staff .
We are thankful for You!

RhondaThankful for Generosity

Rhonda Hendershot
After ten years in my dream job, I was unexpectedly laid off due to the restructuring of a government contract. Neither my supervisor nor I had seen it coming when I got the call from HR! This sent me into months of depression and discouragement while I processed the loss, unable to move forward. I had not realized that my self-identity was who I was in my role, and I felt helpless as I felt my self-confidence evaporate. Even though I understood that this situation was an opportunity to change directions in my career, I had no idea what I wanted to search for. My skills, background and experience were solid, but after applying for coutless jobs on-line in my field it was clear that my effort was not bringing the results I had expected.

When my periord of severance pay ended, I submitted a claim for unemployment. As a military veteran, I was assigned to a rep from the Texas Veterans Commission. I told him I had been telecommunting for the past six years and that buying an interview outfit would be financially impossible. He referred me to Dress for Success San Antonio for help. I had thought that they were only about suiting women for interviews, but what I found out in my intake appointment was that they offer so much more support than just clothing! There is even a men's program in the same office called Career Gear.

What has made the most difference to me as a client at Dress for Success San Antonio is the friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The staff members treat me with dignity and respect, which has given me hope about my job search. I have consulted with most of the staff to either explore new career options, create a more effective resume or develop stronger interviewing skills. The Going Places Network classes have provided me with eight weeks of detailed instruction regarding the entire job transition process. The support of my classmates and the encouragement of the staff have made it clear that I am not walking this path alone. The monthly Tuesday Tidbits meetings have provided me with useful information on a variety of topics. Computer workstatons are available to clients, giving me a place to look on-line for job openings and submit applications. They have provided me with helpful information about community resources.

I will be forever grateful for the generosity of the many friends of Dress for Success San Antonio who donate their time, food, clothing and funding that sustains the programs that have been instrumental in giving me new excitement for the adventure that lies ahead. Because of clothing donation, I have been fitted with an interview outfit and even updated my image with pretty earrings I purchased in the semi-annual sale. With the help of the Dress for Success San Antonio program I finally feel prepared to present my best self in any interview.

As soon as I am financially stable once again I plan to set up a monthly financial contribution to Dress for Success San Antonio.
 
fullofthanks We're Bursting with Thanks

There are not enough THANKS in the world to express our gratitude to those individuals, companies and organizations that support us in many different ways.

In-Store Parties : Pandora La Cantera and Kendra Scott.

Clothing Drives: AT&T, Bella Bride Boutique, Texas Electric Cooperative and Robert Half International.

Taste of Success Casino Night Sponsors: Estela Avery, BDO USA, LLP, Broadway Bank, Chenega Corp., Clyde and Co., CPS Energy, Dowd Bennett LLP, Great Clips,  Greehey Family Foundation, HEB,  Dr. and Mrs. William Henrich, IBC Bank,  Keesal, Young & Logan,  Klesse Foundation,  Norton Rose Fulbright,  Nossanman LLP,  NuStar Energy,  Paesanos Parkway Imaging I LLC,  Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman QVC, SpawGlass Contractors, Inc., Strasburger and Price,  Tesoro, UT Health Science Center and  Valero Energy Foundation.

Taste of Success Casino Night 'Tastes':   Alamo Beer Company, Blue Box Bar, Bohanan's, Botika, Brigid, Hotel Valencia, CommonWealth Coffeehouse, Cookhouse, FOLC, George's Keep, Grey Moss Inn, Kitchen Mercenaries, Kuhlman Cellars, Lüke, Market on Houston, Meemo's Bakery, Park Social, Peggy's on the Green, Pharm Table, Rebecca Creek Distillery, Rebelle, Republic National Distributing Company, Restaurant Gwendolyn, Rossini Italian Bistro, South Alamode Panini & Gelato Company, Texas Black Gold Garlic, and Triple-S Michelada Mix.
 
The  Taste of Success Casino Night Silent Auction Donors   and  all of those who came out to support our annual fundraiser.

To Tanji Patton for being our Emcee for The Taste of Success Casino Night.

Our Staff, Board of Directors, and Volunteers who work tirelessly on our behalf.

To our Clients who make our existence worthwhile.

Party
Did You Miss the Party?

The 2016 Taste of Success Casino Night was a fabulous success. If you weren't able to make it this year, you absolutely must come next year. Check out the pictures to witness the fun.

View my photos on flickr



Winners Congratulations to Our Winners

Congratulations to the following who won amazing prizes at our annual Taste of Success Casino Night fundraiser. Isn't it fun to receive as you give?

Prize Drawing Winners:

Week stay at Forrest Lodge in Oregon/Airfare
for two - Tim George
'Circle of Support' Diamond Pendant - Kathryn Sacedo
Dinner for four at Saltgrass Steakhouse - Theo Guidry

Restaurant 'Taste' winners:

Hotel Valencia (Citrus) - Best Savory
South Alamode - Best Sweet
George's Keep - Best Libation
DFS  Don't Miss the Next 
DFS Connect Open House!

Every first Thursday from 9am to 10am we open our doors to you for an informational pr esentation, light breakfast and tour - to 'connect' with us and learn about our holistic  approach to transforming the lives of our special clients of Dress for Success San  Antonio.  Click here for invitation  or  Register Directly Here

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Dress for Success San Antonio | 210.737.1515 | Email | Website
600 N. Frio Street, San Antonio, TX 78207
We appreciate your donations:  Click here to donate!

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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