Dress for Success Cincinnati is proud to recognize Native American Heritage Month.

This month is a time to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native people. You can learn more about the history of Native American Heritage month and view online exhibitions here.

This month's Client Spotlight is on Sara, whose journey with Dress for Success showcases resilience, determination, and the pursuit of a brighter future.

Sara’s relationship with Dress for Success first started in 2016 when she was a student at Gateway Community College. She attended one of our Mobile Styling Events, where volunteers team up with a client to help them choose the perfect interview outfit.

While being enrolled in college and being a mother, Sara didn’t see a way out of job hopping. She did not know her passion and she settled for jobs just to get a paycheck to help provide for her family.

Even being employed, Sara was struggling to make ends meet. Sara started feeling unmotivated and like she wasn’t living to her full potential. While Sara was working through school, she struggled finding adequate housing, was not able to afford enough food and was in a toxic and unhealthy relationship. After the loss of her newborn child, she spent the next three years wondering how she would get out of bed. She eventually found the strength to start applying for new jobs.

After applying for jobs and attending interviews, she was offered a position as a Veterans Service Officer at the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs. After she accepted the position, she realized she no longer had professional clothing that fit! That is when Sara made her way back to DFSC for her ten pieces to start her new career in. Now, Sara is able to provide for her family and help veterans in her community!

In this role, Sara helps veterans who need assistance applying for pension and benefits. This includes helping them with paperwork, working with technology and much more.

Sara left this advice to women in similar situations, “Realize your potential and know what you want and go for it! Make emails, phone calls, etc. Work for what you want! Follow up, be persistent. Don’t give up if you don’t feel like you’re enough.”

A Note From DFSC President & CEO, Lisa Nolan

As we bid farewell to 2023, we can't help but reflect on the remarkable journey we've had this year. It's been a year of tremendous impact, made possible by the unwavering support of individuals like you. Together, we've achieved some incredible milestones:

1. We've empowered over 800 women in our community, equipping them with the skills, confidence, and attire to secure a brighter future for themselves and their families.
2. Our EmpowerHER network welcomed over 90 new women, fostering connections, shared experiences, and a resilient sense of community.
3. A staggering 98% of women reported increased confidence in job interviews and new job pursuits after benefiting from our StyleHER program.
4. The demand for our HigherHER Career Center services surged, with a 45% increase in clients from 2022. Resume assistance remains our most requested service, highlighting the growing need for our guidance in navigating the job market.

As we look ahead to 2024, we mark Dress for Success Cincinnati's 25th anniversary. This milestone is not just about our past achievements but also about envisioning a future of even greater impact. In the coming year, we are excited to unveil a brand-new client services approach that encourages women to dream big, aim higher, and take bold steps toward their career and personal aspirations.

We invite you to celebrate with us, not only the past 25 years but the future we are building together. Your support has been and continues to be a cornerstone of our mission to empower women. Your contributions, whether in the form of special-sized clothing purchases or sponsoring a woman's participation in our programs, help countless women in Cincinnati achieve their dreams and economic self-sufficiency.

As we approach the end of the year, we kindly ask if you would consider making a year-end gift to support our mission. Together, we can create a brighter and more empowering future for the remarkable women we serve.

Thank you for being an integral part of the Dress for Success Cincinnati family. Here's to more dreams realized and lives transformed in 2024!

With gratitude,

Lisa Nolan, President & CEO

Dress for Success Visits Cincinnati State

Last month we took our Mobile Career Transform Center to Cincinnati State to style 35 women in professional outfits for upcoming interviews and internships!

Our Mobile Career Transformation Center allows us to bring our StyleHER studio on the road and provide our services to women who may face transportation barriers.

If you are interested in volunteering at a Mobile Event, please reach out to Volunteer Manager, Courtney Shannon at cshannon@dfscincy.org.

Thank You, Huntington!

Thank you to Huntington for their generous donation of $15,000 to Dress for Success Cincinnati! We are grateful for their belief in our mission, their passion and dedication to the women we serve, and we are incredibly thankful for their partnership.

Get Involved at Dress for Success

Volunteer Open House

Want to learn more about how you can volunteer your time and services to Dress for Success Cincinnati? Stop by our Volunteer Open House on November 9th from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. Meet the staff, take a tour and learn more about our volunteer opportunities.

Want to learn more but can't attend? Reach out to Volunteer Manager Courtney Shannon at cshannon@dfscincy.org.

Check out this month's opportunities at Dress for Success Cincinnati.

EmpowerHER:

The Importance of Life Insurance

Saturday, November 18th

10:00 am - 12:00 pm // Dress for Success Cincinnati

Join Dress for Success Cincinnati at November's EmpowerHER and discuss a crucial financial topic often overlooked. Our speaker, Charlene Davis, Licensed Financial District Representative at Primerica Financial Services, will shed light on the significance of life insurance in securing your financial future and protecting your loved ones.

Join us to connect, learn, and empower yourself with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about your financial well-being. Whether you're a young professional, a mother, or anyone interested in securing your family's future, this meeting promises valuable insights and a supportive community.

All women, no matter where you may be in their professional journey, are welcome!

Please RSVP here and complete this survey to secure your spot!

Building Your Health and Wealth Series with Capital One

Join us for a free and new series in partnership with Capital One. Discover the world of finance: from mastering the fundamentals to enhancing your savings and monitoring your credit score.

Week 1: Money Basics

Saturday, November 11, 2023; 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Week 2: Budgets Made Easy

Saturday, December 6, 2023; 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Week 3: How to Check Your Credit Report

Saturday, January 6, 2024; 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Week 4 & Graduation: Building Your Savings

Saturday, January 13, 2024; 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Only 30 spots are available, and participants must attend each session to receive a certificate and participate in graduation. All sessions take place at the Dress for Success Cincinnati office in Norwood. (4623 Wesley Ave. Suite H, Norwood, OH 45212)

You can learn more about this series and reserve your spot here!

StyleHER

The Mobile Career Transformation Center allows us to take our full complement of styling services to women across the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region. See below for upcoming events.

• November 1 // Shelterhouse
• November 8 // Hondros College of Nursing

If your agency or organization would like additional information about scheduling, participating or volunteering for a Mobile event, email our Styling Services Manager at kblack@dfscincy.org.

Visit Our Amazon Wishlist

Our clients are in need of winter coats!

If you're interested in donating, please visit our Amazon Wish List to view items our clients are in need of. Donations are sent right to our office!

DFSC Amazon Wish List >>

New opportunities and events for you to discover in our area.

Dress for Success Cincinnati is committed to bringing you new opportunities to learn and connect with our Cincinnati community. Here are some upcoming opportunities for you to get involved and stay connected:

Sporting Fashion: Outdoor Girls 1800 to 1960

October 14 - January 14 // Taft Museum of Art

Sporting Fashion: Outdoor Girls 1800 to 1960 explores women’s ongoing negotiation of the demands of fashion, function, and feminine decorum. It is the first exhibition to consider the evolution of women’s sporting and leisure attire, revealing how clothing was designed to accommodate a variety of activities ranging from horseback riding to golfing to motorcycling. Admission is FREE on Sundays and Mondays! Learn more here.

Life on the Margins: An Urban Native Experience

November 13 @ 7:00 pm // Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

Join Urban Native Collective for a conversation unraveling the narratives of occupation in Palestine and drawing poignant parallels with the experiences of Native Indigenous peoples. Delve into the stories of survival, cultural resilience, and the quest for justice that intertwine these struggles. Navigate the complex intersections of history, identity, and activism as we explore the shared journey of these communities at the crossroads of resistance. You can learn more about the event and featured speakers here.

Chosen Family Thanksgiving

November 17 @ 6:00 pm // Transform Cincy

Join Elech: Cincinnati's Queer Jew-ish Community for an evening of community and family. There will be a fully catered meal, conversations, and cookie decorating. Bring your own chosen family and join the discussion of belonging and the different types of family. Please RSVP here.

Light Up the Levee Presented by Cincinnati Children's

November 18 @ 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm // The Plaza at Newport on the Levee

Celebrate the magic of the holiday season! Enjoy an evening of festive fun including live music, fireworks, a visit from Santa Claus and experience the 50-foot tree lighting! Attendance is complimentary. Learn more about this event here.

Light Up the Square Presenting by Prolink

November 24 @ 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm // Fountain Square

Prolink's Light Up the Square returns this holiday season on Friday, November 24th! Fountain Square is excited to announce an even bigger and better full-hour show this year full of dazzling performances, fireworks and, of course, the lighting of our Prolink Tree from 6:30-7:30 p.m. This annual holiday celebration kicks off at 6:30 p.m. with special guests Sheree Paolello and Mike Dardis from Channel 5 and Natalie Jones from Q102. The evening will feature live music, dance performances, an appearance by Santa Claus and a dazzling fireworks display. Admission is free and ice skating will be available for $10 a person. Learn more here.