|
Dress for Success Cincinnati
Volunteer Newsletter
July 6th, 2026
| | |
"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."
— Mahatma Gandhi
| |
Volunteer Spotlight: Ashtin Lehman
This month's Volunteer Spotlight shines on one of our newest volunteers, Ashtin Lehman!
Since joining Dress for Success Cincinnati, Ashtin has brought incredible energy, professionalism, and a genuine passion for giving back. With a background in retail, event planning, and marketing, she has already made a meaningful impact by lending her talents wherever they're needed.
Ashtin was also gracious enough to be one of the first volunteers featured in our new volunteer video series, sharing why she chose to volunteer with Dress for Success Cincinnati and what makes serving our clients so rewarding. Her enthusiasm and heartfelt message beautifully reflect the spirit of our volunteer community, and we're so thankful she was willing to share her experience.
Thank you, Ashtin, for your time, dedication, and willingness to support our mission. Volunteers like you help empower women to achieve economic independence and remind us that every hour served truly makes a difference.
When she's not volunteering at Dress for Success Cincinnati, Ashtin enjoys exploring her new hometown after recently relocating from Chicago. She and her husband live on Cincinnati's east side and are looking forward to welcoming their first child later this year. We're so grateful you've chosen to spend some of your time with us, Ashtin—thank you for being part of the Dress family!
| | |
Thank You, 1919 Investment Counsel!
Last Wednesday, we had the pleasure of welcoming the team from
1919 Investment Counsel for a corporate volunteer day in our Donation Center.
They arrived ready to roll up their sleeves, and it couldn't have come at a better time! With plenty of projects waiting to be tackled, their team jumped right in and made a tremendous impact. From sorting donations to helping us stay organized behind the scenes, their enthusiasm and teamwork helped move our mission forward.
This was 1919 Investment Counsel's first volunteer experience with Dress for Success Cincinnati, and we couldn't be more grateful they chose to spend the day with us. We look forward to building a lasting partnership and welcoming them back again soon.
Thank you, 1919 Investment Counsel, for investing your time and talents in the women we serve!
Photos below from 1919 Investment Counsel's volunteer day!
| |
Thank You, Lucy Ward & Friends!
When former Dress for Success Cincinnati Board Member Lucy Ward heard our call for toiletry donations, she immediately sprang into action.
Thanks to Lucy and her incredibly generous group of friends, they assembled 160 toiletry kits and donated more than 200 pairs of new underwear—essential items that help women feel confident, cared for, and prepared for the next step in their journey.
It's easy to take for granted the ability to stop by Target or have everyday essentials delivered to our doorstep. For many of the women we serve, however, basic hygiene products are not always accessible. Donations like these help restore dignity and ensure our clients have the necessities they need as they pursue employment and economic independence.
We are deeply grateful to Lucy and everyone who contributed to this thoughtful and impactful donation. Your generosity is making a meaningful difference in the lives of women throughout our community.
Pictured: Lucy Ward with students from Mount Notre Dame High School and Volunteer & Events Coordinator, Natalie Meyer
| |
Volunteer Name Tags Have Arrived!
It took a little longer than expected, but our updated volunteer name tags are finally here! You'll find them beautifully displayed on the red ribbon attached to the volunteer whiteboard in the Donation Center.
Please take a moment to locate your name tag before your shift. If you can't find it, please let Natalie know as soon as possible so we can get one made for you.
We encourage all volunteers to wear their name tag while volunteering. It helps create a warm, welcoming environment for our clients, fellow volunteers, and staff. Thank you!
| | | Upcoming Volunteer Needs
We couldn't do this work without YOU! Thank you for the time, talent, and heart you bring to Dress for Success Cincinnati.
Here are our current volunteer needs and upcoming opportunities:
We're excited to re-open our Covington Style Studio!
📅 Wednesday, July 15th – Client Styling Appointments Begin
(Here's an older video to give you more insight into the Covington satellite)
Help sort, organize, and prepare donations that support our programs, Portaluca Boutique, Mobile Styling Boutique, and fundraising events.
📍 Norwood Headquarters
📅 Thursday Afternoon Shifts Available
Help women prepare for interviews, employment, and career success through personalized styling appointments.
📅 Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursdays
Greeting donors, assisting with unloading of donations and other projects as needed.
📍 Norwood Style Studio
Help celebrate graduates of HER Cincinnati's Off the Streets Program as they prepare for their next chapter.
📅 Tuesday, July 7
📅 Tuesday, September 1
📅 Tuesday, October 27
River City Correctional Center Mobile Styling Events
Help style and celebrate women graduating from River City's program.
📅 Thursday, July 9
📅 Thursday, September 3
📅 Thursday, October 29
Each event is listed separately in Volunteer Matters.
Mobile Styling Boutique Events
Take Dress for Success Cincinnati on the road!
📅 July 9
📅 August 5
📅 August 12
📅 August 26
📅 September 23
📅 Thursday, July 16
🕚 11:00 AM
This training is required for all volunteers interested in working directly with clients.
The session will be conducted virtually via Microsoft Teams
📅 Saturday, July 18
Help us serve clients who need weekend styling appointments.
One of our biggest fundraising events of the year happening on August 13th (VIP) & August 15th
Ready to Help?
Please visit Volunteer Matters to sign up for any opportunity that fits your schedule.
| | We are welcoming the women of HER Cincinnati's Off the Streets Program to our Norwood Style Studio as they prepare for their next chapter. Sign up to volunteer as a stylist. | | |
Join DFSC as we celebrate the women completing our Women's Career Development Program with a special graduation featuring a fashion show with the graduates proudly showing of their newly styled Mobile Style Studio looks.
Sign up to volunteer as a stylist.
| | The DFSC Style Studio at the Life Learning Center in Covington open July 15th! | | |
This week at Portaluca: $5 Jewelry Sale!
This week only, ALL jewelry is just $5 at Portaluca Boutique! Now is the perfect time to stock up on beautiful necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and more to add the perfect finishing touch to any outfit.
Need a little styling inspiration? Check out the video above! Our Dress for Success Cincinnati team loves shopping Portaluca and is always finding fun, stylish pieces to wear. We're having a blast—and every purchase supports the mission of empowering women in our community.
Portaluca is opened to the public every Wednesday, Thursday & Friday from 10 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Please note that Portaluca will be CLOSED this SATURDAY, JULY 4th for the holiday.
Mark your calendar for our next warehouse sale on August 15th from 10 am to 4 p.m. Our VIP Warehouse sale will be held on August 13th. VIP tickets available two weeks before 8/13.
Shop small. Save big. Support a great cause.
| | |
Sip, Shop & Serve
Guests who bring a prospective volunteer will be entered to win a $20 Portaluca Boutique gift card!
In an effort to continue growing our volunteer base, we're hosting a volunteer outreach event, Sip, Shop & Serve, on Wednesday, August 5 from 2:00–4:00 PM at Portaluca Boutique!
Do you have friends, neighbors, coworkers, or family members who have always wondered what you do as a volunteer with Dress for Success Cincinnati? Are you looking to introduce someone to a meaningful volunteer opportunity? We'd love for you to bring them along!
Whether someone is looking for a new way to give back or simply wants to learn more about our mission, this is the perfect opportunity to introduce them to the impact volunteers make every day.
RSVP by August 1 by emailing NMeyer@DFSCincy.org.
Can't attend? We'd greatly appreciate your help spreading the word by sharing this invitation with your friends, neighbors, social groups, and community organizations.
Together, we can grow our volunteer community and empower even more women throughout Greater Cincinnati.
| |
Style Studio Current Needs
Help us complete the perfect outfit! Our Style Studios are currently in need of women's camisoles and simple, versatile jewelry to complement the professional wardrobes we provide to our clients.
These finishing touches help women feel confident, polished, and ready for interviews, new jobs, and career advancement.
New or gently used donations are greatly appreciated. Thank you for helping empower women on their journey to economic independence.
| | |
Volunteer Matters
All volunteer sign-ups, schedules, updates, and profile management live in one place at Volunteer Matters! Please keep your profile up to date.
| | |
I Always Want To Hear Your Ideas!
Have an idea, a suggestion or feedback about your volunteer experience with DFSC? I want to hear it! This community is built on your dedication, and I'm here to make sure it keeps getting better.
With gratitude and excitement,
Natalie Meyer
| | |
Natalie Meyer, Volunteer & Events Coordinator
nmeyer@dfscincy.org 513.322.1786
| | | | |
