Dress for Success Mid-Fairfield County

Dress for Success Mid-Fairfield County, a program of The WorkPlace in Bridgeport, helps women in Fairfield County prepare for work, land a job and stay employed. Women are referred by local partners such as human services agencies, domestic violence and homeless shelters and job training programs, and services are provided at no cost. The boutique has served the area since 1998.

During the interview suiting visit, a volunteer Personal Shopper works one-on-one with each client to choose an outfit plus shoes, a handbag and jewelry. Once she is hired, she can return for an additional week's worth of business attire. The Career Center connects women with the American Job Centers in Bridgeport, Stamford, Norwalk, Ansonia and Derby for career guidance, technology skills and interview preparation, and monthly Resume Reviews pair participants with HR and corporate volunteers. A one-hour interview preparation workshop covers how to dress and prepare.

The Professional Women's Group is an invitation-only monthly network for clients who have entered the workforce, combining networking with workshops on financial literacy, the written and unwritten rules of the workplace and work-life balance. Members can also be pointed to scholarship opportunities for vocational or degree goals. The annual EmpowerHER Celebration at Boca Oyster Bar in Bridgeport, most recently on May 12, brings supporters together for a silent auction and raffle.

Volunteers serve as dressers, sorters, office assistants, event helpers and expert speakers; email midfairfieldcounty@dressforsuccess.org. Companies, schools and congregations can host a donation drive by calling (203) 333-6505.