I remember when law student Nancy Lublin appeared on Oprah back in the nineties. I was so impressed with her because she used her $5,000 inheritance from her great-grandfather to help other women have a future by founding the non-profit organization Dress for Success. She showed compassion and kindness to those who were less fortunate. That was so Proverbs 31 Woman of her. I can’t think of a better example for this verse:
“She opens and extends her hand to the poor, And she reaches out her filled hands to the needy.”
– Proverbs 31:20 AMP
With the help of three nuns, Ms. Lublin set up her first boutique in the basement of a New York City church where she provided low-income women with professional attire, mentoring, career counseling, and other skills necessary for attaining success in the workplace as well as economic independence.
Dress for Success
I am so thrilled to learn that Dress for Success has expanded from that one Manhattan location to 150 locations in 25 countries! I have always remembered that Oprah appearance, especially during times when I have had professional clothing to donate. I am so excited therefore, to not only have a home for the professional attire that I would like to donate but also to be able to volunteer my time and talent to such a worthy cause. And I hope to inspire you to do the same just in time for National Volunteer Week.
Times are hard for so many people right now, which is why it is so important to be able to give in more ways than just financially. At Dress for Success, in addition to donating gently used clothing, there are several opportunities for volunteering. They include:
Volunteer Opportunities
Suiting Program
- Personal Stylist. Volunteer in the boutique to help a woman find a suit and confidence for her job interview.
- Makeup Artist. Teach women work-appropriate makeup application.
- You can also volunteer in the Suiting Program in Inventory Maintenance. Organize the boutique with the donations of professional attire for the clients to make their selections.
Career Center
- Career Coach. Aid clients in career development and help prepare them for job interviews.
- You can also volunteer in the Career Center as a Career Center Specialist. Provide mock interviews and resume tips.
- Program Speaker. Lead workshops and present topics that support clients in job seeking, financial planning, career advancement, etc.
Mentoring, Speaking and Support
- You can also volunteer to share your knowledge as an Expert Speaker. Motivate and inspire women to dream big and reach their goals.
- Mentor. Serve as an accountability partner to a woman to help her reach her career and personal development goals.
- Support your local Dress for Success affiliate with your skills in grant writing, law, PR, marketing, etc.
- Also in Mentoring, Speaking and Support, you can also put your office skills to use by serving in Administration.
Finally, you can volunteer in Special Events by serving on a committee, fundraising, helping on site, and the like.
While all of these volunteer opportunities are currently virtual due to Covid, now is a good time to consider where you can best put your talents to use. I have identified three areas I can be helpful. What about you? Do any of these opportunities sound like something you would like to help with? If so, you can check to see if there is a Dress for Success affiliate in your city, and if not, maybe you will be the one to start one!
Other ways that you can help include hosting a donation drive, becoming a corporate partner, becoming a referral agency, and of course, making a financial contribution.
Why is showing kindness to others so important?
God expects it. As His children, we are called to represent Him in this dark and fallen world. We are to shine our lights for others to see, to give hope. No matter the season, we are to clothe ourselves in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and love.
“So, as God’s own chosen people, who are holy [set apart, sanctified for His purpose] and well-beloved [by God Himself], put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience [which has the power to endure whatever injustice or unpleasantness comes, with good temper]; bearing graciously with one another, and willingly forgiving each other if one has a cause for complaint against another; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so should you forgive. Beyond all these things put on and wrap yourselves in [unselfish] love, which is the perfect bond of unity [for everything is bound together in agreement when each one seeks the best for others].”
– Colossians 3:12-14 AMP
I am so passionate about this organization. It is definitely one of my favorite charitable organizations. What’s one of yours? I hope you will consider contributing to it or another organization this week.
Until next time,
Happy National Volunteer Week!
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Deeply appreciate this post. The world needs more messages like these! I really have implemented kindness into my daily routine, together with paying it forward, but still, this post triggered two new kindness ideas. I love that your post sparked that just now – wow! Keep sending those beautiful messages – you are doing something wonderful. Love, Susanne
Aww, thank you so much, Susanne! What you describe is exactly what the Dress for Success founder did for me. I am glad I could pay it forward! 💕🥰🙌🏽
Such a lovely post! Spreading kindness is always important, but even more so in the world we live in today. Thank you for sharing these tips to spread the love!
Thank you so much! I could not agree more; kindness is needed now more than ever! 🤗💕🌸
Wow! Thanks for explaining about Dress for Success! What a great program. Yes, there is one in my city. Being disabled and barely able to care for myself, I can’t help. But I can pray. We support our local Salvation Army in addition to our Church.
You’re welcome! It is a great program, and so is Salvation Army. I am sure prayers will be much appreciated. Many for you! 🙏🏽💕
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