PITTSBURGH — In the midst of shoes and racks of suits, the non-profit Dress for Success helps countless women find new beginnings.
"It takes seven seconds to make a first impression when you walk in the door," said Dr. Monica Mendez, the executive director of Dress for Success.
Its mission is to help disadvantaged women find success in work and life by offering support and career development tools, and that begins with the appropriate clothing.
Last year, Dress for Success clothed 2,500 women in professional attire for job interviews.
Almost everything is donated by the community.
"It really means a lot more than just getting an outfit. It means being able to have more self-confidence," said Mendez. "We've got women who come in here, see themselves in the mirror and they say, 'I actually feel like a human being now.'"
Channel 11 was there the day branch manager Taliana Peterson was helping a young woman on her shopping session.
Peterson can relate; she was once a client herself.
"It just made me feel confident going into the job, so that I was completely suited when I walked in and my skills and my look matched," she said.
"The women are transformed, and it is very powerful," explained Mendez.
To learn more about the program or to make a donation, click HERE.
Proud to be from Pittsburgh: Dress for Success
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