Going Beyond the Suit
The agency’s objective is to create change by equipping thousands of Houston-area women each year with the resources needed to attain long-term employment and success - ultimately building skilled leaders in our community. We provide professional attire and interview preparation to women ready to enter the workforce . Our 20+ programs offer women an opportunity to participate in workshops based on their individual needs, including job search skills, career education, and job retention. Thanks to our generous donors, all services are delivered at no cost to our clients.
“I walked into Dress for Success Houston wounded and broken. I walked out encouraged and confident.”
—Trina
How We Work
Member Organization Referral
Dress for Success Houston partners with Member Organizations representing over 140 non-profit agencies, community groups, colleges and universities in the Greater Houston area to refer job-ready women. Client referrals are vital for DFS Houston to continue to fulfill our mission. For more information about how to become a client and a list of our current Member Organizations, please click here.
Self-referral
Women are also able to self-refer for services. Call 713.957.3779 or email appointment@dfshouston.org to see if you qualify for our resources.
Suiting Program
Upon referral, a client attends an initial suiting appointment where she receives one-on-one attention from a volunteer personal shopper to select a complete interview outfit. After completing the suiting process, the client participates in First Impressions which prepares the client for her upcoming interview by offering the full scope of preparedness topics and services. Once a client lands a job, she is invited back for additional business separates to build her career wardrobe.
Job Search
For women who have experienced our suiting program and are struggling to gain employment, Dress for Success Houston offers weekly seminars taught by career coaches and HR professionals with The Women’s Fund. Topics like Goal Setting & Decision Making and Responsibility & Accountability help women navigate the job search process. Job Search Teams and Skills assist clients through networking, motivation, mock interviews, resume review and LinkedIn workshops.
Contact Job Search Manager, Christy Orman, for more information.
DFS Houston Client ambassador
“I have regained my confidence as a woman and a professional,
while continuously setting an example for my children and my peers.
The many resources available through DFS Houston are unparalleled,
and I am extremely grateful for these blessings that otherwise would
not be achievable.”
—Jonella
PROFESSIONAL Women’s Group
350+
members
Professional Development beyond the suit
Once a woman from the suiting program lands a job, she is invited to join the Professional Women’s Group (PWG). As the personal and professional development arm of Dress for Success Houston, PWG promotes job retention and career advancement by providing valuable information, tools, and resources while creating a safe environment for members to network with other professionals. Membership in PWG is open to Dress for Success clients who have successfully gained employment and is life-long.
DFS Houston Client Ambassador
“PWG Run for a Reason was a mind-blowing experience. Every step of the way there was support and building new friendships. Nonetheless, I was also educated on living a healthy lifestyle. From beginning to end I enjoyed the journey.”
—Belinda
BEYOND THE UNIFORM
1,700+
Veterans
Since 2014, we have served more than 1,700 United States women Veterans without government or United Way funding. In addition to serving women Veterans through our other programs, DFS Houston offers specialized service days for those transitioning to the civilian workforce. Our team and volunteers look forward to these special occasions to thank the women for their service. More importantly, they provide the Veterans a unique networking opportunity with other women facing similar challenges and have led to transformative friendships in the process.
DFS Houston Veteran Ambassador
“I came to Houston broken, homeless, and empty after leaving a bad relationship. I did not know where to turn. I learned about Dress for Success Houston at a Veterans’ event, and my life hasn’t been the same since. After meeting fellow Veterans, engaging with the staff and the incredible volunteers, I was able to find the woman I once was.”
—Kimberly
VETERAN RESOURCES
In partnership with over a dozen local Veteran service organizations, DFS Houston offers over 20 service workshops to assist women Veterans transitioning from military service into the civilian workforce. Since launching the Women Veterans Program in 2014, women Veterans from all five branches of service have received professional attire, networking opportunities, interview readiness training, on-site interviews, local Veteran resources, and guidance from dedicated corporate partners.
For more information about our services for veterans, contact:
LaGaydra Murphy
Veteran Outreach Manager
Retired United States Air Force Technical Sergeant