Dress for Success Peoria

Program Overview:
Dress for Success Peoria is an affiliate of Dress for Success Worldwide, a non-profit organization. Dress for Success Peoria was founded in 1999 as a program of the Peoria Friendship House of Christian Service. We started suiting clients in January, 2000. 

The mission of Dress for Success Peoria is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.

What we achieve: Success is not just about landing a job. It is about building a career. Our programs move women towards self-sufficiency, addressing their social and economic needs in relation to work, hone, and community – one woman at a time. Each is a success story: she has gone from un/under employment to economic independence.

Services Provided:

• Each Dress for Success Peoria client receives interview attire and preparation for a scheduled interview and a week’s worth of business separates upon obtaining employment. This clothing symbolizes our faith in every woman’s ability to succeed.
• After obtaining employment, Women are invited to join the Dress for Success Peoria Professional Women’s Group.  The PWG provides ongoing support to build a successful and rewarding career.
•  Women are referred to Dress for Success Peoria by a diverse group of non-profit member organizations that include homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, and job training programs.
• PWG members are eligible to participate in the Women 2 Women Mentoring Program.
• Career Center open to current and potential participants for career development (resume writing, interview tips, etc.)
• Going Places Network by Walmart

Program Facts/Accomplishments:

• Last year, Dress for Success Peoria provided services to over 300 area women.  Since on January, 2000, Dress for Success Peoria has suited over 1,500 women, and over 5,200 outfits have been distributed.
• 70% of Dress for Success Peoria clients are single mothers.
• 100% of clients lived at or just above the poverty level prior to coming to Dress for Success Peoria.
• Clients represent all ethnicities, races and range in age from 16 – 65 years old.
• Dress for Success Peoria is one of over 100 affiliates worldwide.  There are currently 2 affiliates in Illinois (Peoria and Dress for Success Worldwide Central in Chicago)
• Over 40 agencies, from 5 counties refer clients to Dress for Success Peoria.
• Our goal is to promote employment retention, career development and self-confidence.

Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , Dress for Success Peoria Program Director
Peoria Friendship House of Christian Service
800 NE Madison ∙ Peoria, IL 61603
309-671-5200 This Program is funded by: