Dress for Success

At Dress for Success Cincinnati the suit is just the beginning. We prepare, empower and transform women to achieve economic independence. Our vision is a world where women do not live in poverty, are treated with dignity and respect and are strengthening their families and shaping their communities.

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I’d never been to Ohio or Kentucky until about a year ago — when I went on the run from an abusive fiancé with my two young children.

A friend in Ohio had offered us her home as a sanctuary, and urged me to come. But when I called her from Carrolton, Kentucky to let her know we were getting close – she said I should go home – she had changed her mind. I was in shock.  Alone with my two little ones, no family, no friends and little money, I found myself homeless somewhere in Kentucky.

As if things weren’t bad enough, my four year old injured himself at the cheap hotel I managed to put us up in for a few days. At the hospital, I had to utter the words “I am homeless” in order to receive the immediate care that my son so desperately needed.

An angel dressed as a nurse told me there was refuge available for us at the Women’s Crisis Center in Newport – and I certainly was in crisis. With no place else to go, a bruised heart and two little kids– we headed to Newport to try and piece our lives back together somehow.

With no job, I started vocational school at Brighton’s Center to hone my computer skills while coping with how my life had just flipped inside out. The Brighton Center became a salvation for me while my children were adjusting to their new schools. For my internship, one of the counselors introduced me to Dress for Success — and I instantly fell in love with the company and its purpose.

During the time that I’ve been interning at Dress for Success, I have gained confidence and encouragement from these amazing women.  They supported me and suited me for my job search — and I am on an upward climb!

I’m now attending Gateway Community and Technical College so that I can be self-sufficient — and lead by example in my little household.  I want my children to take pride in their mother — and know that even when faced with major setbacks and adversity, they are still capable of reaching their goals.

Thank you, Dress for Success Cincinnati – and the Cincinnati International Wine Festival whose generous donations help make Dress for Success Cincinnati programs possible.

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