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Can you share any memorable moments or challenges you faced during the days of The Clothes Closet?
I really enjoyed my first Sale experience back in fall 2013. I was a new ED and this was my first big event. I attended my first work party and joined in like any new volunteer. It was amazing to see Linda and the team in action. They really get work done! I helped out with sorting sweaters and shoes. The volunteers were welcoming and helped me learn the ropes. At that Saturday Sale day we had some special volunteers: Blue Bombers coaching staff wives came out led by Rena Walters. The entire event was a great success and we brought in $5800 in sales! I was hooked! Since then I have been part of 18 sales. Each time I look forward to reconnecting with the women who volunteer for these twice yearly events. The Sale team is full of heart and we have so much fun together.
What were some of the initial goals or objectives for The Clothes Closet? Have they changed now?
I think at the very beginning in 1997 the idea of the program was to help victims of gender-based violence who needed good clothing for court. However it quickly pivoted to helping women with clothes for job interviews. Women were only allowed to come to the program once. Now in addition to clothing, we have other services that women can access for ongoing support like free training opportunities through the Aspire Academy.
What has been the most beneficial part of becoming a Dress for Success Affiliate?
It was a difficult decision to become a Dress for Success affiliate. The Clothes Closet was very successful and well known in our community, so why would we change it?
The wonderful part about becoming a Dress for Success has been becoming part of a national and international movement. Knowing we are all working together to improve the lives of women everywhere is empowering. The best part is having a whole network of agencies doing the same type of work that we can connect with and learn from. It is a very supportive "sisterhood"!
Are you proud of what the program has turned into and achieved?
I am very proud of how Dress for Success Winnipeg has been able to weather the pandemic and begin to grow. The National partnerships we participate in, through the Dress for Success Canada Foundation, have been a serious game changer. The increased funding we now receive enables us to employ paid program staff, make improvements to our space, and offer more support to volunteers. This in turn helps us serve more clients and bring new opportunities to women in Winnipeg.
In your opinion, what are the most pressing challenges or opportunities facing this program and its mission today?
The needs of the program are as diverse as the women we serve. We hope to meet each participant where she is at and provide the support she needs to reach her goals. We continue to learn how we can improve our services to be welcoming to all women and non binary individuals.
Like many non profits, we struggle with funding that does increase with inflation, so it is always challenging to find unrestricted financial support to help us offer fair wages and meet increasing costs.
What are some future hopes and goals that you have for Dress for Success Winnipeg?
I am excited to see Dress for Success Winnipeg grow, as we build on the groundwork established since the launch in fall 2019. My hope is that we are able to increase job retention services. Women come to us for help with work appropriate clothing. I would like to see us offer more support for women as they adjust to their new work environment and progress in their career. It would be great to make a lasting connection, and have clients who return as mentors to help the next generation move forward.
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