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Dreams to Reality builds a client's self-esteem as well as a wardrobe suitable for work
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By Michelle Brooks
mbrooks@newstribune.com
Women often are the backbone of their family - meeting needs, solving problems, providing basic necessities.
So Dreams to Reality is a place “where you feel like somebody else cared about you,” said Lisa Brandenburg, who filled that provider role for her two children, one with special needs.
When she found herself without a job for an extended period of time, her self-esteem waned and hope dimmed.
Dreams to Reality does more than offer interview-appropriate clothing to women. The women-helping-women, not-for-profit group reinstates self-worth and confidence just by the extension of compassion and support.
“They were the nicest ladies, they treated me with respect,” Brandenburg said. “They dressed me up and put on some makeup, it gave me confidence.
“I came in with low self-esteem, doubt that nothing will help, feeling awful.
“When I left, I felt like a million bucks.”
And two weeks later, she landed a job with the Missouri Department of Senior Services.
Working at restaurants, Sheila Harty didn't have interview-appropriate clothes for that “better job” she was looking for. But Dreams to Reality prepared her for the interview that won her the beginning of a career at the Jefferson City Flying Service.
“I was looking for more of a career-type job,” Harty said. “I wanted benefits and retirement. I didn't want to be 60 and have nothing.”
That's where Dreams To Reality really works, when women are in the “Catch 22” situation.
“Without this place, I probably would still be waitressing,” Harty said. “This helped me a lot.”
After she was hired, the not-for-profit helped her replace a week's worth of waitress apparel with business clothes.
“You can tell most clients are swallowing their pride to come in here,” said Gayle Witherbee, executive director. “But they're in circumstances they're not used to and not comfortable with (either).”
Dreams to Reality serves 8-20 clients each month. And they're nearing the 500 mark for clients served since they opened in 2000.
Clients also receive donated haircuts from styling salons about town, a bag of beauty supplies and tips for a good job interview.
The organization exists due to the support and donations from the community. A typical Saturday donation collection brings in up to six six-foot racks of clothing.
This winter Jane Monaghan, a local Girl Scout, made her Senior Scouting Project a collection of scrubs for the organization.
After two months in storage, Dreams to Reality has stretched its inventory and is ready to launch its first major fundraiser.
The clothing is displayed now “so you feel like you're in a shop, not a warehouse,” Witherbee said.
The new location at 512 Jefferson St. offers specialty rooms for purses and shoes, suits, make up and scrubs.
“First impressions stay with people,” Witherbee said. “If you're competing for a job, self-confidence, clothing and image building can make a huge difference; they can give you a significant edge in the job market.”
So Dreams to Reality is a place “where you feel like somebody else cared about you,” said Lisa Brandenburg, who filled that provider role for her two children, one with special needs.
When she found herself without a job for an extended period of time, her self-esteem waned and hope dimmed.
Dreams to Reality does more than offer interview-appropriate clothing to women. The women-helping-women, not-for-profit group reinstates self-worth and confidence just by the extension of compassion and support.
“They were the nicest ladies, they treated me with respect,” Brandenburg said. “They dressed me up and put on some makeup, it gave me confidence.
“I came in with low self-esteem, doubt that nothing will help, feeling awful.
“When I left, I felt like a million bucks.”
And two weeks later, she landed a job with the Missouri Department of Senior Services.
Working at restaurants, Sheila Harty didn't have interview-appropriate clothes for that “better job” she was looking for. But Dreams to Reality prepared her for the interview that won her the beginning of a career at the Jefferson City Flying Service.
“I was looking for more of a career-type job,” Harty said. “I wanted benefits and retirement. I didn't want to be 60 and have nothing.”
That's where Dreams To Reality really works, when women are in the “Catch 22” situation.
“Without this place, I probably would still be waitressing,” Harty said. “This helped me a lot.”
After she was hired, the not-for-profit helped her replace a week's worth of waitress apparel with business clothes.
“You can tell most clients are swallowing their pride to come in here,” said Gayle Witherbee, executive director. “But they're in circumstances they're not used to and not comfortable with (either).”
Dreams to Reality serves 8-20 clients each month. And they're nearing the 500 mark for clients served since they opened in 2000.
Clients also receive donated haircuts from styling salons about town, a bag of beauty supplies and tips for a good job interview.
The organization exists due to the support and donations from the community. A typical Saturday donation collection brings in up to six six-foot racks of clothing.
This winter Jane Monaghan, a local Girl Scout, made her Senior Scouting Project a collection of scrubs for the organization.
After two months in storage, Dreams to Reality has stretched its inventory and is ready to launch its first major fundraiser.
The clothing is displayed now “so you feel like you're in a shop, not a warehouse,” Witherbee said.
The new location at 512 Jefferson St. offers specialty rooms for purses and shoes, suits, make up and scrubs.
“First impressions stay with people,” Witherbee said. “If you're competing for a job, self-confidence, clothing and image building can make a huge difference; they can give you a significant edge in the job market.”
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| Girls get night out that will benefit Dreams to Reality |
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Denise5692 wrote on Nov 8, 2007 2:55 PM: