It started as an idea. And in the 10 years since Dreams to Reality was formed, it has helped more than 1,000 local women turn their dreams into reality.
Faye Zumwalt, vice president and founding member of Dreams to Reality, said the idea began when she and several other professional business women noted a lack of support for women who were struggling to enter the workforce, but had no business attire or the budget to go buy one.
"I had some local women at a community college that were trying to enter the workforce and by doing so were getting off of welfare," Zumwalt said. "One of the requirements for their interviews was to dress in business attire, and I found out that they were trading outfits in the bathroom, just so they could meet the clothing requirements."
Zumwalt was able to help the women get jobs, but saw them struggle to get clothing appropriate to wear to work, and even heard the whispers from others about their clothing not being up to par.
"I thought that not having the money to buy the clothes should not prevent these women from working and trying to make better lives," Zumwalt said.
She began talking with a friend, Jan Grecian, about how clothing was a big barrier for some. The women began doing what they could, clothing women with donations from friends and others.
As they began talking to more and more people about their idea, they discovered there truly was a need.
Soon Grecian, Belinda Bates, Vicki Myers, Stephanie Johnson, Mary Winter and Zumwalt began meeting weekly over lunch to discuss the direction of the group, and establish by-laws and requirements. Soon Kirchoff came up with the name, Dreams to Reality. Winter found a small apartment they could use, and the organization was off and running.
"Soon we were actually able to dress people," Zumwalt said, recalling that the first clients dressed were fitted in partitioned off conference rooms where makeshift dressing rooms and racks were used.
The organization is now located at 512 Jefferson St., its third location.
In the 10 years since the organization was formed, there has been a host of volunteers and leadership.
"We have always seemed to have the right person in the right position, at the right time," Zumwalt said.
The organization has helped more than 1,000 women who have been referred to them from agencies across the area.
Qualified women are given a suit or appropriate outfit to wear to the interview and then a week's worth of clothing if they are offered and accept the job.
"We also have people who help them with make-up and how to apply it, accessories and how to make their clothing into several different looks," Zumwalt said. There are also several local hair salons that are willing to offer free haircuts and reduced rates on other services.
To celebrate the 10 years of success, the organization is hosting a celebratory open house and ribbon cutting from 1-3 p.m. Sunday at the program's building. A ribboncutting will be held at 1 p.m., followed by a chance to visit with volunteers and others involved.
Donations
Donations of slightly used business clothing, shoes and accessories can be dropped off from 9-11 a.m. the first Saturday of the month or from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The organization can be reached by calling 681-9675.