Boosting Livelihoods in Mississippi

After Hurricane Katrina, Jackson, Miss. saw an influx of individuals looking for shelter and work. Dress for Success® Metro Jackson’s was able to provide support to the newcomers, a large number of whom were low-income women.

The organization promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive personally and professionally.

In October 2005, Shirolyn Parker went to the group for career advice, initially seeking assistance with her resume. She returned for computer software training in August of 2006. Shirolyn was later chosen to share her experience with Dress for Success during an event attended by employees of Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company, who were impressed with her presence. She was later offered a job and accepted.

The Women’s Fund of the Community Foundation of Greater Jackson has granted $4,000 over four years to support operating costs of the organization. The Women’s Fund has also conducted clothing drives to support their efforts to provide business attire to its clients. With the support of the Women’s Fund, the group provided client services to 202 women in the Metro area in 2007. Of those served in 2007, 47% have remained employed 6 months after completion of services and 15% are enrolled in a vocational or technical college. Dress for Success Metro Jackson has served over 600 women since its inception.