BUFFALO, N.Y. — Step inside Dress for Success on Hertel Avenue in Buffalo, and it feels like a high end boutique with designer names, jewelry, shoes and handbags. But in fact, every one of those items is given to the shopper for free.
"We wanted them to feel good and look good, but we also wanted to create more of a safe space for them," Executive director of the charity, Michelle Barron, said.
As executive director of the Buffalo affiliate of Dress For Success, Barron has helped more than 3,500 women from all walks of life. Clients are referred to Dress for Success from partner agencies. They get one-on-one help with selecting a wardrobe, undergarments and personal care items, and they're offered professional development as well.
"Coming here is a big step for them because, in my opinion, it's like this is the first step to new beginnings," Barron said.
Before leading the non-profit, she was successful in economic development in the public and private sectors. Now she passes her business expertise along to others, not just by providing them a professional wardrobe, but more importantly by offering programs to help them land the job and keep it.
"That may be reviewing their resumes. That may be mock interviews. We host financial literacy workshops and digital literacy workshops," Barron said.
Jacqueline Htay is a UB student from Burma who came to Dress for Success with nothing and left with a wardrobe and feeling empowered.
"Impression matters. So she really helped me and explained a lot," Htay said. "You get confidence here, then you will do better than you think in the interview help you get the job."
With that new found confidence, Htay landed her paid internship, and Barron couldn't be more proud.
"I know the need is so great. I'm just blessed to be able to do the work that I do. And I'm happy that that I'm able to make an impact, because I think that's really what it's all about," Barron said.
Dress for Success is not taking clothing donations at this time, but they are always looking for monetary donations and volunteers.
Find more information about Dress for Success here.
To nominate a person to be profiled in the Selfless Among Us series, email Melissa.Holmes@wgrz.com.