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Date: 8/1/2023
SPRINGFIELD — After eight years of operating out of the Eastfield Mall, Dress for Success — an organization that empowers women to achieve economic independence in a multitude of ways — has moved its location to a bigger, more accessible space in downtown Springfield.
On July 14 — one day before the mall closed to the public — Dress for Success packed up its final items and brought them to 45 Lyman St. Executive Director Margaret Tantillo said she is happy about the new location — which is across from Union Station — as it is “much easier for low-income women to access.”
She noted that it is also easy for people to access from surrounding towns, including Holyoke, Chicopee and beyond.
Tantillo said the new space is bigger, with room for offices, a computer lab, conference room and programming.
To assist in the move, Tantillo shared that volunteers have been working to unpack boxes and set up the new space. Help has also come from a group of individuals performing community service through the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department.
The Lyman Street location is slated to start suiting women the week of Aug. 7. Tantillo noted that the acceptance of clothing donations has been suspended until after Labor Day.
The move to Lyman Street is “only a good thing for us,” Tantillo said.
She shared that an anonymous individual offered the space at an affordable cost for Dress for Success to operate out of.
Dress for Success has been around for more than 20 years. “Our name can be misleading,” Tantillo shared, as Dress for Success offers five different programs.
Through its suiting program, volunteer suiters assist in finding an interview outfit that is professional and authentic to each person. Outfits include clothing, shoes, purse and jewelry. Suiters also provide guidance and support for the interview. Once someone lands the job, Dress for Success allows them to choose four more outfits to have them feeling and looking their best during the work week.
Dress for Success’ Foot in the Door program is a “workforce readiness training program that helps unemployed and underemployed women develop skills that will increase employability, professional growth, self-sufficiency and economic empowerment,” according to the organization’s literature. Members participate in 56 hours of training in career pathways, workplace readiness, employability preparation and financial literacy. They also participate in mock interviews with corporate partners such as Baystate Health, PeoplesBank and more. Once the program is completed, participants receive a training certificate, among other acknowledgments.
The Margaret Fitzgerald Mentor Program focuses on employment or advancement depending on one’s aspirations. According to the Dress for Success website, “Margaret Fitzgerald worked as a secretary in the physics department at Mount Holyoke College. Decades ago, as this field was dominated by men, Margaret dedicated herself to guiding and supporting the female students.”
It continued, “Margaret meant so much to these students that even as they went on to prestigious schools and noteworthy careers, they kept in touch and credited her with their success. It is in this spirit that we provide one-on-one mentorships to women who are working to turn career readiness to action.”
The program requires a one-year commitment during which mentors and mentees connect for about 90 minutes per month and attend a quarterly group meeting. A contract is signed for reinforcement and accountability. Mentors, professional and retired professional women, volunteer to provide support and direction towards goals that are set together. This includes resume writing, interview skills and time management, to name a few.
To advance one’s career after finding a job — whether it be through growing your network or learning more skills — is the Professional Women’s Group. The group is made up of employed Dress for Success women who meet monthly to share knowledge and offer support. The meetings always have guest speakers that talk about career and life.
The final program focuses on digital literacy.
“Now more than ever, the women that we serve are impacted by a lack of digital literacy, access to computers and internet connectivity. These elements are imperative for women who are preparing for employment and looking for work,” according to Dress for Success.
By having the proper education and tools, individuals can accomplish more.
Tantillo noted that many programs are virtual, which has allowed for minimal interruptions during the moving process.
On average, Dress for Success serves about 500 women each year.
“It’s not just about a job … It’s about the tools on how to succeed in the work world,” Tantillo said.
For additional information on Dress for Success, visit its localized website, dfswm.org.