Although the women’s club officially ended their club year in June, members have been busy throughout the summer collecting professional clothing, including work suits, shoes and accessories, to support the local chapter of “Dress for Success” on Long Island. The Women’s Club is always looking for new ways to give back to the community and this project fit the criteria. Organized by member Diane Getzelman, the club collected more than 25 bags for this cause and delivered them, together with club President Tina Diamond, to their warehouse storage site. This organization is a global, nonprofit organization that empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the developmental tools to help women thrive in work and in life. Recipients will go on interviews or start new jobs “dressed for success.”
(Photo courtesy of the Women’s Club of Farmingdale)
As the goods were handed to the volunteers at the warehouse, they explained that the ladies come into a “boutique” with a mentor who helps them choose the best outfit and accessories to make their best presentation to a future employer. More than 200 local non-profit organizations refer these job-ready women, including domestic violence agencies, homeless shelters and veteran organizations. If a job is secured, the ladies can return to receive a week’s worth of work clothes. This includes accessories, shoes and a coat if necessary. Aside from clothing, these women also get career counseling. Dress for Success offers support and assistance to women identifying and striving towards their professional and personal goals. Visit www.dressforsuccess.org/suitstogo for more information.
(Photo courtesy of the Women’s Club of Farmingdale)
One of the club’s long-standing community projects is “Back-to-School Backpacks” which are filled with much needed school supplies and donated to local students through St. Kilian’s Outreach Program. Thanks to the generosity of members and friends, a total of $720 in Walmart/Target gift cards was donated to St. Kilian’s Outreach in August to be used for school supplies for middle and high school students. The Outreach Program specified that there exists a greater need for school supplies for older students and suggested the gift cards. This has been a very successful and rewarding project thanks to Welfare Committee Chair Rosemary Emigholz and committee members Judy Vilas. Rosemary Trudden and Maria Ortolani.
(Photo courtesy of the Women’s Club of Farmingdale)
—Submitted by Maria Ortolani
