Dress for Success Cincinnati Annual Report 2006
Message from the Founder and CEO Mary E. Ivers Dear Friends, 2006 has been an exciting year for Dress for Success Cincinnati (DfSC). Our mission to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life resonates with almost every person in the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area. In 2006 over 1100 women have walked through our doors seeking not just clothing for an employment interview but confidence, courage and strength to secure a job and keep it. It takes a network of leaders, donors, volunteers, corporate partners, collaborators and staff who give unselfishly of their time, talent and resources to help our women succeed. Dress for Success Cincinnati has been fortunate to have this network in place – and we are grateful. Dress for Success Cincinnati was recognized with two memorable honors this year. The 2006 Sisterhood Award was presented by Dress for Success Worldwide to DfSC. This award recognized the success of the Cincinnati affiliate and its continued contributions to the success of Dress for Success Worldwide. Dress for Success Cincinnati was instrumental in securing monster.com as a national partner. DfSC was a finalist for the first annual ONE Award presented by The Business Courier and The Greater Cincinnati Foundation. The ONE Award is based on the rigorous principles of the nationally recognized Baldrige Award of people, principles, process and performance. Since 1999 Dress for Success Cincinnati has made a difference in the lives of women. We appreciate the continued support of our individual friends, private foundations and corporate partners that ensure we continue to empower women to thrive in work and in life. Sincerely,
Mary Ivers
Our Mission, History and What We Do
Mission The mission of Dress for Success is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.
History Dress for Success Worldwide began in 1996 in New York City to help women transition into the workforce. There are 78 Dress for Success affiliates dedicated to the mission of helping women obtain and retain employment and to become selfsufficient. Dress for Success Cincinnati (DfSC) was established by Mary Ivers in 1999 to serve low-income women entering or reentering the workforce in the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area. Since 1999, DfSC has been instrumental in developing support programs like the Professional Women’s Group and Career Center to improve a woman’s ability to retain employment.
What We Do Dress for Success Cincinnati serves women by referral from one of the more than 70 area-wide collaborative agencies providing employment services to economically disadvantaged women. Our clients come to us from a continually expanding and diverse group of non-profit and government agencies including homeless shelters, job training programs, educational institutions, domestic violence shelters, and correctional facilities. On her initial visit a volunteer “personal shopper” in our Simply Suited program works with a woman to select a suit and accessories appropriate for the industry in which she is interviewing. After a woman finds employment, she returns to Dress for Success for an additional employment outfit, providing her with the foundation for a professional wardrobe. While we may be best known for providing suits to women, it is our employment retention programs that are the cornerstone of the organization. When employed for 30 days, women are invited to become members of the Professional Women’s Group and Career Center programs.
Programs Dress for Success Cincinnati programs empower a woman to achieve economic independence for herself, her family and to become a contributing member of her community.
Simply Suited The Simply Suited program is a woman’s first step to being prepared to confidently interview for employment. After referral from one of 70 collaborative partners, DfSC schedules an appointment with one of our volunteer personal shoppers. The personal shopper will work one-on-one with the woman to outfit her in appropriate clothing and accessories so that she can walk into her interview confidently and professionally. After securing employment, she may return for a second outfit – receiving the same personal attention – to increase her working wardrobe.
Career Center After a woman has received her first suit, she has access to our Career Center. Our Career Center includes computers with internet access and Microsoft Office programs, supplies, reference materials and a fax machine. The woman may use the Center to update her resume, look to improve her employment situation or practice her computer skills. Additionally, she may schedule an appointment for one-on-one guidance with a local volunteer human resource professional.
Professional Women’s Group After maintaining her employment for 30 days, she is invited to become a member of our Professional Women’s Group (PWG), a networking and educational group for women who have recently entered or reentered the workforce. Women making a transition into the workplace face a myriad of challenges, from understanding corporate culture to handling personal finances, often without adequate support. The PWG takes a comprehensive approach toward economic independence by addressing their needs in relation to work, home and community. Kathleen Success Story Before I came to Dress for Success I was at the lowest point in my life. I felt like God had forsaken me and I had no one who cared. I was jobless, facing eviction every month. I had worn out shoes and outdated clothes. I was hungry for self-respect. I spent a week in a classroom being empowered by various speakers who said, “We will help you find employment that is not temporary. But, first we will refer you to Dress for Success.” Just the thought of someone caring made me feel happy inside. When I got to Dress for Success I couldn’t believe the way I was greeted – by name like I was important. I was immediately introduced to my personal shopper and whisked off on a shopping spree. I was fitted like a model. Everything was just for me including shoes, hose, and accessories. I felt Fabulous! Respected! Welcome! And Honored! I attend all of the PWG seminars, earn points, and shop at Dress for Success’ beautiful boutique.
Program Statistics - 2006 The Need An average of more than 3,000 women per month, primarily single mothers, are making the transition from public assistance to self sufficiency in Hamilton County, Ohio. Once they obtain employment, many women are at high risk of losing the very job they worked so hard to secure. These women thrive because of the services provided by DFSC.
Dress for Success Results We served 1179 women in the Simply Suited, Professional Women’s Program or Career Center in 2006.
Simply Suited • • • •
940 clients received First Suits in the Simply Suited program referred from more than 70 community agencies 120 clients became employed & received Second Suits average wage $9.47/hour 125 volunteers provided services with almost 2000 direct service hours 18 women per week, on average, received clothing
Professional Women’s Group • • • • •
119 Professional Women’s Group members participated in retention oriented activities 34 new members joined PWG 36 seminars offered to PWG members 85% of PWG members became employed 46% of PWG members have been employed for more than one year
Career Center • • • •
25 women received one-on-one employment services 10 women had interviews 6 women reported securing employment 4 women reported receiving a promotion
We Succeed Because of You Major Events A Night to Remember Dress for Success Cincinnati held Fantasy on Fourth: A Night to Remember, on Saturday April 1, 2006. Close to 500 guests attended the event. The event featured four different themes with matching décor and food samples from Torino, Monte Carlo, Tokyo and Morocco. Guests were invited to select the room in which they dined but had access to all rooms. Live entertainment, silent and live auctions rounded out the evening.
Beyond the Suit Breakfast The first annual Beyond the Suit Breakfast was held May 1, 2006. The event hosted over 200 persons who listened to Dress for Success Worldwide Executive Director, Joi Gordon, deliver the opening address for DfSC. Key members of the Board of Trustees and DfSC program members described the critical need in our community to empower women actively seeking employment. This event began our quest for sustainability through multi-year pledges.
2006 Women on the Move A Fashionable Afternoon Over 450 people attended the 2006 Women on the Move fall fashion show and luncheon held on September 27, 2006. A stunning fashion show by Saks Fifth Avenue included six members of DfSC’s Professional Women’s Group as models. A box lunch, raffle and silent auction highlighted the afternoon. It concluded with a champagne and dessert reception at Saks Fifth Avenue.
We Succeed Because of You Volunteer Leadership 2006 DfSC Board of Directors President: Mary Ellen Cody – Community Leader Vice President: Carol Olson – Partner, Peck, Shaffer & Williams LLP Vice President: Linda Smith Berry – Community Leader Vice President: Joan Stonitsch – former SVP & General Manager-US, Elizabeth Arden Treasurer: Susan Grathwohl – Vice President, Fifth Third Bank Secretary: Druanne “Digi” Schueler – Community Leader Executive Director: Mary E. Ivers Carol Butler – Group Vice President Tri-State Group, xpedx Kathy Dunker – Director, Planning & Business Development, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Renee Dunn – Director of Human Resources for Global Marketing, Procter & Gamble Shelley Goering – Community Leader Nadine Hellings – Community Leader Marianne Ivey – Corporate Director, Health Alliance Pharmacy Services Lillian Jones – Community Leader Mary LeRoy – Clinical Biologist, Health Alliance of Greater Cincinnati Sherie Marek – Community Leader Cynthia Muhlhauser – Community Leader Beth Rader – Firm Director, Deloitte & Touche, LLP Joyce Re – Community Leader Jackie Reau – Chief Operating Officer, Game Day Communications Pamela Reising – Pamela Reising and Associates Melody Robinson – Vice President, Private Client Group, Fifth Third Bank Rachel Rowe – Partner, Keating, Muething & Klekamp Ruthann Sammarco – Community Leader Amanda Saufley – Project Manager, Business Process Integration Information Systems, Toyota Motor Manufacturing North America Rosemary Schlachter – Development Consultant, 25th Hour Deni Tato – President, Contract Interiors Lucy Ward – President, L. Ward Properties, Inc. Mary Jo Will – Community Leader Georgine Wolohan – Community Leader
We Succeed Because of You Volunteer Organizations DfSC Corporate Guild The Corporate Guild is an exciting group of businesses and individuals in the Greater Cincinnati community. The Corporate Guild provides unique networking and leadership opportunities for professional women in the area while benefiting Dress for Success Cincinnati. The goal is to build the Corporate Guild membership to over 50 members creating a solid and continuous base of funding and advocacy to further the mission of Dress for Success Cincinnati. 2006 membership included 17 corporate and 26 individual members. Corporate membership includes admission for 10 women to all Corporate Guild events and a seat on the Steering Committee.
DfSC Young Professional’s Board The Young Professional’s Board provides opportunities to network with other professionals as well as focus their volunteer and event efforts on the single cause of supporting Dress for Success Cincinnati. The YP’s are a vibrant group of individuals who are passionate about their talents and time given to DfSC.
Carrey’s Success Story I have been an addict since I was 13. My parents were addicts too. I was abused at a young age, and I used that as an excuse for remaining an addict, which may be valid to some extent, but then I grew up and realized that I have to take responsibility for my own actions… It took me 2 years in prison and rehabilitation through Pathways to figure out who I am and what I need to do to change my life. Through their direction I have found the way to manage my life on my own, clean and sober. One of the resources is Dress for Success. I believe this agency is very important for people who are trying to better themselves and for the community. Because of the time, effort and genuine care from the staff and volunteers at Dress for Success, I have gained the confidence and determination to apply myself for a decent, fulfilling job that I enjoy. I am now self reliant and happily employed at Ron’s Roost making great money. I am saving to go back to school for Business Management courses so that I may gain skills that are needed to becoming my own boss one day. My goal is to manage my own restaurant. Thank you Dress for Success.
We Succeed Because of You Volunteers “Volunteers are not paid – not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless” - Unknown Volunteers are vital to our program! Since 1999 volunteers have helped sustain DfSC through their commitment to our mission. Volunteers are critical to our programs and general operations, assisting in the following ways: Personal Shoppers: Assist our clients with selecting appropriate interview attire and maintaining inventory in a presentable manner. Client Advocates: Conduct educational seminars and/or assist DfSC clients with resume development to help them retain employment and advance their career development. Clothing Intake: Assist with monthly clothing drives and work with DfSC staff and retail establishments to build plus size inventory. Inventory Management: Assist with sorting and sizing incoming donations, merchandising displays and movement of seasonal inventory. Office Support: Assist with assembling and distributing mailings, event support, and providing skills and expertise as needed.
Groups Who Volunteered Americorps Vista Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy Cincinnati Museum Center Cincinnati Works College of Mt. St. Joseph Community Link/Worknet CREW Deloitte Earn Site for Urban League Epsilon Sigma Alpha Sorority Empower Media Marketing Girl Scouts of Cincinnati Grant Thornton Gr.Cin. Mortgage Counseling Service
Hughes Center at Hughes High School Johnson & Johnson Company Junior League Moeller High School Pathways Retired Senior Volunteer Program River City Correctional Program St. Ursula Academy The Seven Hills School Summit County Day School University of Cincinnati WRC Ursuline Academy Xavier University Xpedx
Volunteers from the Greater Cincinnati Community donated 1857 hours of time to Dress for Success Cincinnati in 2006. We appreciate their assistance!
Sustainability Earned Income Venture 4th Street Boutique The 4th Street Boutique is a sophisticated thrift store whose mission is to provide an additional funding stream for Dress for Success Cincinnati to sustain existing programs. Clothing is donated to DFSC that is surplus or not suitable for formal interview attire is directed to the 4th Street Boutique. The Boutique represents an earned income venture because all proceeds go to DfSC. In addition, the Boutique is an invaluable resource for the purchase of reasonably priced, high quality and gentlyused clothing by the public, particularly the women we serve. The 4th Street Boutique has been recognized by Dress for Success Worldwide as having the potential to be expanded to other affiliates.
2006 4th Street Boutique Advisory Board Chair: Joan Stonitsch – Former SVP Elizabeth Arden Vice Chair: Maureen Sayre – Community Volunteer Treasurer: Nancy Pater – Grant Thornton Kim Curtis – Chief Marketing Officer, Dinsmore & Shohl Diana Davis – DVP General Merchandising, Federated Department Stores Marsha Haberer – Former buyer & Divisional Merchandise Manager, Shillitos Shelley Hamler – Educator Mary Jo Holohan – Director, Our Daily Bread Deb Johnson – Former RVP Sales & Service, At&T/Lucent Technologies Terri Kellam – Community Volunteer Cindy Matthews – Community Volunteer Susan Verschoor – Vice President, Acordia, Inc. Georgine Wolohan – Community Volunteer Mary Ivers – Executive Director, Dress for Success Cincinnati Dawn’s Success Story When I came to Dress for Success Cincinnati in 1999, I had made some mistakes in my life. The choices I had made were not wise and created chaos for myself and my family, but once I came through the Dress for Success program I knew that I could turn my life around. The vast network of people I met through Dress for Success, including the staff and volunteers, helped me change the direction of my life. The lessons I have learned at Dress for Success Cincinnati over the past seven years have helped me stay one step ahead in life. I have worked at the Millennium Hotel in downtown Cincinnati for the past 2 ½ years as a Front Office Assistant. With Dress for Success Cincinnati and God on my side I know I can achieve anything.
2006 Financial Position Consolidated Statement of Activities Dress for Success Unrestricted support and revenue Special events Sales Grants and contributions In-kind services and donations Miscellaneous Total unrestricted support and revenue Cost of goods sold Clothing donated Net unrestricted support and revenue Expenses Salaries and benefits Special events Rent Legal and professional Payroll taxes Utilities Contributions Advertising Supplies Printing Repairs and maintenance Memberships and dues Telephone Insurance Depreciation Bank charges Postage Miscellaneous Travel Meeting Consulting Total expenses Change in net assets Unrestricted net assets, beginning of year Unrestricted net assets, end of year
$ 260,887 218,964 122,348 27,490
Fourth Street Basement Boutique
$
460 152,213 2,405 1,350 172
Eliminations
$
(20,000) -
Consolidated
$
261,347 152,213 201,369 123,698 27,662
629,689
156,600
(20,000)
766,289
119,266
-
-
119,266
510,423
156,600
(20,000)
647,023
200,053 86,207 35,844 24,083 19,156 12,721 8,109 8,876 5,765 4,998 3,665 2,299 2,477 2,120 1,292 1,105 50
61,763 18,960 14,213 7,145 7,390 20,000 11,669 1,705 226 3,164 1,093 1,881 952 2,613 (1,040) 120 -
(20,000) -
261,816 86,207 54,804 38,296 26,301 20,111 11,669 9,814 9,102 8,929 4,998 4,758 4,180 3,429 2,613 2,120 252 1,105 120 50
418,820
151,854
(20,000)
550,674
91,603
4,746
-
96,349
249,207
148,112
-
397,319
$ 340,810
$
152,858
$
-
$
493,668
Dress for Success Cincinnati Donors – 2006 We are especially grateful to donors who have provided financial assistance to sustain Dress for Success Cincinnati’s mission in 2006. $15,000 + City of Cincinnati Greater Cincy Foundation Trust Estate of George B. Riley Fifth Third Bank 4th Street Basement Boutique $5,000 - $14,999 William Albers Foundation Association for Corporate Growth Berg Berry Cincinnati International Wine Festival Cinergy Foundation Citigroup Club Essential Corporex Tom and Mary Ellen Cody Great Oaks Helen Steiner Rice Foundation Macy’s/Federated Dept Stores Miller Valentine Group Monster.com Carol Olson SC Ministry Foundation Ashley and Lucy Ward Foundation $2,000 - $4,999 Carrie Allan American Financial Corp Cincinnati Enquirer Cintas Dress for Success Worldwide Duke Energy
Fetish Fleet Feet Heiman Family Foundation Keating, Muething, Klekamp, LLP Kroger Company Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Peter Levin LKC Foundation Multi-Craft Litho, Inc Oliver Charitable Lead Trust The Party Source Jackie Reau The Marge and Charles Schott Foundation Michael and Druanne Schueler Scripps Howard Foundation Toyota US Bank Western & Southern Foundation $1,000- $1,999 Vernette Barnhorst Sr. Nancy Bramlage Pam Breeden Carol L. Butler Manuel and Cynthia Chavez Children's Hospital Medical Center CREW Cathy T. Crain Kim M. Curtis Meredythe Daley Amy Fovel Frito Lay
Goodwin Lighting Services Susan E. Grathwohl Ronald Hitzler Knowledgeworks Foundation Nancy Lawson Len and Sheri Marek Pamela McFarland Mary Miller Kathleen Prangley Beth Rader Kathy Ann Riegle Robert Half International J. David and Dianne Rosenberg Thomas Schiff Rosemary Schlachter Sisters of Charity Cynthia Sheakley Mulhauser Reba St. Clair Jennifer Stein Karl and Anda Steinmanis Douglas and Rebecca Sykes Jane Votel Barbara Wagner Nancy Ward Brenda Wehmer Geraldine Zembrodt $500 - $999 Barnes Dennig and Company, Ltd. Mary Jo Barnett Lynne Boles Chris Browning CBS Personnel Services
Robert and Brynne Coletti Lucille H. Conliffe Sharon Conrad Convergys Corporation Patricia Couzins Bonnie Cowgill Mary Crawford Amelia S. Crutcher Deborah Delong The Hon. Susan Dlott Kathleen Dunker Renee B. Dunn Maureen Dunne Dunphy Wealth Management, Inc. James E. Evans Foundation Guardian Savings Bank Marsha Haberer Hugh and Poppy Hawkins Nadine Hellings Jemison/McCallum Lillian H. Jones Reuven Katz Teri Kellam Julie Kimmel Mr. and Mrs. Robert Kohlhepp Mr. and Mrs. Richard Kretchmer, Jr. Mary LeRoy Dianne Litwin John and Beverly McCarthy Jennifer McCuley National City Claire Phillips Mercer and Gabrielle Reynolds Pamela J. Reising Carole T. Rigaud James and Ruthann Sammarco Maureen Sayre Karl and Roberta Schlachter Pamela Scott Debbie Simpson
Linda Smith Berry Joan Stonitsch 25th Hour Ron and Arleigh Tysoe Union Savings Bank Lucy Ward Ruth Westheimer Mary Jo Will Georgine B. Wolohan $100 - $499 Michelle Shea Karen M. Abel Janet Ach Richard and Carol Adams Jacqueline Alfers Appearance Plus Cleaners Armstrong Chapel Kendra Bach Ann Bailey John Baines Eileen Barrett Joleen Barrett Linda and Rick Baxter Lois Benjamin John Bentley Greg Berry Barbara Black Catherine O. Bradford Suzane Bradley Linda Brink Kaye Britton Karl Brown Nadine M. Brunner Debra K. Burgess Marcia A. Burke Helene Buse Iris Bush Barbara Bushman Janet C. Callif Camargo Trading Co. Marie Canarie Steven and Holly Carson Lisa Carter James and Rosine Cassidy
Janet Castellini Cecelia Chewning Shirley Chewning Kerry and Norah Clark Dorothy Comassar The Compass Group Donald and Sue Corken Theresa Cox James and Joan Crowe Mr. and Mrs. William Culp David Deye Mary DeCioccio Joseph Deconsimo & Co. Charlotte N. Duepree George and N. Jeane Elliot Encore Café Farmer Family Foundation Harry and Linda Fath Fred and Marian Fehr Ann Fetzer Rita Finer David and Stacey Fisher Rodney and Vallie Geier Leslie Ghiz Lou and Robbin Gilligan Gloria Dei Lutheran Church Joy Glover Caroline Goering Or Diane C. Goldsmith Joi Gordon Madeleine Gordon Louis and Beth Guttman Ed and Marsha Haberer Jack and Barbara Hahn Lynn Hardin Jolie Harris Robin Harvey Carrie Hayden Mr. and Mrs. Gary Heiman Charles and Susanna Helly Elizabeth P. Hendy
Deborah Henretta Marsha Ann Herzog Helle Banner Hoermann Henry and Cynthia Hilberg, Jr. Daniel and Elizabeth Hoffheimer Carolyn Honkomp Howard and Bodnar Sandy Hughes Suzy Hummel Huttenbauer Foundation F. Michael Hyzdu Marlene Johnson David Joseph George and Amy Joseph Joyce Keegan George and Carol Kerlakian Dianne Knapp Elizabeth Landen Leading Women of Cincinnati Dolores Learmonth Joeline and Paul Lecture Regina Livers Edward Loftspring Bill and Joanie Lotts Alleen Manning M. Maureen Maxfield Bernard and Julieanne McCormick Joseph and Bridget McGraw Jan McNerney Mary Ann Meanwell Allan and Elaine Meyer Amy Meyer Mary L. Meyer Douglas Moore Marjorie Motch George Musekamp Vicky Musky Cindy and Frank Muth Molly Nemann Network for Good Giving Al Neyer, Inc
Mr. and Mrs. Tom Neyer Sr. Northern Kentucky Thrivent Financial Lutherans Dorothy O'Brien Sheila Parry Stephen Pater Charles and Thelma Payne Bryan and Sherri Peck John and Frances Pepper Susan Pfau Rebecca Poast Timothy and Jody Pohlman Kathy Przywara Elizabeth Rader Armand and Joyce Re Cindi Reid Robert Reid Jennifer Reilly Margaret Richards Brenda Rixey Melody Robinson Rita Rothenberg Cindy and Bruce Roy Elizabeth H. Rushing William and Mary Anne Sasser Christine Schavis Margaret Scott Brenda R. Shonfield Karen Sieber Yvette Simpson Andy and Linda Smith Cheryl and Carlin Stamm St. Walburg Monastery of Benedictine Sisters Stagnaro Distributing Barbara Stough Theodore and Carol Striker Sheri Swinehart Talbert House
James Tarbell Denise Tato Linwood and Laura Tenney Marsha Thornton Barbara Tobias Brenda V. Thompson David and Margaret Tondow Thomas and Alice Rogers Uhl Priscilla Ungers Jane Vanderhorst Sara M. and Michelle Vance Waddell Kim Vincent Casey Wagner Shirley Walker Patrice Watson Susan Wentzel Shirley J. Werthaiser Robert and Ruth Westheimer Foundation Susan Whaley Tammy Wilkins Katherine Wilkinson Joseph and Judy Williams Sheila Willaims Owen Wrassman Theresa Wukusick Shannon Young
Every attempt has been made to list donors’ names correctly. We apologize for any errors or omissions. Names listed reflect donations made through December 31, 2006.
The Mission of Dress for Success is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.
Dress for Success Cincinnati 135 West Fourth Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 513.651.3372 Fax: 513.651.3376 www.dfscincy.org
