Southern View: September 10, 2020

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8 Thursday September 10 2020 Latest Canterbury news at starnews.co.nz News SOUTHERN VIEW Dressing and empowering women A myriad of groups help keep our community moving. Reporter Bea Gooding speaks to Dress for Success Christchurch executive manager Ginnie Rhodes about how the charity helps women prepare for the workforce Could you tell me a bit about what Dress for Success is and how it came to be what it is today? Dress for Success is a global not-for-profit organisation that empowers women. Dress for Christchurch has been operating in Canterbury for 17 years. Our local vision is: Empowering women – providing women in need within our community with the guidance, support, tools and confidence to pursue their employment goals and shape their own financial future. Since starting operations in 1997, Dress for Success Worldwide has expanded to almost 150 cities in 25 countries and has helped more than 1.2 million women work towards selfsufficiency. Each affiliate focuses its programmes on their own community needs. In Christchurch we have the Dressing Programme, and Careers Centre which runs job search and retention seminars, resilience programmes and one on one careers coaching and job search. What issues are women currently facing while entering the workforce, and why? The women we support are so varied including those on low or no income, challenging domestic situation, mental health challenges, never worked before, immigrants, young women, transgender women and women reentering life after prison. One of the biggest issues is a lack of confidence and self-esteem, which is one of our main focuses and the aim of the Dressing Programme is to help this. It takes a very short time for women to feel less confident about their abilities, often IMPACT: Executive manager Ginny Rhodes, of charity Dress for Success, who empower women with the tools they need as they enter the workforce. PHOTO: GEOFF SLOAN not recognising the transferable skills they have developed alongside professional skills and knowledge. Lack of job searching ‘know-how’ in this rapidly changing world. CVs, cover letters, online applications, how to effectively use social media profiles and platforms. Juggling families is always up there for women, finding part-time employment and employers who have flexible working arrangements. One of the plus sides of Covid-19 is the ability to work from a home base. Why is an organisation like this important in Christchurch? We are the only organisation in Canterbury supporting women in need in this way, the Dressing Programme particularly is unique to our organisation. We see over 400 women per annum so we know there is a real need in the community. The women are referred by more than 40 referral organisations across Canterbury. We also support women in “one-off” situations like attending a court case or other significant events. Last year we dressed a mother of four in an outfit for her graduation. How has Dress for Success impacted women in order for them to thrive in the workplace and beyond? Women who come for a dressing or careers appointment can vary in age from 16-years-old to 70-years-old, we work to support and empower women by providing not only clothing for job search preparation but also other tools and skills needed to succeed. We provide ongoing support once in employment through our “Women in Work”’ retention seminars and mentoring. Here are some comments from previous clients: “I would say I’m over the moon. Confidence levels really high after being attired property. Great staff, good advice and some different styles that I wouldn’t normally choose for myself. Very happy and huge thanks to you all.” “You have no idea how positive and amazing impact you have on me. Thank you all. You girls made me feel like a woman again, I was lacking in confidence but you helped me believe I am worth it.” “Lovely experience and attention. I felt important. Lovely ladies thank you very much.” In what ways can communities support Dress for Success to help women reach their full potential, and why? As an organisation that is community funded we do require funds to operate, other organisations or communities can support us by raising funds for us, individual and corporate donations are also greatly valued. We also rely on “in-kind” donations of make-up, good quality clothing, shoes handbags and jewellery. The Facebook page and website explains more about us and how to donate.
SOUTHERN VIEW Latest Canterbury news at starnews.co.nz Thursday September 10 2020 9 A new way of living SELLING NOW In Beckenham GREAT GARDEN VIEWS Essie Summers village is superbly located and is named in honour of a pioneering New Zealander who set the standard for others to follow. The village amenities include a library, atrium, hair salon and more. Studio serviced apartment is currently available Featuring a kitchenette and private ensuite A patio that looks out to the village garden, close to the dining room and lounge you’re in a prime location. Priced at $310,000 Our base weekly fee is fixed for life* and our deferred management fee is capped at 20% - one of the lowest in the retirement sector *Some conditions apply Call Lynne for more details. ESSIE SUMMERS VILLAGE 222 Colombo St, Beckenham, 03 337 6500 rymanhealthcare.co.nz 1503
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Southern View: September 10, 2020

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