"If I can help even one person get to where I am now, I would be ecstatic.” ~ Kate C, DFSWM program participant

“My experiences with Dress for Success Western Mass helped me realize how important my self-worth is and that I cannot allow anyone else to diminish it. I learned that we are each worthy of all the happiness that the world has to offer. If I can help even one person get to where I am now, I would be ecstatic.” ~ Kate C, DFSWM program participant.

A year ago, Kate was at a low point in life, feeling disheartened and insecure, having lost all confidence in themself after dealing with major health issues and other personal and traumatic setbacks. Kate was unemployed and uncertain about job prospects when a case worker recommended DFSWM’s Foot in the Door program – but Kate was hesitant to apply as a person who identifies as non-binary.

Ultimately, Kate took a chance and learned just how accepting and supportive the DFSWM community is and that this program was exactly what they needed.

Now, just one year later, Kate is full of confidence and excited about their prospects. They are on a career path that they love, employed full-time by an IT firm, and working part-time with DFSWM too. “I love working for this program and paying it forward!” Kate says when talking about their work with DFSWM.

Kate attributes this self-growth to the support and encouragement they received from the staff and volunteers at DFSWM. Over the last year, Kate graduated from the Foot in the Door program, became a mentee in the Margaret Fitzgerald Mentor Program, and joined the Professional Women’s Group. With support from the DFSWM community, Kate felt empowered to apply for a local tech training program which in turn led to an internship and then full-time employment.

While Kate attributes this all to DFSWM, we attribute it to our financial donors like you!

Think for a moment about a mentor that you’ve had, a supportive teacher, someone who encouraged and propelled you forward at a crucial moment… Will you consider paying that forward by making a financial contribution to DFSWM today?

Each year DFSWM supports hundreds of women along their paths to financial independence and we must raise about $400,000 to make that happen. Through our workforce development, digital literacy, and networking programs, our participants reach their full potential and achieve financial independence. Your generous financial support ensures that even more women can recognize their self-worth and truly thrive.