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LAST MEETING: Irene Corpus - Dress for Success
It is amazing how many real needs there are which most of us never think about. When a person is really down on their luck, whether deserved or accidental, they are most vulnerable but least able to help themselves by themselves. Life, for them, is not a level playing field of opportunities. Dress For Successis an international organisation that provides a hand up, not a hand out, when it is most needed. It was started in New York in 1997 and has branches in Wellington, Lower Hutt and Masterton.
Irene, a one-time accountant with KPMG and Rotarian, started the Wellington Branch. It helps mainly women, but also men, when they need it most, such as when applying for a job. The organisation comprises a few full-time staff but mainly volunteers. Its aim is to empower people to achieve economic independence by providing support, encouragement and training.
If, a person is unemployed, or just out of prison, or has just moved from up country, or is simply poor, they could find it hard to make a good impression when applying for an interview or even a court appearance. Dress For Success will provide support, training in interview techniques, pre-employment programmes and importantly suitable clothing. Furthermore, when (not if) they succeed in a job interview it will provide suitable clothing for the first week of employment. Follow-up services such as budgeting and child care are also provided. Dress for Success depends on the work of volunteers, grants, donations and fund raising. The services are free, and clothes are given, not lent. Clients are referred by sources such as Work and Income, schools and community organisations.
Irene shared a number of success stories, including before and after photos - see HERE. A simple change of mien and clothes can transform a person's appearance, saying, "It's not just what clothes you wear but how you wear them". If you wish to donate clothes, take them to the dental centre in Hillary Court, Naenae, or check the website.
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General Notices:
* 9940 District Conference: Still out and about but this time remembering what times were like when Eastern Hutt Rotary was first established!
* Funds Raised: Sergeant's Session, including WFMH quiz $113.90
The Power of Positivity
Parting Thoughts:
"When I close my eyes I cannot see, but when I close my eyes and listen, I see more than my eyes alone show me."
"At my age, I prefer not to look to far ahead or too far behind, so until further notice the days of the week are now called, this day, that day, other day, someday, yesterday, today and next day."
Please study and plan ahead, especially if you are on duty to write a Bulletin Contribution. A reminder that it's also your responsibility to find a replacement if you are unable to fulfill your duty.
Eastern Hutt Rotary e-Bulletin
We meet at Avalon Pavilion, Taita Drive entrance, Mondays, at 5:55 pm
Visitors and prospective members always welcome.
For catering purposes, contact our Secretary (027) 241 5092