Volunteering, Shopping & Learning Opportunity through Dress for Success

Ms. Ann Marie Froehle, Biology Teacher
June 15, 2017

CDH Biology teacher AnnMarie Froehle volunteers regularly at Dress for Success, and she has encouraged CDH students to also get involved. The mission of Dress for Success is to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing support, professional attire and development tools to help them thrive in work and in life. There are many aspects of the mission, such as classes to help women get employment, be good employees, and learn how to become a leader in life and community.

Ms. Froehle works with clients, once they have taken classes, to suit them for proper presentation at an interview. Each client gets 2 interview outfits, with shoes, a handbag, and accessories. Once employed, the clients return for a variety of professional clothes to keep them looking and feeling good in their new job. The supply of professional attire comes from a tremendous number of donations from all over the Twin Cities, including CDH employees. 

The donations also include more casual items, and that's how the Dress for Success Sale becomes a fantastic volunteer opportunity! About every 3 months, all items, including the suits and professional items, are offered in a classy sale.

Ms. Froehle is in charge of the shoe room, in which approximately 4000 pairs of shoes are displayed, many of them with tags and boxes. Brands include everything from Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Prada, and Dansko. Students have been helping with this overwhelming task for the past year. The girls help display the shoes in a shopper-friendly way, yet often find time to try on a pair during their 4-5 hour shift. Many of the young women end up purchasing shoes, purses or tops for their own job interviews or events.

The students are learning that volunteerism comes in all forms! Raising money to support women re-entering the workforce with clothes and training programs is truly worthwhile and fun! If you'd like to volunteer at Dress for Success, there are a variety of opportunities! Are you running TC Marathon? We need some people there! Want to help me with the sale? Email Ms. Froehle. Have clothes to donate? Your donation helps build confidence, so please call Dress for Success to set up a time: 651-646-6000!