| Our Favorite Charities |
Organization By Design, Inc. (the parent company of www.dressingwell.com) supports many national and local charities all year long. We take pride in giving our clients and readers information that allows them to donate easily and graciously. Here are some of our favorite charities with information about how you can make a difference.
Dress for Success
Dress for Success is a not-for-profit organization that helps low-income women make tailored transitions into the workforce. Each Dress for Success client receives one suit when she has a job interview and a second suit when she gets the job. The Dress for Success Professional Women's Group program then provides ongoing support to help the client build a successful career. Women are referred to Dress for Success by a continually expanding array of not-for-profit and government agencies including homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, immigration services and job training programs. Dress for Success relies on the financial contributions, in-kind donations and volunteer efforts of individuals and companies around the world who are committed to helping women take charge of their lives. Go to How to Donate to learn more.
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society
When Mary Lou was reacquainted with her childhood friend Karen Van Houten Barber in September of 1999, she was stunned to learn about and see first-hand the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis on such a young woman. When she learned that 78% of all people affected by MS are in fact women and most are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40, it was easy for her to team up with Karen to create and co-chair "Dressing Well — An Evening to Benefit MS". To learn more about getting involved with this event click here. To make a donation directly to the MS Society, send checks or money orders to Linda J. Thomson, National MS Society, 101 First Avenue, Suite #6, Waltham, MA 02451.
The Clothing Collaborative for Job Trainees at Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries
The Clothing Collaborative comprises community-based organizations that help people who have disabilities and other barriers to self-sufficinecy through intensive employement and training programs. The Collaborative enables job training graduates to learn the basics of how to dress appropriately for work and to obtain work appropriate attire for their interview and their first year of employment. Job trainees are advised on choosing appropriate oufits from the hundreds of articles of clothing available at the monthly wardrobe seminars. Cerificates are then provided for the purchase of more clothing at the Goodwill Stores, at specified intervals post employment. For more information, call 617-541-1474 or email gpoley@goodwillmass.org
The Women’s Mentoring Program at Hodder House
A unique program transitioning women from the Massachusetts Correctional Institution in Framingham back to work in the community. The women in the program make mittens, scarves, hats and afghans for needy children and elders all year round. No matter where you live, please search your house for unwanted skeins of yarn (or purchase new yarn!) and mail it to Hodder House c/o Anderson Insurance, 15 Alden Street, Ashland, MA 01721.
The Women’s Craft Cooperative at Rosie’s Place
Rosie’s Place in Boston was founded in 1974 and was the first drop-in and emergency shelter for women in the United States. Their Women’s Craft Cooperative was launched in 1996 and now employs seven women who make incredibly unique and fashionable brooches and hair ornaments out of donated buttons. In addition to honing their creative talents, the women also develop business skills as they package and market their creations to shops all over the country. Pins are $15 and hair clips are $10. The brooches add color and spirit to coats, blazers, sweaters and hair while sending the message that you support women who are crafting their way to independence. Call (617) 442-9322 x262 to place an order directly or to find out where the over 30 shops selling these items are located throughout the United States.
Shannon’s House
This beautiful Victorian house in Brookline, MA serves as a "home away from home" for adult cancer patients who travel from all over the world to receive specialized treatment at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. It was established in loving memory of Shannon McCormick, who, at the age of 19, lost her battle with cancer. If you would like to make a donation, please send checks to the Shannon McCormack Foundation, 10 Maplewood Road, Medfield, MA 02052.
Fairy Godmother, Inc.
Fairy Godmother, Inc provides formal wear, shoes and accessories to underprivileged teens so they can attend their high school prom. In addition to formalwear, FGI offers classes year round to boost self-esteem and give teens skills to succeed in the workplace. They are always looking for slightly used or new formal dresses, shoes and accessories. Donations can be sent to the organization's Executive Director Teena Brooks at PO Box 10100, Huntsville, AL 35801. Teena can be reached at 256-603-9559 or e-mailed at teenerbm@aol.com. Fairy Godmother's website can be located at community.al.com/cc/fairygodmotherinc.