An organisation which has helped hundreds of Waikato women into the workforce has partnered with Violence Free Waipā on a ‘handbag drive’.
Dressed for success. Photo: Laura Tancredi.
Dress for Success has agreed to support the pilot ‘I Am Me’ programme in Cambridge by joining the appeal for pre-loved handbags.
Anne Morrison
Violence Free Waipā coordinator Anne Morrison said I Am Me will focus on empowering women who have been victims of family violence and supporting them and other women to return to work.
“It has been developed from the bottom up, giving a voice to women with lived experience.”
Assisting women to get back on their feet after being the victims of violence by providing mini makeovers and a new wardrobe, including a coordinated handbag, are at the heart of the initiative which kicks off next week for 12 days.
“Many women leave relationships with the clothes they are standing up in or have very little in the way of suitable clothes for job interviews, house viewing, jobs etc,” said Morrison.
Erin Andersen
Dress for Success executive manager Erin Andersen said more than 3900 Waikato women had used the service since it was established in 2002.
“We take a confidence-building approach to our clients, understanding that is about more than just the clothes; it’s also about building their confidence and self-esteem.
“The majority of our clients are in the process of securing work or starting a new job. We extend our services to women attending a house viewing, court appearance, leaving a custodial sentence, or displaced due to domestic violence.”
There will be 18 women in the I Am Me pilot which will build towards the Dress for Success week.
Handbag drive
The handbag drive is a way for the Waipā community to help. There will be two drop off bins – one at the Cambridge Community House and another at Citizens’ Advice Bureau in the Cambridge CBD.
Andersen said she was aware many Waipā women already supported Dress for Success and they could continue to do so during the I Am Me pilot.
“We really also need quality, clean pre-loved clothes donated for women appropriate for work attire. I’m sure there are lots of amazing handbags out in the Waipa area to be donated as well.”
Handbags needed. Photo: Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz.
