SUCCESS STORY

Lubica Halamova is dressed for success thanks to Dress for Success.

A few years ago, the 54-yearold lost her job, her husband left the country to take care of his sick mother in Slovakia and Halamova stayed in Canada with her two children — one was still in college, and other one had just finished university and was looking for a job.

Feeling completely lost, she was referred to the Dress for Success suiting program by an employment service provider.

“Visiting the Dress for Success boutique was one of the best shopping experiences of my life. The staff was very warm and friendly and their volunteers went out of their way to help me choose appropriate clothing, shoes and accessories. I felt like a queen,” she says.

Within two weeks, she landed a job as an information specialist and also regained her confidence. “It was a huge milestone in my career,” says Halamova, who also joined the Professional Women Group (PWG), and has since taken a variety of workshops organized by PWG, including managing finances, effective public speaking, networking, and professional appearance. Halamova now works as an employment consultant at ACCES Employment and she is currently facilitating a twoweek job search workshop program for newcomers who need support and encouragement to become successful in Canada.