Women Triumph with Cocktails For A Cause: Designing The Future

Lawrenceville, NJ – On, November 10th, Dress for Success Mercer County (DFSMC) held Cocktails for a Cause … Designing the Future at Greenacres Country Club to raise awareness and funds for the services and programs provided by the organization.

Since 2007, nearly 5,000 women in the Greater Mercer County area have benefited from DFSMC.

Whether it’s acquiring a suit for an interview or learning valuable skills to enhance employability, DFSMC is committed to breaking the cycle of poverty and improving the lives of disadvantaged women and their families.

“This year alone, we have provided more than 1,000 women, many overcoming homelessness and abuse, with the support, encouragement and tools necessary to improve their life circumstances and create a brighter future for themselves and their families,” says Melissa Tenzer, Executive Director, Dress for Success Mercer County. “Empowering women to achieve economic independence is what drives the staff and volunteers at Dress for Success each and every day.”

The evening included a moving presentation by one of this year’s honorees, Dr. Jianping Wang, President of Mercer County Community College. Dr. Wang opened up about how she overcame a difficult past and the struggles she faced in order to become the woman she is today.

Wang states, “Its services like this that give us the hope, give us the strength to go forward. When I told my story to some of my students they said no Dr. Wang that’s not possible. I said not only is it possible, it’s because of it that I do what I do today with the passion that I have. It is that experience that gave me the conviction, the calling that we all have to do whatever we can to help those living in darkness so that they can see the light. I see myself in that light so that is why this award is so very special to me because it’s not just to me as a human being, but to those women who are in the struggle. We want those women to know that you are not alone; we won’t let you struggle alone. You will come out glorious and when you do, don’t forget to help those who are still behind. There is much work to be done ahead of us but we can do it together.”

All of the women who are served by DFSMC have fallen on difficult times and are looking for a way to improve their situation. Stories like Dr. Wang’s exemplify hope for a better future. Additional honorees included Hamilton Jewelers and PNC Bank.

Another event highlight were the stories shared by two remarkable women, who graduated from DFSMC programs. Both women expressed their gratitude to Dress for Success for providing them with the confidence and much needed support in their search for meaningful employment.

Since graduating from DFSMC’s Going Places Network and Latina Empowerment Initiative, both women have secured steady employment and financial stability.

“We are so thankful to the generous sponsors, community members and donors who value our mission. Their financial contributions, and belief in what we do, allows us to continue to provide the critical programs and support to women who are ready to enter and thrive in the workforce,” states Tenzer.

To make a donation or to learn more about Dress for Success Mercer County visit https://mercercounty.dressforsuccess.org/.

About Dress for Success Mercer County
Dress for Success Mercer County is dedicated to empowering women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. The organization provides job readiness, educational, career mentoring and image enhancement programs that support clients through every stage of their employment journey – from pre-employment needs to professional development. Since it opened its doors in 2007, Dress for Success Mercer County has served nearly 5,000 women and girls in the greater Mercer County region.

Dress for Success Mercer County’s core programs - Career Center, Image Enhancement Program, Going Places Network and Professional Women’s Group – provide motivated, job-ready women with a competitive edge in securing jobs, in remaining employed and ultimately becoming contributors to their community. In addition, DFSMC has launched additional programs in 2016 - Latina Empowerment Initiative, Financial Literacy and Customer Service Excellence. Dress for Success Mercer County’s clients are referred to the organization by over 100 regional social service agencies, nonprofits and educational institutions with which it collaborates closely to serve Mercer County women and girls.