Janelle did not come to Dress for Success Twin Cities looking for a way to fill her time. She came because she already knew what this organization could do for a woman's life.

Years before she retired, Janelle attended a DFSTC fundraiser through her work at Thomson Reuters. That night, she heard a client share her story — a woman who had navigated homelessness, grief, and loss, and come through the other side transformed. It stayed with her.

"I just always liked the organization," Janelle says. "So when I retired and was looking for ways to give back, I started volunteering with Dress for Success and just fell in love with it."

Today Janelle coaches three or four clients at a time, walking alongside women as they build confidence, navigate job searches, and work toward stability. She is also a regular at DFSTC's CIP events — a collaboration with the Shakopee Women's Prison through the Challenge Incarceration Program, where women preparing for release get the chance to try on a Confidence Kit, practice interviews, and connect with supporters like Janelle before they step back into the world.

What she loves most is the variety. Whether DFSTC is set up at Cornerstone Advocacy, Jeremiah House, or out in the community on the Success Express, Janelle shows up ready to meet women exactly where they are. "I like that we meet women where they're at," she says. "And I like to learn about how they're living and their transformation."

She also makes it her mission to get others involved. When corporate volunteers come to events, Janelle is the one pulling them aside and getting them excited about coming back. "I like to tell other volunteers — what can you do to help? I like being in the background, making things happen."

Janelle's story is a reminder that volunteering with DFSTC is not just about giving time. It is about being part of something that genuinely changes lives — including your own.

With gratitude,

Help receive clothing donations at our Wearhouse in St. Louis Park. Tasks include directing traffic, greeting donors, unloading vehicles, and moving donations. Volunteers should be comfortable on their feet and able to lift 25 to 30 pounds. Must be 18 or older.

Sort, inspect, hang, organize, and display our collection of professional women's clothing and accessories. Tasks may include light lifting, pushing carts, and general facility cleaning. Must be 18 or older, or accompanied by a participating adult.

Represent DFSTC at volunteer fairs, corporate events, and community partner events. Help recruit clients, volunteers, and donors. Best suited for volunteers who are already familiar with the organization and comfortable sharing information about our work.

Share your HR, supervisory, or professional job search experience to support clients through group and individual coaching. This role is fully virtual through phone and video calls. Coaches are matched with clients based on background, experience, and professional network.

Join us on-site at our mobile career center to deliver Confidence Kits and programming support to clients in the community. Volunteers welcome clients, provide a service overview, assist with enrollment, and support clothing fittings. This role is open to women volunteers.

Support participants in the Challenge Incarceration Program at Shakopee Women's Prison. Volunteers with HR or hiring manager experience help provide practice interviews, resume reviews, and coaching to support women as they prepare for their release.