Client success story: Astrid’s path to confidence and career growth

Astrid came to Dress for Success Twin Cities (DFSTC) during a period of transition—returning to school after nearly a decade and seeking a path back into the workforce. While pursuing an Accounting degree, she was also rebuilding confidence, clarifying goals, and navigating a career shift. DFSTC’s community, services, and coaching helped her translate determination into momentum.

“When I first connected with Dress for Success Twin Cities, I felt like I was at a complete standstill—I had no job, no financial stability, and no clear path forward.”

Beginning again with courage

Astrid described feeling stalled before connecting with DFSTC: unsure how to restart her career while balancing school and personal responsibilities. She had a strong desire to re-enter the workforce and advance in a field aligned with her long-term goals, yet she needed practical support, professional development, and a network to help make progress.

“They didn’t just provide clothing—they offered guidance, encouragement, career coaching, and the kind of support system I never had before.”

Support and services utilized

Astrid engaged with multiple DFSTC offerings that met her at each step:

• Confidence coaching to clarify strengths, set goals, and prepare for interviews.
• Career workshops and sessions delivered online and in person to build skills and readiness.
• Confidence Kits with professional clothing to support interviews and day-one success.
• Application and résumé refinement with guidance on presenting experience effectively.

“DFSTC helped me refine my resume, prepare for interviews, and think more strategically about my long-term career in accounting and healthcare pricing.”

“Being part of DFSTC gave me a renewed mindset. It helped me stop doubting my potential and start owning it.”

Outcomes and next steps

With renewed confidence and a clear plan, Astrid returned to the workforce and stepped into a full-time role as a Pricing Analyst at CentraCare (40 hours/week). She began this position on April 15, 2022, continuing to advance while completing her Accounting degree. Astrid notes that DFSTC’s encouragement and practical support were important in helping her translate effort into opportunity.

Community makes the difference

Astrid highlights the value of DFSTC’s community—being welcomed, seen, and supported at each stage. From coaching and workshops to clothing and thought partnership, she experienced a continuum of care that centered dignity and progress.

“What I like best about Dress for Success Twin Cities is the genuine sense of support, encouragement, and empowerment that comes from every part of the community.”

Her story reflects what becomes possible when determination meets a strong network of support.

Confidence kits: Meeting our clients wherever they are

A Confidence Kit is a personalized, career-ready wardrobe package designed around each client’s individual needs so they can focus on interviews, new roles, and the next step in their journey. Kits typically include 10–15 coordinated pieces, plus shoes, handbags, and accessories, with self-care items when available.

By shipping directly to clients, Dress for Success Twin Cities removes common barriers such as transportation, child care, and time away from work—ensuring equitable access to clothing and confidence. This model reflects flexibility, innovation, and care for every client served.

How it works

Each Confidence Kit is curated through a streamlined process that centers client choice and volunteer care:

1. Client request form. Clients share sizes, job goals, and style preferences (formal, business casual, or activewear).
2. Volunteer curation. Volunteers assemble a coordinated capsule wardrobe based on the client’s request.
3. Quality and care. Each kit is reviewed for fit and quality, packed with care, and shipped directly to the client’s door.

Why it matters

Each Confidence Kit represents tangible empowerment, connection, and a pathway to opportunity. The program evolves alongside clients—every milestone, such as securing employment or attending a coaching session, opens another door for continued support.

Inside the Wearhouse™

The Wearhouse™ is a vibrant, organized hub where donations are sorted by size, category, and color to streamline kit creation. Volunteers manage sorting, assembly, quality assurance, and shipping, transforming community generosity into confidence for clients’ first days on the job.

Corporate and community engagement

Corporate volunteer groups play a vital role. Typical 2- to 4-hour sessions include a guided tour, hands-on kit pulling, and a celebration photo. Many groups also help prepare the Success Express mobile unit for community events and support the program through sponsorships or grants.

Get Ready to Give to the Max

This November, we’re celebrating 15 years of empowerment — and inviting you to be part of the next 15. Join Dress for Success Twin Cities as we count down to Give to the Max Day, a statewide celebration of generosity that supports nonprofits making a difference across Minnesota.

Every contribution helps provide classes, coaching, and clothing for jobseekers building confidence and careers. Together, we’re expanding access, creating new opportunities, and uplifting the community we serve.

How your gift makes an impact

• $50 covers one Confidence Kit, including assembly and shipping.
• $100 provides a laptop for a client or funds two Confidence Kits.
• $250 assembles and ships five Confidence Kits, prints materials for six Success Express events, or supports staffing for a Success Express event.
• $500 sponsors a driver for a Success Express event in the Twin Cities, provides lodging for staff supporting a rural event, or funds video licenses for virtual learning.
• $1,000 powers transportation for two Success Express events, supplies materials for rural programming, or helps implement client-service technology.
• $2,500 expands programming to rural Minnesota, supports transportation for five Success Express events, assembles and ships 50 Confidence Kits, or funds three months of vehicle maintenance.

Donate or Learn More

Explore more (coming soon)

• Client story – coming soon
• Media highlight – coming soon
• Staff feature – coming soon
• Countdown hub – coming soon

In a world of uncertainty, it could be any of us

By Stephanie Silvers

Who looks for help at DFSTC?

When people ask me about our Dress for Success Twin Cities clients — who they are, what their stories look like — the truth is that there’s no such thing as a “typical” client. In a world of uncertainty, any one of us might be just a paycheck away from needing services.

Every client has a story

Consider Jamie,* who reached out when she suddenly found herself, at age 48, divorced, juggling childcare and elderly parent care, while also rejoining the workforce for the first time in a long time.

Or Tina, whose addiction recovery journey led her to our door, looking for a new support system and updated job skills.

Or Janine, whose experience with healthcare bills created a precarious financial situation and the need for a higher-paying job with better benefits.

Or Sally, a single mom and formerly incarcerated person, who was looking to turn over a new leaf.

Or Shannon, whose family lost everything during a natural disaster, and that meant completely starting over.

Every DFSTC client has a unique story. But many share something in common: a sudden change that ripples across their lives. Yes, family members and friends can help. But often a woman’s new reality requires more than lending her an ear or a couch.

Asking for help is never easy

Accepting help can be challenging — and asking for help even more so. Women are often the caregivers, tending to everyone else but themselves. And yet, when life becomes unmanageable, that’s when many find their way to Dress for Success Twin Cities.

More than job skills

At DFSTC, we specialize in empowering our clients to find employment success — whatever that may look like for each woman. And that translates into safer and brighter futures. That happens through client-centered programming, including teaching how to create a budget, navigate a computer, and develop digital literacy.

But we offer much more than job skills. We focus on improving health and wellness, increasing emotional intelligence, understanding personal worth, matching outer appearance with inner confidence, maintaining a new way of life, and building a supportive network.

The power of community

That last piece, that community of support, is critical. Our staff walk alongside our clients, offering understanding, knowledge, and encouragement. And our clients do the same for one another.

We know that finding community helps shift mindsets. Over time, clients come to understand that they’re not alone, that they can trust others to help, and that their survival can be a strength.

A hand up, not a handout

At DFSTC, we often say that what we provide is not a handout but a hand up. And that’s true for all our clients — no matter who they are, or where they begin their journey.

— Stephanie Silvers
Chief Executive Officer
Dress for Success Twin Cities

*For privacy reasons, all names have been changed.