DFDress For Success Billings Inc
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About Dress For Success Billings Inc
Dress For Success Billings helps women show up ready for interviews, new jobs, and the work that comes after. In Billings and nearby Montana counties, that means professional attire, but also the practical support that can make a job search feel a lot more manageable, resume help, mock interviews, computer access, financial education, and mentoring. Since 1999, it has served over 8,100 women, with help from referrals, volunteers, and donated goods.
What sets Dress For Success Billings apart is how far it goes beyond the fitting room. A woman can come in for suiting, then keep coming back for career coaching, classes, computer access, and long-term support as she builds toward steady employment. The whole thing is rooted in local referrals and donated items that are put to immediate use.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Suiting
Provides interview and work-appropriate clothing, accessories, shoes, makeup, and guidance from a personal shopper so women can feel prepared for interviews and new employment.
Career Center
Offers one-on-one support with resumes, cover letters, mock interviews, job search help, financial aid and college applications, computer access, and long-term support for employment goals.
Training Center
Provides a space for workforce development where clients can use computers, receive help from staff or volunteers, and attend classes and workshops.
Financial education classes
Covers topics such as budgeting, basic banking, saving, and long-term financial goals.
Professional development and computer training
Includes workshops and training that build workplace skills, computer skills, and job readiness.
Mentoring program
Offers ongoing mentoring and support for women building confidence, workplace skills, and long-term employment goals.
Health and wellness classes
Includes wellness-related offerings such as yoga, stress relief, and nutrition on a budget.
Hobby classes
Provides classes such as painting, crocheting, knitting, and other enrichment activities.
About this work
Mission
We empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.
Who they serve
Women in Billings and nearby Montana counties who are seeking employment, workforce development, and economic independence, especially women referred by local service agencies.
Their impact
- Since inception, it has served over 8,100 women.
- A GivingTuesday effort raised $655 to purchase over 20 coats.
- A $1,000 grant supported the purchase of approximately 34 pairs of non-slip work shoes.
- A $25,000 award from the Walmart Statewide Foundation supported expansion of the Career Center program.
How your donation helps
- Professional attire and accessories for interview and work wear
- Shoes, handbags, jewelry, purses, and makeup
- Toiletries and hygiene items
- Winter coats, hats, gloves, scarves, and winter boots
- Funding for the Career Center, Training Center, and other programs
- Non-slip work shoes for clients entering the workforce
Need help?
How someone in need can access Dress For Success Billings Inc’s services.
Women seeking suitings need a referral from a partner agency and then schedule an appointment for a boutique visit. Career Center support is available by appointment, and the organization can be reached at 406-256-7304 for questions or scheduling.
Stories
The people behind the work.
In their words
Thank you Dress for Success Billings for making a positive difference in the lives of many women in our community, I am tremendously grateful for how wonderful Dress for Success is to us.
This program is a godsend and helps those of us who are serious about gaining employment to look and feel ready!
Thank you for the smiles and professional clothes that helped me look and feel confident and ready for my interview.
Grant support
$9,000 from 5 funders · through 2024 (IRS 990 records).
- Kampgrounds of America Foundation — $1,000 (2024)General Operations
- DONALD & CAROL ROBERTS FOUNDATION IN — $500 (2024)GENERAL OPERATIONS
- DONALD & CAROL ROBERTS FOUNDATION IN — $500 (2023)GENERAL OPERATIONS
- CROSS CHARITABLE FOUNDATION INC — $5,000 (2020)GENERAL FUND
- The High Stakes Foundation — $1,000 (2020)General Support
- TOWN PUMP CHARITABLE FOUNDATION — $1,000 (2018)WORK SHOE PROGRAM
Events
Sweet Success
annualAnnual benefit event with style shows, lunch, auctions, raffles, and sponsorship opportunities.
Bowl for Success Tournament
A bowling fundraiser with prizes, drink specials, and local food that supports women becoming financially independent.
Dress for Success Billings Pint Night
A holiday sweater-themed fundraising night with drink-based donations and contest activities.
Celebrate Success - 20 Years with Dress for Success Billings
2020-03-20A 20-year anniversary celebration with sponsorships and tickets available.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Dress For Success Billings Inc has shared.
Current needs
- Plus-sized black pants
- Black non-slip shoes in all sizes
- New makeup
- New or gently used purses and handbags
- New or gently used winter coats
- Hats, gloves, scarves, and winter boots
Volunteer opportunities
- Personal shopper for interview and work attire selection
- Career Center support for resumes, job search help, and mock interviews
- Sorting, steaming, and organizing donated clothing
- Office support such as filing and assembling materials
- Fundraising and event committees for Sweet Success and other events
- Speaking to community organizations about Dress for Success Billings
Recognition & press
In the media
- KTVQ, Montana Matters interview with Dress for Success Billings
Partners & funders
In the news
Articles featuring Dress For Success Billings Inc from the Love What You Fund newsroom.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
How do women access interview suiting?
Women need a referral from a partner agency, then they schedule an appointment to visit the local boutique for an interview outfit and related support.
What can clients do in the Career Center?
Clients can work on resumes, cover letters, job applications, mock interviews, job search skills, financial aid applications, and other employment-related support.
What kinds of classes are available?
The organization offers professional development, computer training, financial education, mentoring, health and wellness classes, and hobby classes such as painting or crocheting.
What happens after a client gets a job?
Clients can come back for employment suitings and get outfits that fit their occupation.
How are donated clothing items used?
Clothing and accessories that fit the program’s needs are given to clients, and items that cannot be used are sold in an excess inventory sale or donated to other nonprofit agencies.
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