Since 1994, Suited for Success and Dress for Success Miami, its women’s program, have helped over 60,000 clients turn their dreams into reality.
Co-founder and executive director Sonia Jacobson began the organization to provide women with the right tools and suits to secure employment and get off welfare. The initial goal was to reduce dependence on welfare. Today, the mission has evolved, and the organization now helps approximately 1,200 women, men, veterans, and youth every year.
Suited for Success works to empower individuals to attain economic independence and self-sufficiency through training, career development, support, and professional image services. The organization’s programs and services give clients the knowledge and tools they need to succeed — to break the cycle of poverty, lower the unemployment rate, and enhance domestic stability.
“The 25 Stories. 25 Years.” campaign highlights 25 individuals who impact or have been impacted by the organization. Each one shares how Suited for Success has changed their lives. For example, former client Terry Howell is now a business owner and the coordinator for the Professional Women’s Group, Dress for Success Miami’s job retention program.
“This organization has been a source of hope and light for me for over 10 years, and the Professional Women’s Group keeps me moving toward my goals and dreams,” Howell said.
Michael Barney, a program manager with U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency and Suited for Success volunteer, said, “As a veteran, it makes me proud to support Vets for Success. It’s a great feeling to help people incorporate themselves back into the workforce.”
Rosangela Souza, former Suited for Success client and now a hospitality industry server, said the training helped her land her a job within two days of the last day of training, after a year of searching on her own.
Suited for Success is holding a yearlong celebration for its 25 years of helping individuals, culminating with its Cirque de Success celebration on Saturday, Oct. 5, at Jungle Island. The event will include live entertainment, open bar, gourmet food stations, VIP lounge seating, casino games, dancing, a silent auction, raffle prizes, and special guest performance. The money raised during this event will go toward the support of current and future Suited for Success clients.
To view the campaign and learn how to donate and support the organization, visit www.25stories25years.com/.
Suited for Success is located at 1600 NW Thirrd Ave. #111, Miami, Fl. 33136. You can learn more by calling 305-444-1944 or visiting www.suitedforsuccess.org.
