The Mirror Will Get You Hooked on Volunteering
It’s not just resume writing, mock interviews, or the clothing. While volunteers at Dress for Success Indianapolis help women with all three, that’s not why Candy Martin has been a volunteer since 2018.
“The first time I had a client who got that look on her face that she felt confident and felt like she looked good, felt as if she could feel proud of herself and go out there and get a job – I got hooked,” Candy said.
Candy is a retired teacher whose friend brought her along to volunteer sorting clothing in 2018, and she hasn’t stopped since. She has helped in a variety of capacities including working in the stockroom sorting items, at clothing sales, and at the Stepping Out In Style annual gala, but her main job is being a stylist (formerly called a personal shopper).
She volunteers once a week and says it’s become part of her routine. “I look forward to it every week because I know that I’m going to be able to help someone and also see my friends. It makes me feel good,” Candy said. She’s delighted to have made friends with many other volunteers and the Dress for Success Indianapolis staff.
Dress for Success Indianapolis helps empower women in Central Indiana to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and the development tools to help them thrive in work and in life. Candy was drawn to the organization because of this mission – and because she knows the hardships women can encounter.
She comes from what she calls humble beginnings and took on jobs starting at age 10 to help her family make ends meet. She married young and became a high school teacher, going on to teach future teachers at Marian University and Indiana University in Indianapolis.
In addition to the time management skills teachers master, she thinks her empathy serves her well as a volunteer. Dress for Success Indianapolis clients are women from all walks of life.
“I look at the women who come in as individuals and listen to their wants and needs, even when they don’t really know what they are,” Candy said. “It’s all about helping them find a great outfit for them to feel comfortable and confident in when they look in the mirror.”
The interview or work outfit is just one part of the journey for a Dress for Success Indianapolis client and Candy is pleased to be part of that journey.
“There are so many ways people can help at Dress for Success. You can clean purses and sort through jewelry or shoes, sort through and organize clothing. Bring a friend and play some tunes in the backroom and turn it into a party for you and your friends. It’s a great atmosphere,” Candy said.
Other volunteer needs include career development and administrative support, and workshop speaker roles. To volunteer or find out more, visit indydfs.org.
