Mission

The mission of Dress for Success Indianapolis is to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.

The purpose of our organization is to provide women with the supportive services they need to make life transitions that result in achieving self-sufficiency and socioeconomic advancement.

Four programs exist to support our mission: Style for Success, Career Development Coaching, Success Coaching, and the Professional Women’s Group

History

Dress for Success Indianapolis was granted its charter in May 1999 to the founding Executive Director, Talene Shuck. Talene, along with other founding board members, saw the need for such an organization in the Indianapolis area. The original program, Suits for Success, served its first client in 2000. Dress for Success moved to a permanent home in downtown Indianapolis in 2001 and in 2006, the second program, Professional Women’s Group, was launched. In May 2009, the Career Development Center started serving clients through our third program which addresses career planning and development needs. The organization relocated to its current facility at 820 N. Meridian Street in May 2008.

Dress for Success Indianapolis has grown significantly and measurably since its inception in 1999. There are six full-time and two part-time employees who oversee programs and daily operations. Volunteers continue to be a driving force for the organization.

Overview

Dress for Success Indianapolis is one of more than 143 Dress for Success affiliates in 23 countries worldwide. We proudly serve the women of central Indiana as the only affiliate in the area. We are grateful to the continuing support of our generous community, donors, volunteers and referral agencies.

An annual licensing fee of $500 is paid to Dress for Success Worldwide, but all other funds raised locally stay in Indianapolis. Dress for Success Worldwide provides limited support and oversight; considerable local autonomy is allowed in order for each affiliate’s programs to fit local needs. In-kind and financial contributions flow from Dress for Success Worldwide to affiliates as the international organization evolves and grows.

In 2018, more than 400 Dress for Success Indianapolis volunteers contributed an estimated 3,940 volunteer hours. This includes an active board of directors that has 24 members.