Each month, DFSI Career Development Program Manager, Charli Downton, heads over to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office to deliver career and skill development to the women who are incarcerated. Beginning in July 2024, Dress For Success Indianapolis launched a partnership with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at the Justice Campus, working alongside the Suicide Prevention Team. Charli works with the jails’ women’s programming unit, offering skills to prepare them for when they’re released and in need of employment.
As the program progresses, we have seen women get released and connect with us for further services. We have also seen some women gain employment after they were released. Since the programs began, Charli and DSFI have served 83 women at the Justice Campus. Through the Marion County Sheriff’s Program, Dress For Success Indianapolis is working to help these women gain economic independence after their time incarcerated.
The class, held in both English and Spanish, focuses on a range of professional development topics and skills every month, providing resources for 20 to 30 attendees. Charli delivers resources on topics such as:
- Interview prep: Practicing interviewing questions
- Leadership: Learning how to be a leader and how your core values/role models influence your leadership
- Communication: Focusing on effective communication and its elements
- Professionalism: Defining professionalism and what that looks like
- Entrepreneurship: Developing a business plan and pitch
- Resume building: Creating a resume for every participant and discussing how to make your resume stand out
Charli loves being involved in the program and making a difference in these women’s lives, “It is the highlight of my week when I go in and work with these ladies. I love being able to bring my passion to life and serve the Indianapolis community even further.”
Seemingly, Charli’s not the only person involved enjoying the program. A survey was sent out to the participants, and of the 18 completing the survey, 100% of participants said they enjoyed the program. 94% of participants marked satisfied or very satisfied with the program overall, and 94% of participants were either satisfied or very satisfied with the statement, “I have learned tools to help me in the workforce.”
Here’s what the participants are saying about the program:
“Ms. Charli, you are amazing. I enjoyed your delivery of every class, your being open and supportive of my/our needs, and helping with all the resources to help us achieve and become better. Looking forward to seeing you on the outside.”
“Charli, you had the most thorough paperwork in all the programs offered.”
“Charli is very good at what she does. I really feel like I’ve learned something every time she comes in.”
As an organization working to provide women with the supportive services they need to make life transitions that result in self-sufficiency and socioeconomic advancement, we’re thrilled to see this program succeed and take pride in providing these women with the resources to be prepared for life after incarceration. Charli’s dedication and passion for serving her community and the women at the Justice Campus allow us to make real-world differences, proudly serving our Indianapolis community.
