Volunteering Will Make You Smile
Sometimes it just takes a smile to make someone feel comfortable and confident.
When a woman walks through the doors at Dress for Success Indianapolis (DFSI), she has already made the decision to make a better life for herself. But it’s not always easy to feel secure with that decision.
A warm smile from a volunteer can help. Becky McFarling has been volunteering at DFSI since 2016. A retired nurse, she has a heart for helping people.
“DFSI’s mission of empowering women just spoke to me,” Becky said. “I enjoy meeting the clients and try to bring a positive outlook, so they feel comfortable.”
Becky has worked as a personal stylist for much of her time at DFSI. Each client appointment involves a one-hour session with DFSI staff on career development, resume-building and other job-seeking skills. Then there is one hour devoted to finding an interview outfit or professional attire – from head to toe.
She said it is fulfilling to see the clients work with staff on their career development. “And then I come in and help find the work attire they need. A lot of them have never had on a suit or a professional-looking outfit,” she said. “But the smile in the mirror makes it all come together.”
She recalls working with one young woman who was unsure of the process. “Many years ago, I worked with a young girl who had never been shopping for herself and didn’t know what she was looking for. She was tall and thin, and she confided in me she was pregnant so she wanted some clothes that would help her out as her pregnancy progressed,” Becky said.
“We picked out a suit and she looked very professional. She was able to get additional clothing and the start to a wardrobe, and she gave me a big hug. I remember her smile to this day.”
To help other women in our community smile and feel confident, sign up to volunteer today. There are many ways you can help – working with clients directly or behind the scenes. Find out more at indydfs.org/volunteer.
