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Wings serves women with courage – the courage to change their lives, the courage to reach high, the courage to dream. These women are often motivated by circumstances. They are survivors of domestic violence, crime victims, homeless women, women recovering from addiction, and women transitioning from welfare to work.
Moving each woman’s life forward requires some combination of job skills, transportation, childcare and housing. Meanwhile, 63% of the women who come to Wings are single mothers with less than $10,000 in annual income. Wings relieves some of the financial pressure by providing free clothing for her interview and the first few weeks of work, saving approximately $500 to $1000 that can be reallocated for food, utilities and childcare.
Wings’ clients are referred by more than 50 social service agencies throughout Philadelphia, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties. Wings partners with these agencies by providing the final step, or finishing touch, in the employment process.
During a personalized appointment at Wings (in Frazer, PA), a trained volunteer outfits a client based on her unique size, age and clothing needs. Wings provides a complete selection of clothing for all sizes (from 0 to 5X), shoes, accessories and new undergarments as needed. Each client learns how to dress for her interview and intermix 8-12 pieces of clothing to build 1-2 weeks worth of outfits. And unlike most clothing closet organizations, at Wings, each client tries everything on to ensure a good fit.
The experience at Wings, however, comes with much more than clothing. A recent study by Yahoo/Hot Jobs Research indicated that, nationally, 75% of recruiters believe that how a person dresses for work affects one's job, salary, and possible promotions. By creating a professional outward image, clients grow their inner self-image to feel confident seeking employment, succeeding in the workplace, and becoming financially self-sufficient.
Wings’ workshops carry this emotional springboard one step further. These workshops help women with employment and career-building strategies, life skills, and positive body image. Professional makeover days are among the most popular and include professional hair styling, and make-up lessons to complement the client’s interview outfit. Other workshops cover topics such as Positive Body Image, Shopping on a Shoestring, Resume/Interviewing Guidance and Workplace Problem Solving, and Time Management.
Through these services, Wings serves a critical unmet need in the community. And the demand for these services is growing. Wings experienced a 17% increase in clients served in 2008 and expects this growth to continue through 2009. Find out how you can help Wings help these brave women.
Wings For Success is a registered charitable organization. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free within PA at 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement. Wings is also registered with the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania under Code #14167.
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