Igniting dreams: Dress for Success Tasmania’s journey with CVGT Employment

Meeting with the team at Dress for Success Tasmania recently was a true honour, as they celebrated and discussed the use of funds received from the 2024 CVGT Employment Community Grant program. This partnership is helping ignite dreams and transform futures for young women across the state.

Empowering young women since 2019

Since launching in 2019, Dress for Success Tasmania has supported 340 young people aged 16 to 25 through a suite of programs designed to build confidence, self-esteem, and pathways to economic independence. While some have accessed services at the Hobart-based Boutique, the majority have benefited from outreach visits in their own communities where they live, work, and feel safe.

Many of these young women experience high levels of social anxiety, making it difficult to leave their communities and attend appointments in city-based locations. Dress for Success Tasmania’s outreach model has proven essential in overcoming these barriers and delivering meaningful, personalised support.

Expanding outreach with CVGT Employment’s funding

As a small organisation, Dress for Success Tasmania often faces resource limitations that restrict their ability to deliver high-intensity services. The funding from CVGT Employment will enable the team to expand outreach efforts, providing targeted support to the most vulnerable young women directly in their communities, including those in the North and North West of Tasmania.

This expansion builds on an already strong relationship with CVGT branches across the state, which have referred many clients to Dress for Success. CVGT team members have noted the challenge of encouraging young people to attend city appointments, making this outreach capability even more critical.

Dedicated team and expanded services

With a dedicated team of volunteers and paid staff, Dress for Success Tasmania has expanded their services over the past 12 months. They provide not only quality interview clothing and presentation skills but also targeted interview preparation workshops and assistance with clothing styling. The young women supported over the past five years report improved confidence, self-esteem, and a belief in their ability to achieve economic independence. The guidance and support from skilled and trained volunteers during the styling process build confidence and prepare participants for the next stage of their employment journey.

CVGT Employment looks forward to working more closely with Dress for Success Tasmania across the state to bring this valuable service to more participants on their employment journey.

CVGT Employment’s 2024 Community Grants program

CVGT Employment is proud to support Dress for Success Tasmania through the 2024 Community Grants program, which focuses on youth career support.

Together, we are investing in a brighter, more resilient future, one young person at a time.

Learn more about our 2024 Community Grant program and recipients here.