This grant is the second awarded from the Women THRIVE project to Dress for Success Triangle; in the Fall of 2019, Women THRIVE awarded Dress for Success Triangle an initial $100,000 strategic planning grant to develop the pilot workforce development program that has now received implementation funding.
“We are honored to continue our work with the Triangle Community Foundation’s Women THRIVE Project. Considering the disproportionate impact COVID related unemployment is having on women, this work will be needed now more than ever. This partnership will have a real impact for the women of the triangle,” said Heather Dennis, Executive Director, Dress for Success Triangle.
The Women THRIVE project, a Donor Impact Group, launched in 2018 following two Foundation events focused on the issues affecting women and girls in the Triangle and how to ensure they thrive, and the findings and recommendations from the Status of Women in North Carolina report by the NC Council for Women and the Institute for Women’s Policy Research. As a result of the report findings, donor input, and conversations with community leaders, the Foundation launched this project and focused efforts with passionate donors on building the economic security of low-income women and women-led households' in Southeast Raleigh and East Durham. Women THRIVE is possible because of support from 12 donors and 6 funds at the Foundation.
“Economic Empowerment for women benefits not just individuals, but families and the community at large. Dress for Success Triangle is uniquely positioned to work with women in our region to learn directly from them what their needs are to bring them income stability, professional development, and workforce integration, so that we can work with them to provide the resources that will allow them to achieve their professional and financial goals. We’re honored to partner with committed donors who see the importance of this type of investment,” said Lori O’Keefe, President & CEO, Triangle Community Foundation.