Fall Of Saigon Refugee, Sponsored By OK Family, Gives Back With 'Dress For Success'

Oklahoma leads the nation in the number of women incarcerated. Once they are released many end up homeless with little job opportunities.

Dress for Success hopes to change that. It opens its doors on Friday, May 8. According to its website, as of 2013, Oklahoma leads the country in the highest incarceration rate of women.

Oklahoma incarcerates about 127 for every 100,000 women. The national average is 63. Many once released need to re-learn job skills.

The founder and chairman, Trang Green, has a heart for helping these women.

“We give them clothing. We go over their resume. We do mock interviews. It can take more than an hour for one client,” said Green.

The kindness of strangers is all too familiar to her. She was born in a Malaysian refugee camp. Her family was among the hundreds of thousands who fled Vietnam after the Fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975.

Her parents failed six times to escape the communist country, but were determined to raise their children in America where education is guaranteed.

“When you get older you realize what they actually risked to come to this country for us. And that's what parent's love is,” said Green.

She was just 10 months old when an Oklahoma couple offered to sponsor them. They settled in northwest Oklahoma City, becoming active in the growing Asian District made up of other Vietnamese refugees.

Her parents eventually became homeowners and their dreams came true when all five children went on to higher education..

Al of it became possible, Green said, because of the Oklahoma Standard.

“They taught my family English and helped them find jobs. This community really raised me. So this is my way of giving back,” Green said.

Dress for Success is always in need of volunteers. Cash and clothing donations can be brought to its location at 710 N Broadway. It especially needs women's plus size clothing.

Learn more.