Charity helps women dress for success

The ladies at Suited for Success said all they're really doing is giving a hand up, not a hand out.

Thursday, March 20th 2008, 6:05 pm

By: News 9


By Melissa Maynarich, NEWS 9

Oklahomans helping Oklahomans get back on their feet is the goal of one metro organization. The organization helps women who can't afford the professional clothing they need to land a good job.

The ladies at Suited for Success said all they're really doing is giving a hand up, not a hand out.

"As a single parent, all the money goes to getting the bills paid and getting the kids what they need for school and stuff, and the gas," said Sandra Goodman.

That's why Goodman is here, getting Suited for Success. She needs the professional clothing for a job interview, after she finishes her vocational schooling.

"Starting over again in my 40s, my kids are in high school; I've got one more year left," Goodman said.

Sandra is like many of the single moms who come here with little. And there are many more just out of prison, who come here with nothing.

Suited for Success has clothed more than 4,000 such women. Founder of Suited for Success, Susan Walton, said with the amount of outfits on their racks, they're ready to clothe thousands more.

"The good feeling of knowing we've helped a woman become successful never gets old, and that's why we do what we do," Walton said. "That's why we're here day in and day out."

Suited for Success started 10 years ago when Susan Walton's idea came to fruition. The idea came to her while she was recovering from injuries from the Oklahoma City Bombing. She had broken several bones in her body. So she turned her focus away from the pain and toward the philanthropy.

"Being able to make the good first impression is so important because if you don't look the part you're probably not going to get the job no matter what your skills are," Walton said.

Suited for Success is holding a spring cleaning March 24th through the 29th. They will be collecting new or gently worn suits as well as other work clothes shoes and accessories. To Make a Difference, call Suited for Success at 521-1089.

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