Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – Members of the Hawaiʻi State Legislature today held an annual clothing drive for the YWCA O‘ahu Dress For Success Program, which supports women seeking stable employment who are overcoming poverty, homelessness, or incarceration.
Participants donated gently-worn business attire and accessories to the YWCA O'ahu program, in an effort organized by the office of Representative Gregg Takayama (D-34 Pearl City, Waiau, Pacific Palisades) during the week of April 8-12.
"Dress for Success helps these women by instilling confidence and the tools to break the cycle of poverty in their lives," said Rep. Takayama. "The mission of Dress for Success is to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and the skills to help them thrive in work and in life."
This year, over 90 bags of attire including dresses, blazers, accessories, shoes, handbags, and new undergarments were donated by state and city lawmakers, Capitol staffers, and community members.
"We are truly grateful for the ongoing support of the Hawaiʻi State Legislature. For many years, Dress for Success Honolulu has been the beneficiary of donations of beautiful attire from lawmakers, Capitol staff and community members and we utilize those donations to outfit our clients in interview and employment attire," said YWCA Economic Advancement Director Stephanie Hamano. "Because of donations, we are able to continue to provide all of our employment support services completely free. Mahalo to Representative Takayama and his dedicated office for your continued support in organizing this drive for our program.”
"We are grateful for the generosity and support demonstrated by lawmakers and staff for this important cause," said Rep. Takayama.
For more information on Dress for Success Honolulu, visit www.ywcaoahu.org/dress-for-success-honolulu.
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Cathy S . Lee
Director of Communications
House Communications