Success Stories

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Success Stories

Evelene understands the need to face her past. She knows she must face the past, because if she doesn’t, she will repeat her mistakes. She wants women to learn from her mistakes and empower them to do better with their lives.

Evelene, a graduate of the So Others Might Eat (SOME) program, has faced some tough issues in the past. Evelene was an abuser of drugs and alcohol. She knew she wanted to get her life back on track, but did not know where to turn or whom to ask for help. Evelene was failing to pay rent on the apartment her son gave her, but was using the money to purchase drugs and alcohol. Her son threatened to take everything back he had given her if she did 4/16/03not straighten out her life. It was at that moment she decided she needed to seek help.

Evelene discovered the SOME program and has never looked back. SOME sent her to a rehabilitation program called the Maya Angelou Center for three months to help her get over the dependence of drugs and alcohol. She came back to DC after successfully completing her rehabilitation program and started computer training in the Center for Employment Training (CET). It was through CET that Evelene discovered Suited for Change.

Evelene started attending Suited for Change’s monthly seminars and became influenced by the positive responses and enthusiasm she heard from the other women in her situation. Through Evelene’s dedication to her computer classes and the professional attire provided by Suited for Change, Evelene has successfully obtained employment at SOME as the office secretary. Evelene has completed two major goals in 2003: successfully obtained employment on Monday, April 21st and has been sober one year on Wednesday, May 7th!

This is one of my favorite suits because I was going out to a seminar and a man from the Wall Street Journal said, "You look like someone in charge and running your own business."

"Yeah right, I wish…I’ve always wanted to be a leader, but I’ve never had the chance." He went on to tell me about an opening for an Assistant Supervisor and suggested I apply for the position. I said, "Yes. When can I start?"

I’ve been at the Wall Street Journal for a month now and it’s been great - thanks to my favorite suit that Suited for Change gave to me to apply for a job!

Following a nervous breakdown due to a high-pressured job as a Contract Specialist for the Navy, Saundra got off the fast track. After some rest, relaxation and medical attention, she mustered the courage to return to work - slowly.

Her journey back began in the summer of 2001 with a “suiting” at Suited for Change. “Merely from getting dressed for work, I felt, ‘Wow, I’m back. I’m ready to go back out into the world . . . On the day she headed out for a job interview, she recalls wearing a light blue silk suit and pumps from Suited for Change.

“I was offered a job the very day I was interviewed!” Saundra exclaimed.

Saundra’s exposure as an evening Front Desk clerk led to a position as a Property Manager for a few privately-owned units in her condominium, and a nomination to serve on the Board at a local non-profit clinic on 14th Street. Through the transitions, Saundra has continued volunteering at Suited for Change.

In her spare time today, Saundra can be found reviewing parliamentary procedure and organizational Bylaws in preparation for her newfound responsibilities and respect as a Member of the Board of Directors, Unity Health Care Inc.

Congratulations Saundra!

My first visit was to get clothes only. When I first came to Suited for Change I was in a shelter, trying to get out of school to get a job, any job. My mind and body were weighed down. I had so much fear and confusion; I attended the Personal & Professional Seminars anyway. I was rushed and overwhelmed; I had to get out of the shelter and back to the man I needed to get away from. I was working and my blood pressure was up. I was getting fatter and more depressed.

Lost

I seemed to function all right. I even did a promo that aired on Channel 7 for Suited for Change. I spoke at a fundraiser for them. I still was not getting the entire message, but I knew that I had to stay connected. There are good people here at Suited for Change. I needed to get what they had: self-assurance, courage, motivation, and the willingness to share without a need to take something from you. Those are the qualities that I saw in the women at Suited for Change. The mental anguish was taking me down, not to mention the other daily physical pains I experienced. People wanted stuff from me and I had almost nothing to give myself, let alone anyone else.

The Guiding Light

Unknown to me, I was giving to others every time I spoke about thrift store wardrobes and letting go of fears at seminars or anger management classes. I finally got to the point I felt I had the right to say “No” to what I thought was wrong and “Yes” to me. With the encouragement of the staff and volunteers as they said, “You can and you will,” I started to believe that I could. They were my therapy. They were putting the tools there for me to use. If I did not know how to do it they were there with the input and advice. I came up with the answers that started to work for me.

Revived, The Journey continues

It is my turn. I have finally started to present ideas for the future. I volunteer whenever I can, assisting in the ‘suiting’ of other ladies. I have grown so much. I have a sideline business making gift baskets and silk floral arrangements. I made one of my designs for Suited for Change’s 9th Annual Celebration & Auction back in May. I am making choices for my life; I am releasing hurt, anger, becoming self aware, more assertive, confident, and self-loving. I am able to communicate my feelings and not be afraid or ashamed to do so. I am more open to what is out there, to explore things positively. I think that I am well suited for the changes in my life because of Suited for Change.

I am Leary, alumni of Suited for Change. I would like to share with you what has been given to me from Suited for Change…………..

4 years ago I was introduced to Suited for Change after completing a training course in automated office skills held at “So Others Might Eat,” a Catholic charities organization.

At this time, I was starting my life over from years of abuse with one addiction to another. This new life I have now is in part greatly improved by generous efforts of people as yourself, that feel people can change their lives for the better if they are given a chance. You have stepped out on faith with your gifts and contributions to make a difference in someone’s life. Suited for Change has been a catalyst for me by empowering me through seminars on presentation skills, interviewing secrets, workplace strategies, and business/social etiquette. I learned how to look good and feel even better in the beautiful wardrobe made available to me from Suited for Change.

Since my rebirth, the opportunities that have been made possible to me are overwhelming. My life has greatly changed since that day four years ago. I began as an account associate with Xerox, learning how to program many series of machines there. I attended the Xerox University and expanded my skill level to include repairing the machines. I am now an Operations Technical Support Manager for Xerox at the Department of Energy overseeing a large crew of technicians.

I gave a speech on the Supreme Court to a room full of judges and lawyers about the need for more support organizations such as Suited for Change to continue to improve the quality of life for many that reside in the District.

My favorite pastime and part-time job is volunteering at Suited for Change; I bring to the table my new experiences in the workplace that may help another woman be better prepared. I have come full circle due to the people who cared, who chose to be a part of the solution and extended a helping hand.

Many new avenues have opened for me in the past four years; I have even done a commercial with Kathleen Matthews of WJLA-7, informing the public how Suited for Change has assisted me in changing my life.

In closing, I just wanted you to know how truly grateful I am. I am sure that I speak for all women whose lives have been changed by the empowerment of lectures, seminars, and events given by Suited for Change. Thank you!