Employment Program Honored by Dress for Success
By Nicole Fogarty
JET Employment Coordinators Letitia Akens and Italo Medelius at the Gordy Awards.
Henry Street’s Job Essentials Training Program (JET) was honored at Dress for Success’ annual Gordy Awards last month. JET took home the Spirit Award, which showcases Dress for Success’ most supportive partner organizations. Employment Coordinators Letitia Akens and Italo Medelius accepted the award for Henry Street.
Dress for Success is a worldwide organization that works to “empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and life.” They’re most commonly known for their Suiting Program, where women are referred from partner agencies (like Henry Street) to work with a personal shopper and receive professional attire for interviews and beyond, all for free.
JET provides community members with opportunities to improve skills and build confidence to secure employment. Services include interview preparation, resume revision, job search assistance, career planning and more.
Over 100 JET clients have been referred to the Suiting Program, and the connection doesn’t stop there. Many referred participants then went on to increase their involvement in the organization, becoming Community Board Members with Dress for Success. On JET participant even helped Dress for Success pioneer a mentoring program among its clients after successfully completing Henry Street’s program and finding employment as a Case Manager at a nonprofit.
