Amanda Waugh began volunteering with the Louisville area chapter of Dress for Success about a year ago. “I don’t think women always realize how valuable they are,” Amanda says. “A woman, especially someone who’s a mom, is always giving, working, and doing for others, and she doesn’t always get to take care of herself. Dress for Success helps women find their value, which carries over to all aspects of their lives at home and at work.”
The organization’s no-fee programs includes a boutique where volunteers help clients choose professional outfits for job interviews; employment retention support to encourage and nurture professional growth; and job training that addresses the obstacles many women face during the job search process.
Amanda says this is her first volunteer position, and it has demonstrated to her how giving and helping others can be healing.
“I lost my husband four years ago, and then my mom two years ago,” she says. “Both losses were very difficult for me. When one goes through a loss, you tend to withdraw due to the pain you’re dealing with. Volunteering and helping others are such great ways to help one heal. It brings such joy to your soul — to know you were able to help someone even in such a small way.”
Her advice for anyone considering volunteering is simple: Give it a try!
“Even if it seems small, you never know how what you did to help someone may have changed their life,” Amanda says. “That person may just need to see your small act of kindness to give them hope and encouragement. It may be just what they need to keep going and deal with the struggles they’re facing at that moment in their life.”
Dress for Success Louisville welcomes new volunteers. Visit Dress for Success Louisville for more information.
By Kym Voorhees Raque | Photo by Randy Daniels
P.S. You may also enjoy this past article: Into The Unknown: Winging Toward A New Career.
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