Local non-profit reaches milestone in helping residents enter the workforce
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) – For the first time ever, a Springfield nonprofit has helped 1,000 people in a single year — and one woman who once relied on it is now helping lead the charge. Western Mass News spoke with her as she reflects on how her life has been changed and what she has done to give back.
“I was at a dark place in my life, and I wanted to figure out what is my next step in life,” for years, Springfield’s Precious Jones has worked to rebuild her life — and help other women do the same.
She was released from incarceration in 2016, determined to find the right path for her and her kids. Four years later, she had founded Dress for Success of Western Massachusetts. Let’s just say it changed her life for good, “they taught me how to be on time, how to be early, how to advocate for myself, how to love myself, even how to dress myself,” Jones said.
The western Mass Branch of Dress for Success has been active for 27 years. The nonprofit provides the opportunity and support for low-income women and gender nonbinary people to achieve economic mobility. They also help clients build careers — offering free professional clothing and development programs for women.