Who We Help
Clients
Our clients range in age from 16 to 65 and are referred to our program by 340 non-profit job training agencies in the GTA.
Since its inception in 2000, DYB has outfitted more than 6,500 clients with 32,500 outfits ranging from business casual to formal.
In 2008, we outfitted over 1,000 clients. Our clients are 80% women and 20% men and approximately 60% are new Canadians. In November 2007, DYB extended its services to children and outfitted over 100 children in the first month.
Contact us
clientreferrals@dressyourbest.ca
Success Stories
Here's what clients have to say about DYB:
I just would like to thank you for the great service i received last Wednesday. Facing the difficulty of being unemployed since last summer and having almost nothing appropriate to wear for my upcoming interview was making me feel insecure and that's when I heard about Dress You Best in the JFC. (Just on time). On my visit I was treated with respect and in a very friendly manner, the clothing you provided me with made me feel more confident for my interview last Friday. I must admit that as soon as I hear that I was going to get free use clothing I was kind of afraid of how I was going to be treated, I honestly didn't expected to find people with such a pleasant attitude and willingness to help others with patient and enthusiasm; the clothing I got was actually nice, I got a skirt suit (very fashionable) and two pants, a couple of sweaters (unfortunately because of my size I couldn't find a pant suits which I was hoping for), I even got shoes, one spring jacket, one coat, a hat and a scarf. What more can I say than thank you, thank you so much for a wonderful experience, your courtesy and generosity is gift in itself; keep up the good work of giving hope to women like me in stressful and difficult situations.
- Ramona
Hello Frances at DYB,
I wanted to get back to you and let you in the great news, I got the job at Waterloo and couldn't have done it without the very skilled team you have there!
I would like to thank you, Elaine, Berris and Stephan for styling my new wardrobe! You guys do a great job in inspiring people!
Once again thank you very much,
- Rick (Client referred from JobStart)
I was assisted by Nathan, one of your Stylists at the Dress Your Best boutique. He helped me to assembled a variety of executive outfits for my new business, in a variety of ways I could not have done so on my own. His excellent sense of colour and style are greatly appreciated. I can already report that my new wardrobe has positively impacted my business. Thank you Nathan & Dress Your Best.
- Lea
I came to "Dress Your Best" today to be outfitted with more clothes for upcoming interviews, and hopefully, a new and wonderful job.
I must admit, I didn't have very high expectations of the quality of clothing that you may have, and what a pleasant and unexpected surprise it was.
I found items from Jones New York, Louben, Harrod' of London, Nine West and Steve Madden. I personally got a virgin wool and cashmere winter coat that was like brand new.
I think what you are doing is a much needed and generous service. Being out of work is quite damaging to one' self esteem, and with today' economy, it is difficult to find work that could enable someone to purchase the calibre of clothing that you provide.
Again, thanks from the bottom of my heart. You helped raise my confidence in re-entering the work force.
-Maria
"It was a challenge for me to come and ask for free clothing. I really appreciate the work you are doing. Thanks to God for passing me along your kind hospitality. Specially, I would like to admire the gentleman Stylist, Mr.Juul Haalmeyer. He was very committed to making me comfortable and to looking good. May God bless him abundantly."
- Tewodros
"I wanted to let you know that 13 of our participants that have accessed the Dress Your Best service have found jobs. This is a success story: A young man was successful in overcoming his perceived discrimination while apartment hunting by wearing the clothes arranged for him by a DYB volunteer stylist...... He was feeling frustrated and at the point of giving up his search for an apartment, he felt that because of the way he looked no one would allow him to sign a lease with them. He decided to make another attempt to find an apartment and this time he wore the clothes selected for him by DYB volunteer and was successful in signing a lease. He is now in a more stable housing situation in part by the help of DYB. Thank you." Thanks for your service.
- Amy Capern, Counsellor, St. Christopher House, North West Toronto Youth Job Corps (TYJC)
"I want to share with you the joy and gratitude one of our clients felt after using your services to get ready for a job interview. Elham came back to tell us how helpful and supportive your staff were in outfitting her with beautiful, appropriate attire for her interview. Having previously gone through a very negative experience with another organization similar to yours, she was very hesitant to come to you for help. However, after my staff visited your Open House, they were able to convince her that the quality of customer service & clothing selection would be worth her while. Indeed it was, and she was glowing with pleasure. Programs like yours are instrumental in building the self-esteem that is needed for job seekers, and we're glad to be able to refer clients your way."
- Pat James, Program Manager, LawrenceSquare ERC
"I would like to take this opportunity to Thank You for the wonderful service you provided my client. My client and I found the personal and caring touch that you provided to dress my client heart-warming. Your staff of volunteers took the time and used their expertise to assist my client in dressing him in the most appropriate clothing that was needed for him to go out in the workplace and look his best. I honestly did not know much about your program, but I am glad that I came to see for myself the excellent work that you and your devoted volunteer staff do. I hope that you continue your rewarding service to the people who need it most... The people who want to gain back their confidence in the workplace and with your services they will have one less worry about appearance going out there to face society."
- Demetra Katsigiannis, Employment Consultant/Job Coach from JVS Toronto
"What a Great experience I had Wednesday at Dress your Best. Thank you SOOO much for the positive help and reinforcement I received while I was there. Remember the lady with the small "childlike feet", that' me, ( over 50+ but feels younger). Oh! what a nice time and all the really excellent help I received. Went home and wanted to "wear" all the stuff I got to bed, however will only wear to job interviews etc. I wanted to let you know really fast that I really appreciated your help in the wardrobe and personal department. I will be telling my worker, (Ms. Ali #403 at the Scarborough Social Services (1225 Kennedy Rd.) what a positive experience I had. I am So HAPPY I was able to take the opportunity to lift myself with a few clothes and GREAT volunteers and helpers. Thank you again,"
- J. Eber
"I appreciate your help. The clothes I have got from Dress Your Best helps me to feel more comfortable and confident during the interview process. I think that you do a very good deed for newcomers' benefit. Thank you for your kindness and encouragement."
- L.R. from the Adult Learning Network
"I am very pleased to write this letter to say a special 'thanks' for your assistance during my visit to Dress Your Best. I would like to mention that I was positively impressed with the attitude of the people volunteering there. They were really helpful and friendly. I believe this is a great mission to help people get what they need in order to improve their chances to find a deserving job. Thank you very much again. I wish your organization successful development and good luck!"
- S.S., MS Office student from the ALC Training and Development
"My thanks to you and all those behind the scenes of the Dress Your Best program for providing me with a work wardrobe. The skirts, jackets, blouses and dress slacks provided by the program are essential tools that were always out of my reach during many years in the system and while working in various low-paying positions. After struggling for so long to overcome the seemingly insurmountable barriers to success in my life, I feel very fortunate and extremely grateful to receive clothing that allows me to feel confident that I am now dressed for success. I was impressed with the level of understanding, the non-judgmental attitude, and the practicality of the help I received from you and Mary, who was so helpful and patient. I was actually surprised and delighted that DYB could provide such a good selection of quality clothing in my size and meet my particular need for long-sleeved, high-buttoned tops. Words cannot convey how much your kindness and the generosity of your donors means to me at this point in my life. Dress Your Best and you, Jessica, are to be commended for actively demonstrating that it is always possible to contribute something worthwhile that adds to the quality of life for others. Thank you and best regards."
- DYB client from the Ontario Works Program (2001)
"I would like to thank you very much for the clothes I got from you. It would have cost me a fortune if it was not for your organization, which came to my rescue. Please keep up the good work of helping people who are in need like me. I wish you the best and I pray that you will continue to do such good work. Thank you very much."
- DYB client from the Youth Employment Services (2002)
"I have spoken to my client and she is very pleased with her clothing and the service she received. I would like to thank you very much for assisting her with her preparation for work. I will certainly encourage the counselors here to utilize your service to assist our clients who need it. Very best wishes!"
- Coordinator, Counseling Team from St. Stephen' Employment and Training Centre
Refer a Client
Are you in need of DYB' services? In order to use DYB' clothing service you must be referred by your job counselor after completing a job training course. If you would like to begin the job training process please visit 211Toronto.ca or visit our list of 340 non-profit job agencies that currently refer clients to DYB.
Refer a Client to Dress Your Best
As pro-employment social workers, you can refer your job-ready clients to Dress Your Best. DYB is designed to be the final step to job preparation process. As you well know, your clients have access to countless free programs; assessments, resume workshops, computer programs, and specific job training programs. Clients must have actively participated in such workshops and programs and successfully completed them. Contact clientreferrals@dressyourbest.ca for an e-copy of the latest referral form.
Refer a Family to Dress Your Best 4 Kids
Dress Your Best for Kids outfits children, from infants to teens with clothing for school and warm clothing for winter. Our goal is to improve children's self esteem and to aid famlies with limited budgets to clothe their children. Contact clientreferrals@dressyourbest.ca for an e-copy of the latest referral form.
Referral Agencies
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | |W | X | Y | Z
A
Ability Learning Network
Accessible Community Counselling & Employment Services (ACCESS)
ACT - Employment Action - AIDS Committee of Toronto
Aldercentre
B
Bickford Job Finding Club
D
Daily Bread Food Bank
E
Elizabeth Fry Society of Toronto
Elizabeth Haywood Centre for Women
Employment Training Social Services
Epilepsy Toronto
Eva' Phoenix
H
High Park & Parkdale Social Services
Homeward - Woodgreen Community Centre
Humber College - St. Clair West Employment Resource Centre
J
JCP Service Canada
Jewish Vocational Services (JVS)
Job Start Career Action for Newcomers
John Howard Society
M
March of Dimes
Massey Centre
Midaynta/Culture Link
Miziwe Bilk Aboriginal Employment & Training
N
Native Child and Family Services of Toronto
Neighbourhood Link Support Services
Newcomer Employment Services Toronto
North York West Social Services
O
Oasis Addiction Recovery Society
Office Workers Career Centre
Ontario Disability Support Program
Ontario March of Dimes Job Finding Club
Ontario Works Training Program
On-Track Pre-Employment Program for Women
OWLware Ltd.
P
Parachute
Progress Career Planning Centre
PTP - Job solutions & Preparatory Training Program of Toronto
R
Re-Employment Services for International Professionals
Rosalie Hall
Ryerson - Internationally Educated Social Work Professionals
RYRC- YMCA
S
Scarborough Job Finding Club
Scarborough West Social Services
Seneca College
Sistering
Skills for change
St. Christopher' House - Employment Skills Development Program
St. Stephens Community Service
T
Times Change
Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre
Toronto District School Board
Toronto District School Board - Pieces of Hisory Practice Firm
Toronto District School Board - Adult Learning Centre
Toronto Social Services
Toronto Youth Job Corps
V
VPI
W
WIN
Woodgreen Community Centre
Working Skills Centre (WSC)
Y
YMCA - GTA
YMCA - Richmond Hill
York Humber Social Services
Youth Employment Services (YES)