Highlights, updates and news from Dress for Work

We’ve had a very busy time over the past few months with more than 150 participants coming through our program. This is a record number and a testament to the reach of Dress for Work in guiding young men, and those facing life challenges, towards positive outcomes.

Through our combination of employment workshops and styling sessions, participants have two vital takeaways departing with renewed direction and confidence.

Direction comes through learning the value of setting small goals to map out their paths. Focusing on manageable steps, makes the journey to success less daunting. It also bridges the gap between aspiration and accomplishment.

Confidence is equally important; graduates of our programs embark on their journeys with greater self-assurance than they’ve previously had. One quote we leave with our participants is from the poem Invictus, written by William Ernest Henley, "I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul." This shift in mindset empowers them to appreciate their goals and systematically overcome any obstacles that stand in their way.

A group of young students from Kingsgrove High School are currently working their way through our ten-week mentoring program. From our first meeting, they’ve grown tremendously both as individuals and within the group environment.

One of the first exercises was to ask them to stand up in front of the group and talk about themselves, but nobody was willing to share. Now they all have the confidence to present to the group, effectively communicate who they are and share their life goals.

“Through the weekly mentoring program, Saleh has been such a great motivation for our Years 10 and 11 boys. These students who were previously disengaged have been looking forward to coming every Thursday and speak so positively about the advice and skills that they have developed throughout the program. They feel more confident about accessing support and better understand their pathway options after school. Thank you to Dress for Work for being such an amazing resource for the school”.

Duong Tran
Career Advisor

One of our great new initiatives has been the creation of Empowerment Workshops, consisting of four modules, it teaches participants the importance of taking back control of their lives. Witnessing the transformation of mentality in the space of two hours has been a remarkable experience.

Program Coordinator, Saleh Jaidi has been able to share his own life experience with participants, to help them break down short-term goals, and map out ways to achieve them. At the end of the workshop, participants are fitted with a suit making them to look every bit as good as they feel.

As we grow, we are looking for more volunteers or corporate assistance in helping Dress for Work build and continue the important work we do. For more information on how you or your company can assist reach out to Saleh Jaidi.

[email protected]
phone: (02) 8709 0200

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Speaking at the recent OzHarvest Youth Program event was a truly enlightening experience. Witnessing young participants come together in a group setting to inspire each other toward self-improvement epitomizes the essence of such programs.

Saleh presented to the group, emphasizing the importance of focus and how it helps individuals take control of their future. This involves prioritizing essential aspects like obtaining a driver's license, acquiring additional training qualifications, and ensuring preparedness to seize opportunities when they arise.

“We are so appreciative of the invaluable and informative session that Saleh from Dress for Work provided the young people that we work with. He engaged them right from the very beginning of his session, showing a genuine interest in their dreams and passions. 

"His session was interactive and allowed them to reflect on his advice and how they could apply this to their own lives. We want to thank Saleh for his time, and we have no doubt that he provided the students with some inspiration and motivation to follow their own personal paths to achieve their goals”. 

Jo-Anne Hurwit
OzHarvest Youth Worker