Honoring our veterans is important, but supporting them in our community is essential. Sarina Fazan stopped by Dress for Success Tampa Bay’s location at CareerSource Tampa Bay on Friday, November 6, 2020, to learn more about their “Celebrating Women Veterans” event and to see first-hand what the nonprofit is doing to help female veterans transition to civilian life.

Traditionally, Dress for Success Tampa Bay has honored female veterans with a Veterans Day luncheon in St. Petersburg, but, due to the pandemic, this year was a little different. The nonprofit instead hosted a two-day, appointment-only event for female veterans, taking place on Thursday, November 5th, and Friday, November 6th. Attendees received recognition for their service, gift bags, virtual makeovers, and a complete outfit! Items such as gift cards from Chick-fil-A, thank you cards from Pace Center For Girls, and donations from Nothing Bundt Cakes made the event unique from previous others.

During the two-day event, three female veterans were scheduled every hour at both local Dress for Success Tampa Bay locations, in compliance with COVID-19 guidelines. Even with social distancing, all participants felt the love and support from the nonprofit. Martha Addison, a female veteran who served 23 years in the U.S. Air Force, attended the event and was overwhelmed, yet honored, to be celebrated for her service.

Martha says, “Truthfully, I’m honored that they would honor us because you don't normally find female veterans who truly are honored.”

If any female veterans missed the event, Katie McGiill, the executive director of Dress for Success Tampa Bay, encourages them to call the nonprofit at (813)-259-1876. In addition to civilian work attire, Dress for Success Tampa Bay offers a network of support female veterans as they transition from military service.

Dress for Success Tampa Bay offers programs within the community to help transition women toward self sufficiency by addressing their social and economic needs in relation to work, home, and community. Since starting operations in 1998, Dress for Success Tampa Bay has provided professional attire for more than 25,000 women to secure employment. Though the nonprofit is much more than providing a new outfit, they provide knowledge and direction to help change women’s lives to redefine their purpose in achieving success.

The nonprofit relies on grants, donations, and fundraising events to continue offering services locally. General donations can be made via PayPal at https://tampabay.dressforsuccess.org, and up-to-date sale information will be posted on the

Dress for Success Tampa Bay Facebook page at facebook.com/dressforsuccesstampabay

HELPING FEMALE VETERANS