How did Bank of America become involved with Dress for Success?

Bank of America’s relationship with Dress for Success Oregon (DFSO) initially began seven years ago with modest financial support and a clothing drive to solicit donations from employees. But a deeper partnership quickly emerged as BofA realized it could play a larger role with DFSO in helping remove barriers for local women. And the timing was especially strategic, since DFSO was starting to evolve from just providing clothing to providing wrap-around workforce development services like job interview prep, salary negotiating, resume help and more.

Five years ago, BofA awarded Dress for Success its annual $200,000 Neighborhood Builder grant, which led to the creation and opening of a new Career Center at DFSO’s site in NE Portland. Since then, the relationship is closer than ever, with numerous BofA employees regularly volunteering in support of DFSO’s mission, as well as the company providing ongoing financial support, thought-leadership, clothing drives, board involvement and marketing assistance.

While the economy and unemployment rate in Oregon have both improved since the partnership began, Dress for Success continues to play a vital role in helping local women thrive in their career journeys, by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive. And BofA continues its support of those efforts, and rallies its customers, clients and other companies to join in helping DFSO. “For us, this is about much more than just writing a check. It’s about ‘going deep’ to truly help Dress For Success be successful locally, so they can positively impact even more women’s lives,” said BofA Market President Roger Hinshaw.

TO LEARN MORE: https://oregon.dressforsuccess.org | bankofamerica.com/women