Dress for Success opens bigger, better facility in Raleigh

It's a one-stop shop with five times the space of the old place, complete with career coaching rooms, a career center and a boutique where women entering the workforce can get gently used, business-appropriate attire.

"We give them the opportunity to meet with a career coach, an image coach, have an opportunity to create their resume, a cover letter and get professional attire,” said Beth Briggs, executive director of Dress for Success.

Sometimes suiting up for the dream job doesn't involve a blazer or collared shirt.

Sherri Lopez, a nurse, is one of 8,000 women who have participated in the program. She headed back to work three years ago after being laid off.

"I was laid off before I was introduced to the program, and I was with this company for 20 years,” she said. “And the layoff just kind of left me lost somewhat because I was just like, ‘What's next’?"

For Lopez, outfitting herself for work means scrubs.

“Dress for Success is providing women with confidence to restore their dignity, help them restore their self-respect knowing that they can do anything they want,” Briggs said.

The new facility is open, but clothing donations will not be accepted until September.