Dress for Success Columbus has suited it's 1,000th woman for the workforce. The non-profit agency opened in early 2007 and helps foster economic independence of Central Ohio women ages 16-75.

The purpose of Dress for Success is to reduce dependency on government benefits and build the workforce by increasing the quantity and quality of employment opportunities for disenfranchised women. Dress for Success Columbus is the only workforce development agency in Central Ohio to offer progressive life skills training, career development programming and individualized dressing services.

Women are referred to the program by social services agencies in Central Ohio.

"When a woman arrives for her appointment, we first introduce our Career Center, sponsored by University of Phoenix. This resource area is appointed with computers for skill development and Internet job searches, and we schedule one-one-one HR consultations in a private conference room," says Vicki Bowen Hewes, executive director of the Columbus affiliate.

The Dress for Success Dressing Program suits clients in professional attire for upcoming interviews, and provides a week's worth of workplace appropriate clothing once clients secure employment. All services are free.

For more information, visit www.dressforsuccess.org/columbus.