Dress for Success Midwest and Dress for Success Kansas City
Empowering confidence through professional attire, career development, and holistic, wrap-around support.
Program alumni are improving their credit, building emergency savings, and reducing personal debt.
Studies showed a six-fold ROI of $6.85 for each dollar invested in Connections to Success services over a three-year evaluation of our work.
The average cost of all annual program services is $2,025,000 over a two-year evaluation of our work.
The Pathways to Success program reduces costs to taxpayers through lower reliance on the court system, Medicaid, foster care, and prison services.
Pathways to Success graduates contribute to an increase in annual tax revenue of $1,434,430 over a two-year evaluation of our work.
70% of participants are still employed nine months after getting a job.
84% of participants report reduced conflict in co-parenting relationships after going through the Pathways to Success program.
Within six months of starting work, 82% of graduates experience an increase in earnings.
The recidivism rate for program graduates is just 14% – and drops to 8% among those in the mentoring program, compared to the 44% national average.
Reduction in annual incarceration costs of $4,950,000 over a two-year evaluation of our work
74% of participants secure employment shortly after completing the program.
Igniting Careers. Transforming Futures.
Dress for Success is about more than a new wardrobe. It’s about restoring confidence, affirming dignity, and equipping women to thrive in work and in life. At Connections to Success, we proudly operate Dress for Success Midwest and Dress for Success Kansas City (Keisha’s Closet), where women can access personalized styling, professional attire, and career support that reflect their goals, identity, and experience. Whether it’s a job interview, a new role, or a special occasion, our program helps women look and feel seen, valued, supported, and ready to succeed, empowering them to pursue their goals with dignity and hope.
When women come through our doors, they’re often facing moments of transition that go far beyond clothing. They may be navigating barriers related to employment, caregiving, reentry, recovery, displacement, or systemic inequity. They bring determination, resilience, and potential – and what Dress for Success offers is the tailored, inclusive, and affirming support to help unlock that potential and achieve lasting change. We ensure that our participants feel prepared for whatever comes next, and we do that by providing access to professional attire, a network of support, and career development tools to help them thrive in work and in life.
Our Professional Women’s Groups extend this impact by offering inspirational speakers, educational presentations, outreach and service opportunities, and social events, becoming a true sisterhood of mutual support and encouragement. Whether it’s personal styling, career services, or our PWGs, what sets Dress for Success apart is our supportive approach – creating spaces where women build confidence, connection, and community that lasts.
Learn more about Dress for Success:
In less than a year, Haley went from returning citizen to college student, youth specialist, and now Connections to Success team member. Her journey shows just how far courage and connection can go.
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Connections to Success helped me see a future I didn’t think I deserved. Now I’m building that future and helping others build theirs.
– Haley (Connections to Success Alumni)
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After almost five years in a federal prison, Tina rebuilt her life through Connections to Success and became a successful heavy equipment operator. Today she is transforming skilled trades through innovative, accessible childcare that helps parents thrive in their careers.
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I went from feeling broken to feeling unstoppable. Sometimes all you need is someone to believe in you until you can believe in yourself.
– Tina (Connections to Success Alumni)
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After nearly 13 years in prison, Wanekii rebuilt her life with determination, faith, and the support of Connections to Success. Today, she is living her best life with a career, a family, and a future filled with opportunity.
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I refuse to let my past define me. The personal and professional development training taught me skills, but also taught me to believe in myself. And that changed everything.
– Wanekii (Connections to Success Alumni)
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With support from Connections to Success, Kesha went from seeking stability to earning two advanced degrees, becoming a nationally recognized speaker and author, and helping other women break cycles of poverty. Her success shows what’s possible when confidence meets connections.
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Today, I’ve completed my educational goals, achieved homeownership, and continue striving toward my career goals. I hold a master’s degree in organizational leadership, I’m a confident speaker, and recruiting guru.
– Kesha (Connections to Success Alumni)
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Once trapped in an abusive relationship and struggling with despair, Jana found safety, support, and a path forward at Connections to Success. Now a self-published author, keynote speaker, and host of an internet radio show, she’s rewriting her story and empowering others to do the same.
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I felt there was no way out… but I asked for help and started a new chapter in my life.
– Jana (Connections to Success Alumni)
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Where Connection Creates Change
Every participant’s journey is different, but they all start with one thing: being ready for a change. At Connections to Success, we walk alongside individuals eager to rebuild and reclaim their futures. From earning a living wage to becoming leaders in the community, our alumni are proof that lasting transformation is possible. Their stories remind us why this work matters and inspire us to keep going.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Dress for Success program only for women?
Dress for Success exclusively focuses on serving women. However, Connections to Success extends free professional attire to men as well as women. Our men’s clothing is provided through our separate men’s wardrobe boutiques.
Who is eligible to receive clothing through Dress for Success?
Anyone participating in a Connections to Success program or who is referred by a partner agency with an upcoming job interview may access our clothing items. We welcome women in all stages of life.
Can I donate clothing to Dress for Success?
Yes! We accept gently used and new professional clothing items that are clean, current, and on hangers, along with shoes and accessories. Donations help ensure woman we serve have access to inclusive, high-quality options that reflect her unique identity and goals. You can drop off your donation at either of our Dress for Success locations on Thursdays between 9:00 am-4:00 pm.