WorkingWoman.com is proud of its support for Dress for Success, a unique nonprofit agency that works with job-training programs, homeless shelters, and other partners to distribute interview suits to low-income women. The following profile is one of a series that will feature a woman whose journey toward a successful career was aided by this unique and inspiring program.

Like many teenagers, Amanda was hungry for independence and eager to experience life on her own terms. She left her home in South Texas at age 17, moved in with her fiancé, and was soon pregnant. Amanda took the opportunity to start a family, and to start her own adult life.

Amanda and her fiancé were happy with their baby boy, but expenses for their young family were high. They lived together, financially struggling and using credit cards to scrape by, for two years. When the baby was just 15 months old, Amanda's fiancé left home one day and never returned.

After he left, Amanda learned that both of the credit cards, which were in her name, were charged up to their limit. Bill collectors were also demanding $1,200 in outstanding charges on two cell phones her fiancé had purchased in her name. Amanda suddenly found herself a single mom with bad credit and bills she couldn't pay.

Frightened and alone, Amanda applied for food stamps and Medicaid. Like most states, Texas requires aid recipients to enroll in a job training program, and Amanda was referred to the Family Self-Sufficiency Program at her local housing authority. After she completed her training, Amanda was ready to go on job interviews, but she had nothing appropriate to wear and no money for a new work wardrobe.

Amanda was referred to Dress for Success, where she was outfitted with a complete interview suit, shoes, and accessories. "At Dress for Success, the ladies gave me a beautiful suit that was in season — fall colors — with a white blouse and a brand-new business portfolio," she recalls. Amanda was scheduled to go straight from Dress for Success to her first interview, so a personal shopper assisted her with her hair and makeup.

Amanda chuckles as she recalls the fear and anticipation she felt before the interview: "I was so nervous that I burnt my fingers with the curling iron. The ladies at Dress for Success immediately came to my rescue — they gave me ice to hold on my finger until I got to the interview. I had to travel 15 miles to the interview and I kept the ice on the whole time — but by the time I got close, the butterflies took over and my finger didn't hurt at all. The ladies were totally right, and they calmed me down so I could get to the interview in one piece."

So did she get the job? "Yes, I accepted a position as a customer service representative," Amanda said, "and after only two days, I was promoted to work on a special project as a program service technician at Del Mar College. I stayed on that job for three months and applied for another as soon as my probation period ended." Amanda didn't get that position, but because she had interviewed well she was referred to another department "because they thought I was a good candidate," she says.

Amanda ultimately accepted a position as a career consultant at Workforce Network, where she helps others in difficult predicaments get back on their feet. Amanda counsels TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) recipients, assisting them in developing employment plans and identifying barriers to success, and putting them in touch with community resources that can help them on the road to self-sufficiency.

Amanda continues to face her own challenges, both economically and emotionally. Fortunately, Dress for Success has stuck with her throughout this process. Once she landed a job, the organization invited her to become part of its Professional Women's Group, a career development association for clients who have started working. The group meets once a month to discuss issues pertinent to their transition into the workforce. One topic the group emphasizes is money management.

At a recent Professional Women's Group meeting, the Consolidated Credit Union came to speak about budgeting and credit-building strategies. Amanda credits the group with helping her move beyond living hand-to-mouth. "[The speaker] talked to us about how to shop and how to manage our credit cards," she recalled. "I learned that you're supposed to be able to pay the entire balance each month — it helps you build good credit, plus, if you can't afford it each month, you shouldn't be buying it! She also told us about their free one-on-one classes and invited us to attend as a next step. I took her card and put it in my business portfolio. I contacted her after the meeting, and we're going to have lunch later this month to talk about my financial matters some more."

Guest speakers at the Professional Women's Group cover a broad range of topics, from time management and workplace etiquette to continuing education and home ownership. But perhaps the greatest gift it offers its members is a supportive and nurturing refuge from the daily hardships they confront. "I used to be really shy and I didn't want anyone to know what I'd overcome," Amanda shared, "but now there's a safe space where I can go once a month to talk about me. It's boosted my self-esteem and helped me shine. And when I see these other single moms in awe, going through the same things I have, asking me for insight, I let them know they have the potential to make it. And that's what this group is all about."