WILKES-BARRE TWP. — As Women’s History Month comes to an end, Wilkes-Barre POWER! hosted its monthly gathering on Thursday at Bettelli’s Villa to highlight the woman-owned business and a local women-led group that has focused on empowering women to gain financial independence.
Since its establishment in 2010, Dress for Success Luzerne County has assisted more than 2,000 women in the region to reenter the workforce by offering suitable work attire, a support network, and the necessary resources for women to succeed both professionally and personally.
“It's important that more people are aware of the program, not only to support it, but also to utilize it if they know someone in need,” stated Rachael Stark, vice president of Wilkes-Barre Power.
According to Linda Loop, CEO and founder of Dress for Success Luzerne County, the demand in the community for programs like the ones provided by her organization has increased in recent years.
“After the pandemic, women are still facing significant challenges such as childcare and the loss of service-related jobs, so in some cases, our donors have become clients,” explained Loop.
In particular, women who have been incarcerated encounter considerable difficulties when trying to rebuild their lives after leaving prison, and Dress for Success has recently initiated a program at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility to better prepare them for this transition.
The organization also set up a library at the facility, which according to Loop, is a precursor to various adult literacy programs.
Jessica Sheehan, the owner of Bettelli’s, disclosed that she herself was once incarcerated and apart from being a successful business owner, has been sober for 5 years now.
“I frequently meet women who have been impacted by Dress for Success, and it's very meaningful to me that everyone is here to support them and me,” said Sheehan.
Sheehan is the fourth-generation owner of Bettelli’s and formally took control when her mother passed away last year.
“Once I reached my late 30s, I fully embraced the concept of my family legacy and this woman-owned business,” she shared. “I believe I am in the right place.”
