Dress for Success promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support, and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.

Looking for a job, but are not able to afford professional clothes? Need help improving your job skills and career path? The WorkPlace can help through its Simply Suited and career development programs as an affiliate of Dress For Success Worldwide. 

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

Phone: 203.333.6505

E-mail: midfairfieldcounty@dressforsuccess.org

To ease the financial burden of workers with little or no savings or those struggling with prolonged unemployment, no-interest loans are available to help you in your job search. These loans can be used for job search related expenses such as transportation to and from job interviews, childcare arrangements, interview clothes, uniforms, and license fees.

Thanks to the JPMorgan Chase Foundation, you may qualify for a no-interest loan ranging from $50 to $1,000. Borrowers enter formal loan agreements that detail payment terms, participation in employment-related activities, and financial counseling. Prompt repayment of loans will help you to establish a successful credit history.

To be eligible for a loan, applicants must be identified through a program of The WorkPlace. A service provider must submit a recommendation letter for you. All loan money is paid to directly to a vendor.

Individuals seeking to apply for a JPMorgan Chase Job Start Loan must register for job search assistance at a Southwestern CTWorks Career Center.

For more information contact Gino Venditti (203) 610-8508

WorkPlace Scholarships provide opportunity to allow people to help themselves and better provide for their families. Through privately funded dollars, WorkPlace Scholarships provide job training, certifications, or career advancement for adults and youth who can’t access public funds and are unable to pay for it themselves. WorkPlace Scholarships are limited to residents of our 20-town workforce region.

To be considered for a WorkPlace Scholarship, you must visit a CTWorks Center and meet with a career counselor.  The counselor will assess your current skill levels, and administer tests to determine your job strengths.  Applications are reviewed based on financial need, the needs of the labor market, and funding availability.

CTWorks Centers are located in Bridgeport, Stamford, and Derby. Click Here to find the location nearest you, or call toll free (866) 859-8818.

Get up-to-date information on telecommuting trends in the United States and access links to local and national telework resources available to assist jobseekers, especially veterans and those with disabilities.

For more information go to:http://www.teleworktools.org

Better transportation services get more people to more jobs in the region, job retention increases the quality of life for residents, and the region's economy benefits from a mobile workforce. People to Jobs works to improve public transportation in cities and towns in Southwestern Connecticut so that residents can have better access to jobs.

You can receive assistance in your transportation planning as well as help navigating public transportation for employment and childcare at a CTWorks Career Center. 

For more information, visit: www.peopletojobs.org

People to Jobs is a partnership among The WorkPlace, CT Dept. of Social Services, CT Dept. of Transportation & the Federal Transit Administration.