Not for profit organisation Dress for Success Sydney (DfS Sydney) has received the annual Helen Tamaki Grant from The Salesforce Foundation to help fund its Job Support Group.

The Salesforce Foundation Helen Tamaki Grant of $25,000 was set up in memory of a Salesforce staff member, Helen Tamaki, who passed away. It’s given to organisations that are doing great work in the community and those that would have aligned with Helen’s values.

The grant will enable DfS Sydney to offer a range of scholarships to women in need and provide job and career support for those looking to enter or re-enter the workforce.

“The grant has already enabled us to provide seven scholarships to women in need. Through the Salesforce Foundation’s generous donation, these deserving women are now on their way to a better future,” said Dress for Success Sydney founder Megan Etheridge.

At the heart of the Salesforce Foundation is our 1-1-1 model of integrated corporate philanthropy which leverages the resources of Salesforce for public good: donating 1% of Salesforce’s equity, 1% of employees’ time, and 1% of product to help non-profits achieve their missions,” said Davinder Mann, Foundation Programs Manager for the Salesforce Foundation Australia.

“The foundation is proud to support DfS Sydney. We believe it is not just changing the lives of Sydney women; it’s also having a positive impact on their families and others in the community. We believe they are the perfect fit for the Helen Tamaki Grant,” continued Mann.

Scholarships were awarded for a range of purposes, including a certificate of Aromatherapy, a three-stage Improvisation course, a certificate of aged care, and funding towards laptops and computer equipment to aid the search for employment.

Scholarship recipient Julia was thrilled to receive funding towards a Mac Book Pro which will enable her to complete a course in audio engineering.

“It’s my dream to set up a business that uses audio technology as an alternative healing remedy for mental health issues. Having access to my very own device means I can inject all my passion and time into making this dream possible.”

Sherryle also received funding to complete a certificate of aged care at TAFE, as well as driving lessons.

“With one of my children having special needs, I frequently have to seek transportation assistance to ensure they get the right support. Having driving lessons and ultimately achieving my license, not only ensures I can better support my children, it also means there are no restrictions to where I can seek employment,” Sherryle said.

Over the past 12 months the Job Support Program has helped hundreds of local women to rebuild their confidence and work towards sustainable employment.

“Our goal is to help women in need achieve economic independence. We don’t discriminate; our services are available to any woman who requires assistance – whether they need professional work attire, mentoring or help writing a CV. This grant helps us take this support to the next level,” Ms Etheridge added.

The Career Support Program is aimed at providing clients with skills to help them find employment. It builds on the charity’s core dressing program and plays an important role in helping women dress appropriately for the workplace, to maintain employment in what can be, for many of them, a very challenging experience.