For over a decade, Dress for Success has served as a beacon of hope, opening its arms to women navigating the exciting, yet sometimes daunting, challenge of entering or re-entering the workforce. Its mission offers hope and support through mentorship and finding the perfect professional outfit that ensures a powerful first impression at an interview. At its core, Dress for Success has always been a mission of love: a deep commitment to uplifting the community as a whole by recognizing people’s potential and worth and fostering sustained economic independence.

 

Originally founded by the visionary leader Elaine McNeary, Dress for Success Bakersfield quickly established a significant presence, setting up shop within Bakersfield’s historic Haberfelde building at 1416 17th Street. The store itself is a powerful testament to the community's extraordinary generosity; just by looking in through the store windows, one can see countless high-quality donations of professional clothing, shoes, and accessories, all meticulously prepared to find new homes and empower the women who will wear them.

 

In early 2025, a dedicated team came together to ensure the shop's vibrant future. Led by Bryan Burrow of Intrepid Business Resources, LLC, a strategic plan was created to keep Dress for Success operational through a difficult season. A new board comprised of prominent community leaders established a path forward that would create sustainability and maximize impact for Dress for Success within the community. Elaine graciously passed the torch of store management to local entrepreneur, Heidi Shubin.  Anyone who knows Heidi knows that she is a beacon of love in every room she enters; when asked why this mission means so much to her, Heidi said, “I have personally experienced starting over. I’ve experienced going from nothing with no confidence to where I’m at today … there’s always hope, and there’s always a way out. We’re here to give them that hand up.”

 

Beginning in 2026, Dress for Success Bakersfield is set to significantly expand; a major new initiative will be the introduction of comprehensive workforce development courses, and Dress for Success is strategically forming partnerships with agencies that serve the most vulnerable populations in our community, ensuring that these vital resources reach those who need them most. In a move towards greater inclusivity, the organization will also begin to accept donations of women’s and men’s clothing, ensuring that professional attire and support make it into the hands of everyone facing employment challenges. 

 

The Seven Oaks community is warmly invited to become a vital part of this mission. You can contribute by donating new or gently used professional attire; Dress for Success also encourages local businesses to coordinate internships or job opportunities for its program participants. 

 

Dress for Success will be hosting a Sneaker Ball on March 14th, 2026 at the Boys & Girls Club of Kern County; please join us for this fabulous affair! By partnering with Dress for Success, the Seven Oaks community gains the power to tangibly change the future trajectory of someone in need, fostering lasting self-sufficiency and hope.

 

1717 17th Street Bakersfield 93301

661.748.1809

Open Tuesday – Thursday 10am – 3pm