Tjepko provides clothing to people with a minimum income who are going for a job interview.

Tjepko Brander, a steward at KLM, was at home due to the coronavirus and responded to a call from his employer to volunteer. 2500 colleagues from The Blue Brigade spread out across the city during the pandemic. Eight people started at Dress for Success, including Tjepko. He started working as a stylist. It is volunteer work that suits him like a glove because before his work in the air, he worked in men’s fashion.The Dress for Success store on Burgemeester de Vlugtlaan was founded and is run by volunteers. Amsterdammers with a minimum income can go there for a free job interview outfit. Whether you are applying for an internship, paid job, or volunteering position: everyone on the path to economic independence is welcome in Dress for Success stores. You can choose a nice outfit for the job interview, and if you get hired, you can come back for an additional clothing set to make a good impression for the time being.

Happiness and more self-confidence

Tjepko: “I am enthusiastic about Dress, it is a fantastic concept. It gives so much joy and satisfaction to dress people well and listen to their beautiful stories. You give people, by appointment, an hour of exclusive attention, a listening ear, job application tips, and a beautiful, usually brand-new set of branded clothing. In my work as a steward, the contacts are more fleeting. At Dress, I get a glimpse into the lives of people who are not having an easy time. I admire the resilience of a young refugee from Syria, highly educated, who is applying for a job in the cleaning industry to build a new life. There are poignant stories of Amsterdammers who have to get by with very little money. This volunteer work brings joy and a boost in self-confidence to our customers.”

“I helped a woman with a little child, she was tired, even a bit worn out”

“When her child was playing, I listened to her story and dressed her in a beautiful outfit. When she came out of the fitting room, she was surprised. She was wearing an outfit she would have never chosen herself and was glowing in the mirror. She was a different person. She was a woman who was happy to receive a surprise from me as a volunteer, that’s fantastic. After a few weeks, she came back, she got the job, she stood excitedly at the door and shouted from 1.5 meters away, ‘I want to hug you, man, thank you so much!'”

Really listening is a gift for many people

Volunteers at Dress for Success are open to people, make quick and easy connections, can truly listen and give attention to individuals. And of course, dress someone for the position they are interviewing for. “You know how to dress people so that they feel really comfortable in their new outfit. We run the store together with a great team of volunteers. It’s nice if you see the work and make it a beautiful day together. It was good to hear that Dress’s management appreciates the dedication and energy of the Blue Brigade, and now that we are back in action, they want to keep us as volunteers. This requires flexibility, and Dress has it.

Ready to get started at Dress for Success?

Dress for Success Amsterdam is looking for multiple Stylists who are available at least 1 day a week to style our clients. They are also looking for a content manager who can increase visibility and brand awareness. Additionally, they are searching for an IT employee and an HR employee.

Curious about all volunteer opportunities in Amsterdam? Our online job board has over a thousand. For every talent and schedule.Search online or make an appointment with one of our mediatorsThank you for using WordPress!Text: Nettie Sterrenburg
Photos: Huub Zeeman,VCA Media