Pathways to A Brighter Future
The Domestic Violence Employment Program and Dress for Success Wichita are designed to equip women with skills and resources to enhance their economic security and personal well-being, empowering them to thrive in work and life.
The Domestic Violence Employment Program supports survivors of domestic violence by offering transitional employment opportunities, skills training, and trauma-informed holistic healing resources to help them rebuild their lives.
Our Dress for Success Wichita program empowers women to achieve economic independence through a network of support, professional attire, and career development resources designed to foster confidence and career success.
General Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Domestic Violence Employment Program focuses on trauma healing, mentorship, healthy relationships, financial literacy, and case management. These services are designed to help survivors rebuild their lives and achieve stability through gaining stable employment.
No, we do not have a shelter. For immediate shelter needs, we recommend calling the 24/7 Harbor House Hotline at (316) 263-6000. If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.
If you are in immediate danger, please call 911. For shelter, contact Harbor House at (316) 263-6000. You can also reach out to the Harbor House hotline to learn more about SAFE Project, their outreach program offering case management services to domestic violence and sexual assault survivors.
You can contact us directly at (316) 262-3960 to speak with a member of The Women’s Network team. Otherwise, visit our Get Help page to review FAQ and learn more about our services.
Our programs are specifically designed to support women, particularly survivors of domestic violence, and to address their unique needs.
For men seeking assistance, we recommend contacting United Way of the Plains for information about available resources. You can call 211 for referrals or visit https://211kansas-resources.sophia-app.com/#/ to search for resources and make self-referrals.
No, all of our services, including professional attire and career development resources, are completely free for our clients. Our goal is to remove barriers and support women on their journey to economic independence.
You can support The Women’s Network by donating money to help fund our programs, volunteering your time and skills to assist with events or mentoring, or donating high-quality professional attire and accessories for our Dress for Success program. Visit our Give Help page to learn more about the specific ways you can contribute and make a difference in the lives of the women we serve.
Our programs are primarily designed for women in the Wichita area. If you live outside the area, we can help direct you to similar resources or organizations closer to you.
Employment Program FAQ
Our 14-week paid training program offers skill-building in employment, computer proficiency, and soft skills like communication and time management. Participants earn $10/hour and, upon completion, are connected to full-time employment opportunities or internships.
This program is designed to provide a supportive pathway to employment and self-sufficiency for those ready to make a positive change in their lives. Thus, to qualify for the Employment Program, participants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a woman and a survivor of domestic violence.
- Have stable housing.
- Have reliable childcare and transportation.
- Be drug-free.
- Possess a high school diploma or GED.
- Be available to participate in the program Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The Women’s Network facilitates three program cohorts per year, with applications opening a few months before each new cohort begins. When applications are open, you can submit yours online using the link or QR code provided on our website or program flyer.
Once submitted, all applications are reviewed by our Program Manager and Executive Director. If your application is selected for further consideration, the Program Manager will contact you to schedule an interview. During this interview, they will discuss the program in detail, assess your qualifications, and explore how your goals and interests align with the program.
To learn more about the Employment Program, download the program flyer here.
Graduates of the program are connected with full-time employment opportunities through partnerships with local employment partners, offering starting pay of $14/hour or more with health benefits. For participants seeking additional experience, we also provide the option of an 8-week internship, paying $12/hour.
If a participant has not secured a job by the graduation date, The Women’s Network team will continue to provide support and resources to help them find employment.
Having reliable childcare is a requirement for the Employment Program. If you need assistance finding childcare, we recommend contacting the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) to apply for Child Care Assistance. You can reach DCF at 1-888-369-4777, visit any DCF office to pick up an application or download a printable application directly from their website.
Another valuable resource is Child Care Aware of Kansas, which can help you locate affordable, high-quality childcare that meets your needs. For more information, visit their website at https://ks.childcareaware.org/.
The Women’s Network facilitates three cohorts per year, with a maximum of 15 women in each cohort. This small group size allows us to provide a personalized and supportive experience, ensuring every participant feels empowered and equipped to achieve their goals.
Due to the program’s limited capacity, the application process is highly selective. If you’re interested in joining a future cohort, follow us on Facebook and Instagram or subscribe to our email list to receive notifications when applications open and stay updated on The Women’s Network programs.
A high school diploma or GED is a requirement for the Employment Program. If you don’t have one yet, we can help connect you with resources to complete your GED, so you can enroll in the future.
“Getting Ahead in A Just Getting By World” is a curriculum developed by Phil DeVol. It is designed to help participants examine the barriers that keep individuals in poverty and create actionable plans for a more stable life.
As part of the Employment Program, it equips participants with the tools to build personal resources, recognize hidden societal rules, and identify opportunities for positive change.
By understanding these dynamics, participants are better prepared to achieve long-term financial independence and personal success.
Dress for Success Program FAQ
Dress for Success is a program designed to empower women by providing professional attire, career coaching, and job readiness support. Our goal is to help women build confidence and achieve economic independence. Participants receive high-quality professional clothing for job interviews and employment, as well as guidance to enhance their career skills and opportunities for long-term success.
Dress for Success provides a variety of high-quality professional attire to help women succeed in the workplace. This includes suits, blouses, dress pants, skirts, dresses, jackets, shoes, and accessories such as handbags and jewelry.
To accommodate different work attire needs, we also provide solid-colored scrubs and blue or black jeans for those whose jobs require more specialized or casual clothing.
Once you secure a job, you may receive additional workwear to build a wardrobe that meets your professional requirements.
No, you do not need a referral. We welcome appointments from any woman who needs professional clothing, as long as you have a scheduled job interview or have recently secured employment. Please call (316) 262-3960 to schedule your suiting appointment.
Suiting appointments are scheduled for 1 hour to provide a personalized, one-on-one boutique shopping experience. We are dedicated to ensuring your privacy and comfort, helping you feel confident and prepared for your interview or new job.
To make the most of your appointment, we encourage you to attend alone unless you require assistance. This ensures we can focus entirely on your needs and provide the best possible experience.
Yes, we proudly support transgender women through our Dress for Success program. To ensure your privacy and comfort, we offer dedicated suiting appointments on a designated day each week. For more information and to schedule an appointment, please contact the Dress for Success Program Manager at (316) 262-3960.
The clothing we provide comes from generous donors and corporate sponsors who donate new or gently used professional attire. We thoroughly review all items to ensure they are high-quality, clean, stylish, modern, and appropriate for a professional setting.