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HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – In these trying times, all it can take is a sudden illness or accident to send someone into financial trouble.
That’s what happened to Renee Imes of Kaneohe.
“I might feel a little worried, but not anymore. Like I actually feel good wearing it,” she said, referring to a dress she received from the YWCA’s Dress for Success program.
For many it is just a dress, but for her it is a symbol of a new life.
It’s been a long journey for the former mortgage professional — the 51-year-old was pursuing a medical career when everything changed.
“In 2016 I had a radical hysterectomy. It was an hour and a half surgery that turned into about seven hours,” said Imes, who added that her failing health led to multiple chronic illnesses.
“Every year since then I’ve been in hospital or dealing with something that’s come up. The previous person I knew myself to be was gone,” she said.
Imes fell into a depression – and struggled to dig himself out.
“We want to survive, we want to do better for ourselves. But sometimes we need a little Cinderella moment,” she said.
That moment came earlier this year when someone in a Facebook support group suggested the YWCA program. She put her pride aside and sought help.
“It’s like therapy. “Being humble and accepting the therapy was the best decision I could have made for myself because I was going to drown and I was drowning,” she said.
Since 2003, the YWCA has offered free professional clothing, personal styling services and job training to help women achieve financial independence.
“The main goal is to be able to help women feel confident, to be able to stand up and present their best when they go to their interviews and show up for their jobs every day,” the YWCA director told economic progress Stephanie Himano.
Program manager Denise Kitchin saw Eames during her personal styling session and said many clients are undergoing a transformation on the outside and inside.
“It felt like a real Breakfast at Tiffany’s moment with Audrey Hepburn,” Imes said. “It’s the first time I’ve worn a dress in probably about 25 years and I felt good about it.”
“For me, it really saved my life,” Imes said.
To help more women have access to affordable workwear, the YWCA holds a sale at the end of each month with clothing priced at a dollar.
It is also running a fundraising campaign until the end of September. To donate, click here.
Eames is now working toward a nursing degree. Without generous donors, she says women like her wouldn’t be able to afford to get their lives back on track.
“You’re helping to save lives and you’re helping to change lives,” she said.
To learn more or enroll in the program, visit the YWCA Oahu website, call 808.695.2603 or email dfsh@ywcaoahu.org.
Clothing donations are accepted Monday and Thursday only from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Drop off donations at YWCA Laniakiea, 1040 Richards St. in downtown Honolulu, at the Member Services Desk in the main lobby. No appointment necessary.
Copyright 2022 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
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