BY MATT SCHOOLEY

When the time comes for a job interview, one of the most important things is to look good. But what if you can’t afford to?

That’s where Lisa Maria-Booth and her group of volunteers come in.

Maria-Booth is a member of the board of directors for the New Hampshire chapter of Dress for Success, which provides women who are looking to get back into the  workforce with the clothes and other means they need to get a job to help turn their lives around.

The program also provides a career center with computers to help with the job search as well as monthly support meetings for the women who are coming off financial assistance.

At the meetings, the women get the chance to talk with others who have gone through the same things they have, as well as guest speakers who talk  about subjects such as managing finances and feeding families healthy meals on a limited budget.

According to Maria-Booth, the group provides far more than just the clothing the women need for their interview.

“It really does enable and empower these women who truly are disadvantaged,” she said. “They come in really down, and after as little as 45 minutes, they leave feeling like they can do anything.”

Though the group is not currently in need of clothing donations, it has a fundraising event planned for Thursday, Sept. 20, with speakers including author Jodi Picoult and former New Hampshire Gov. Jeanne Shaheen.

The fundraiser, which will take place at the Concord City Auditorium, will raise money for multiple aspects of the program according to Maria-Booth.

“Many of the women we help don’t have cars, so we would like to purchase a van to have a mobile unit,” she said. “In addition, we only have one location in the state and there are women all over who need help getting on their feet. Eventually, we’d love to open another location.”

The first part of the fundraiser will be a meet and greet with the speakers, with tickets for that portion as well as the reception costing $50. For $15, guests will be able to purchase tickets to the event, which Maria-Booth hopes will seat about 800 people.

In addition to monetary donations, Maria-Booth encourages New Hampshire residents to volunteer. Many of those who are volunteering have been through the program, gotten jobs and want to give back to those going through the same process.

For information on tickets to the Dress for Success fundraiser, contact www.dressfor
success.org/newhampshire, or a limited number of tickets will be available at the door.