The path to recovery can be rocky—it helps to have the right pair of shoes.
On June 8, organizations teamed up to provide shoes, clothes, purses and jewelry to women struggling to recover from addiction.
About 30 women who participate in Project LINK attended La Boutique, held at Lifepoint Church in Fredericksburg.
The Fredericksburg Area Association of Realtors collected nearly 1,500 pieces of clothing and accessories to be donated to women who receive services from Project LINK, Beauty From Ashes, Empowerhouse or Hope House.
Wells Fargo Mortgage, Embrace Home Loans, and NSWC Federal Credit Union also helped with La Boutique.
About 100 women came to the event, browsing through racks filled with suits, dresses, skirts and pants. They shopped from racks of shoes and tables laden with jewelry and purses. In all, about 100 women came to La Boutique searching for clothes to help them as they search for work or start new jobs.
Organizers strived for a boutique vibe, with dressing rooms, personal shoppers and soft music.
The professional clothing and personalized service helped women regain their self esteem and realize they are worth the effort of starting a new life, said Project LINK Specialist Ivy Lee.
“A pair of shoes really can change a life,” Lee said.