'First-Of-Its-Kind' Career Coaching Program for Low-Income Women
In New Jersey

January 17 2003 - MADISON, N.J., /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Dress for Success(R) and At&T Wireless Launch 'First-Of-Its-Kind' Career Coaching Program for Low-Income Women In New Jersey. Personalized Career Coaching from Nonprofit A Hand UP Coaching Helps Low-Income Women Retain Jobs, Build Careers

Dress for Success Morris County in New Jersey, the not-for-profit organization that provides business attire and career development support to low-income women entering or re- entering the workforce, and AT&T Wireless (NYSE: AWE) today announced the launch of the Dress for Success Career Coaching Program for low-income women in New Jersey.

The Career Coaching Program will offer women complimentary one-on-one career coaching sessions with professional coaches to equip them with the tools, knowledge and resources to retain employment and advance their careers.

Recognizing that only 48 percent of former welfare recipients remain in the same job after one year, this new program provides Dress for Success Professional Women's Group members in New Jersey with career coaching sessions to help them overcome barriers to maintaining employment. Professional career coaches from A Hand UP Coaching, a nonprofit providing coaching service to low-income individuals, offer a series of coaching sessions to address common workplace challenges, including absenteeism, due to lack of affordable childcare and/or transportation; behavioral issues; and lack of basic skills.

"While there are numerous programs that help women enter or re-enter the workplace throughout the country, many agencies stop servicing clients once they gain employment, leaving these women to face many new challenges alone," said Pam Reyes, Dress for Success Morris County in Madison, New Jersey.

"We are pleased to support the Dress for Success Career Coaching Program as it reflects our commitment to promoting the positive role that increased communications can play in providing individuals with lifelong skills and knowledge," said Paul Schreier, AT&T Wireless NY/NJ General Manager.

"Extending one-on-one career coaching, a service considered very valuable for high-level executives, to the women who need it most will improve their professional development and economic well-being, as well as strengthen the fabric of our communities, " added Schreier.

Dress for Success Worldwide is a not-for-profit organization that provides business suits and career development to low-income women. Founded in 1996, Dress for Success has expanded to more than 70 cities in the U.S. Canada, New Zealand and the UK. To date, Dress for Success has helped more than 100,000 make tailored transitions into the workforce.

The Professional Women's Group (PWG) is a job retention program for Dress for Success clients who have recently entered the workforce. PWG seminars provide a safe environment in which members develop their professional skills, learn how to network, and feel supported by other workingwomen. It is the first and only job retention model that moves low-income women towards self- sufficiency by addressing their social and economic needs in relation to work, home and the community. There are currently 42 PWGs in 72 Dress for Success locations with 2,500 members.

Founded in 2001, A Hand UP Coaching is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing coaching tailored to individuals seeking assistance in leaving unfavorable environments, including shelters, government assistance and low- income situations. A Hand UP Coaching matches low-income women with professional coaches from the International Coach Federation or from an accredited coaching school, who volunteer their time at no cost to the client.