Dressing for success is crucial as it significantly influences personal confidence and how others perceive and respond to you. When one presents themselves professionally through attire, it reflects a commitment to their services or desires. How you dress is a non-verbal communication tool in professional settings. Well-groomed and appropriate attire conveys respect for the environment and the people within it. Additionally, it enhances credibility and trust, as people associate a polished appearance with competence and reliability.
My name is Joseph Govreau.
First impressions are formed fast, and clothing plays a pivotal role in shaping those initial perceptions. Whether in a job interview, a business meeting, or a networking event, dressing for success communicates seriousness and preparedness.
Moreover, dressing well can boost self-esteem, creating a positive feedback loop between confidence and achievement. In essence, dressing 2 impress is not just about adhering to societal norms; it's a strategic tool that can enhance just about everything in your life.
Recently, we met up with a guy associated with a local charity that helps autistic persons gain confidence and impressive clothing needed to enter the workplace. Meet Joseph Govreau, a board member of Dress 2 Impress in Farmington and a walking talking sample of the company's help.
Hope 4 Autism at Dress 2 Impress is a resource for young adults with autism.
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My name is Joseph Govreau. I graduated from Jefferson College in 2023 and am currently at UMSL to pursue my BSW (Bachelor of Social Work). I was diagnosed with autism at age 21 after struggling both academically and behaviorally in high school. After failing out of college, I started looking for answers. After the evaluation and diagnosis of autism, I didn't know what to do next. I wanted to turn things around for myself.
They believed in me, and I started believing in myself.
I heard that Hope 4 Autism at Dress 2 Impress was a resource for young adults in the area. I met with Luann Honerkamp there, who went to school with my dad. I felt comfortable telling Luann about my recent diagnosis and the difficulties I was facing. She immediately asked if I would like to come by and attend a board meeting. I always saw myself as not smart and inferior, but being invited to speak with a board of directors about my journey? The validation this gave me was instrumental in turning my life around.
Fast forward a few years, I had worked with computers since I was 16 and got my first job as a computer technician at EleetTech, a local tech business. I liked the work, but I felt like I needed more. I wanted to make a more significant difference, so I decided to make advocacy my career. Hope 4 Autism showed me that my voice mattered and that I could make a difference. I decided to make this my future. I now work for Easterseals Midwest as a Self-Determination instructor, teaching students with disabilities how to find their voices. I can't imagine any of that would have happened without the simple validation I was given that day in the store. They believed in me, and I started believing in myself.
...as a member of the board for Hope 4 Autism, I feel like I bring experience and my story to the table...
Today, as a member of the board for Hope 4 Autism, I feel like I bring experience and my story to the table each time we meet. Every person on the board is willing to give so much of themselves to autism in our community. We share our perspectives on services and the future while we brainstorm. My favorite part of attending meetings is bringing ideas about how to grow our brand.
The PEERS program is designed to help teach adults on the autism spectrum about the soft skills needed for relationship building.
Dress 2 Impress is our retail store, but our operation has many branches. We have interns helping run the store while learning job skills and building references. I'm excited about the PEERS program. This program is designed to help teach adults on the autism spectrum about the soft skills needed for relationship building. While this helps from an employment perspective, this program also furthers our goal to help autistic people more holistically. I'm a graduate of this program and use it daily. The lessons regarding small talk and friendship building have become my daily playbook for socializing. While that might seem silly, the small intricacies of socializing with coworkers can make or break a person's ability to keep a job.
My name is Luann Honerkamp.
My name is Luann Honerkamp. I have lived in Farmington my entire life. I am married and have five adult children and four grandchildren. After taking a job as a paraprofessional in a local school district, I found that teaching those with challenges was a passion of mine. At age 30, I earned my Bachelor of Science in Education and began my teaching career at Desoto High School. I taught for 15 years when God called me to use my teaching talents in another avenue. Motivated by a personal connection, as I have two godsons on the autism spectrum, I felt compelled to ensure that individuals like them had every opportunity to thrive beyond high school. This conviction led to the establishment of the Visions of Hope Training Program.
Collaborating with Jessica Grunewald, we founded a not-for-profit organization to provide transferable work experience to young adults on the autism spectrum
Collaborating with Jessica Grunewald, we founded a not-for-profit organization to provide transferable work experience to young adults on the autism spectrum as they prepare to enter the workforce. The training platform for this work experience, Dress 2 Impress, also generates revenue to keep our organization thriving. Dress 2 Impress is a resale boutique that is open to the public. All items are donated, and then our interns learn how to prep the clothing for resale. We can offer high-end clothing at genuinely affordable prices.
Two of my sons are at different areas of the autism spectrum; both have significantly benefited from the programs at Hope 4 Autism and have also been given opportunities to give back to their community. To date, our efforts have resulted in the graduation of 53 interns from the vocational program and 12 teens/young adults who completed the PEERS program, which helps those on the spectrum make and maintain friendships.
Now, GET OUT THERE!
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