Five job seekers in Brunssum step into work-ready wardrobes with new partnership
Five candidates from Better Neighbors in Brunssum received a confidence boost for their job hunt: a full wardrobe makeover from Dress for Success. The new collaboration helps trainees present themselves professionally as they transition into paid employment.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | Better Neighbors |
| Partner | Dress for Success |
| Location | Brunssum, Limburg |
| Number of Candidates | 5 |
| Certification Earned | Practical Certificate |
| Key Attendees | Alderman Merle Brüning, Ellis Rutgers (Vista College), Chantal Huynen (Dress for Success) |
| Event Date | March 19, 2026 |
Better Neighbors is a local initiative that prepares individuals for the labor market through skills training and job application support. The Municipality of Brunssum and Vista College play a supporting role by facilitating these programs and fostering partnerships with organizations like Dress for Success.
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Better Neighbors Collaborates with Dress for Success
At Better Neighbors, people are prepared for paid employment. This is done by teaching a variety of skills, as well as helping them make a strong impression during job applications. Recently, five candidates received a complete wardrobe makeover from Dress for Success!
The professional style advisors at Dress for Success help job seekers find clothing that allows them to present themselves well during interviews. Better Neighbors has recently partnered with Dress for Success. As part of this collaboration, individuals who earn a Practical Certificate in one of the training programs at Better Neighbors can then receive suitable new clothing and shoes from Dress for Success.
The Next Step
The new partnership between Better Neighbors and Dress for Success was recently celebrated during an event at Better Neighbors in Brunssum, where the five candidates received their Practical Certificates. Naturally, they did so in their brand-new outfits.
Attending the celebratory gathering were not only the guests and their partners or family members but also Merle Brüning, Alderman of the Municipality of Brunssum, Ellis Rutgers from Vista College (which provides the training programs), Chantal Huynen from Dress for Success, and the development coaches from Better Neighbors.
Gerard van Bakel, Director of Better Neighbors, congratulated the candidates on earning their Practical Certificates and the outstanding achievement they had accomplished. He declared them ready for the next step: a paid job!
The five candidates, with their Practical Certificates and new outfits. Far right: Ellis Rutgers from Vista College. Next to her: Alderman Merle Brüning. Third from the left: Chantal Huynen from Dress for Success. Photo: Emile Verhijden.