Even in Texas, winter can be chilly, with piercing cold winds, icy storms and low temperatures. For this reason, residents of Presbyterian Village North (PVN), a nonprofit senior living community, recently gathered coats and other forms of outerwear for women in need. The women are supported by Attitudes & Attire^®, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting personal growth for women seeking self-sufficiency (these are all women who are either recovering from domestic abuse or drug abuse incarceration, as well as women reintegrating into the civilian community after serving in the military).

Founded by Lyn Berman in 1996, the idea behind Attitudes & Attire was simple: build the self-esteem of women entering the workforce and provide professional interview attire. Attitudes & Attire’s Core Program (job readiness and self-esteem) consists of three workshops designed to help women recognize their self-worth, create a positive image and improve job-search skills. Upon completion of the workshops, each participant is invited to select workplace-appropriate clothing from a beautiful boutique stocked primarily with donations from the community. Many of the participants are from the South or other warm clients and do not own coats, so the organization is calling on the public for help fulfilling these needs. In addition to outerwear, they accept any business clothing and are especially in need of plus sizes (16 and up).

Pam Altizer, a resident of PVN, is actively involved with the organization as a board member and volunteer, and was eager to enlist the help of fellow residents in meeting the needs of the women Attitudes & Attire serves. In addition to providing professional attire, the organization also offers educational workshops that enhance financial skills, interview skills and resumé writing.

Presbyterian Village North, a Forefront Living Community, is a faith-based nonprofit continuing care retirement community for active adults aged 62 or older offering independent living, assisted living, short-stay rehab services, skilled nursing and certified memory care. Nestled among 66 acres of wildflower gardens and putting green in North Dallas, independent living residents may choose from executive homes, patio homes or garden apartments. Assisted living residents enjoy private apartments, and private suites are offered for licensed nursing care, rehabilitation therapy, memory care and hospice care. Amenities include an 1,800-square-foot wellness center, computer center, billiards room, salon, meeting rooms, woodshop, library, business center, sewing center, pottery and craft center, full-time chaplain with weekly worship services and a 250-seat performing arts center. In 2011, Presbyterian Village North opened the nation’s most innovative therapy pool, the HydroWorx 3500, with an underwater treadmill, gait monitoring and massage jets, as part of its comprehensive wellness program. The retirement community was named one of the Nation’s best for 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 by U.S. News & World Report and Medicare, which ranks it 5 stars. In addition, PVN was recognized with the 2019 ICAA NuStep Pinnacle Award for their Top Five "Best in Wellness" achievements.