Women’s Empowerment is seeking used prom dresses, bridesmaid dresses or other formal gowns for formerly homeless women to wear at this year’s Celebration of Independence Gala. Plus-sized gowns are especially needed. Dresses can be delivered to Women’s Empowerment, 1400 North C Street, Sacramento, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Hours on Tuesday are 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Dresses are needed by Aug. 10 to allow time for alterations.

“This is a chance for women in the community to let their old dresses take on new life as they strengthen a formerly homeless woman’s independence and self-esteem,” said Lisa Culp, Women’s Empowerment executive director.

The 11th Annual Celebration of Independence Gala will take place 5:30-8:30 p.m., Oct. 4, at The Grand, 1215 J Street, Sacramento, and will feature a formal dinner, live and silent auctions, live music, and presentations from the graduates and local community leaders. Tickets are $85. For an additional $85, local residents can sponsor a graduate to attend the gala. For tickets or sponsorship opportunities, call (916) 669-2307.

Women’s Empowerment offers the only comprehensive job-readiness program in the Sacramento area designed specifically for women who are homeless and their children. The 2009 Nonprofit of the Year has graduated 939 homeless women and their 1,379 children. Last year, 94 percent of graduates found homes and 74 percent found jobs or enrolled in school. The program combines self-esteem courses, job training, health classes and support services to help homeless women across diverse ages, races and cultures. Women’s Empowerment is funded solely through private donations from the community. For more information and to donate online, visit www.womens-empowerment.org.