The woman did not smile. She was unemployed, had an ill infant grandson and, having gained more than 100 pounds, could not get into her clothes.

Not even Pamela Taylor could get her to smile and Taylor, with her warm approach and empathetic tone can get practically anyone to smile.

Then Taylor realized there was more. The woman was missing some teeth and was reluctant to show it.

When I came I was a mess really, truly a mess, says the woman, Cynthia Gomez.

That was six years ago. Today, Gomez is among more than 5,500 clients helped by Taylor and the nonprofit Dress for Success San Antonio, which guides disadvantaged women in becoming self-sufficient.

What Taylor and her daughter started 10 years ago with little more than mildewed boxes full of women's professional clothing and an un-air-conditioned room at Travis Park United Methodist Church downtown has blossomed into a brightly lit center in the Wonderland of the Americas mall where women can get donated business suits so they can make a good impression on job interviews.

But beyond that, they find help in rsum writing, job hunting and interviewing. They have access to an emergency food pantry and even to outside help, such as dental care. Gomez now proudly flashes her toothy grin.

She's also off food stamps and out of subsidized housing and has won an outstanding-performance award at Xerox Corp. subsidiary Dahill, where she works in accounts receivable. She recently received a promotion and a raise.

The 52-year-old Gomez says she emerged from the worst time in her life by putting her trust in Taylor.

To hear (Taylor's) story just gives you inspiration, Gomez says. She cares about me. I care about her. She's there to help you.

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A success story that keeps on giving