The women in the most recent graduating class from Project
Self-Sufficiency’s Higher Opportunities for Women (HOW) employment skills
training program have gained far more than just marketable office skills. Several graduates have already secured
employment while others will be building on their progress by furthering their
education. All of the participants have
gained confidence, a sense of professionalism and the support of a peer group
as they continue on the road to self-sufficiency. The sixteen-week HOW program combines intensive
computer skills training with classroom instruction and off-site externships to
prepare women who have been out of the work force or underemployed to seek
entry-level office administrative positions.
The program is funded in part by
a donation from the Huber Family, longtime supporters for Project Self-Sufficiency. Computer training and classroom instruction takes
place at the agency’s campus which is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton.
“Project Self-Sufficiency’s Higher Opportunities for Women program is a
pre-employment training program designed to help women who have been out of the
workforce for a long period of time or those who may be entering the workforce
for the first time,” explains Cora Chandler, Coordinator of the agency’s Higher
Opportunities for Women (HOW) program.
“In addition to computer training, the curriculum gives women the professionalism
and confidence to contribute to the workforce in a significant way. We are happy to celebrate with our graduates.”
The free HOW program is offered in the spring and fall, with an
abbreviated version, Summer Office Skills, taking place during July and
August. The program involves extensive
computer training and assistance with resume development and interview skills along
with classes in life skills and workplace etiquette. Eligibility is based on a variety of factors,
such as experience, education, income-level, family situation and other
issues. The program culminates with an
externship at a local workplace.
Participants graduate with the skills they need to venture into the job
market as an administrative assistant.
Current program graduates include Aimee Hernandez, Sarah Hooshmond, Linda
Kernusz, Greta Sappah, Rena Ursetti, Dusty Wilson and Susan Zeman. “Year after
year, several of the participants who start the HOW program have already attained
their goal of securing employment before the end of the sixteen week
course. This high rate of job placement
is just one example of a why the HOW program is so successful,” comments Chandler.
Each session, the Huber Achievement Award, named in honor of Project
Self-Sufficiency benefactor B.W. Huber, is bestowed on a program participant in
recognition of her outstanding progress throughout the program. This session’s recipient is Sarah Hooshmand
who served her externship at Sussex County Community College. “Sarah succeeded in achieving her goals of
increasing her confidence in the workplace and trying new tasks,” commented
Chandler. “Sarah is now better prepared
to enter the workforce.”
The next session of the HOW program launches
on February 13th. To enroll, or to find
out more information about the program, call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500
or 844-807-3500, or visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org.
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