Training Program Helps Graduates Gain New Skills, Confidence and Employment

The most recent graduating class from Project Self-Sufficiency’s Huber Higher Opportunities for Women (HOW) employment skills training program have gained far more than just marketable office skills. One member of the group has already secured employment in her area of interest. Two have made arrangements to build on their progress by furthering their education. All 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 Huber 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 Huber 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, 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 Nereida Avilez, Cathie Bray, Heather Burke, Adrienne Desch, Mary Jollie, and Christine Primavera. “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 an example of a why the HOW program is so successful,” comments Chandler.

Each session, the Huber Achievement Award, named in honor of a Project Self-Sufficiency benefactor, is bestowed on a program participant in recognition of her outstanding progress throughout the program. This session’s recipient is Christine Primavera, who registered for the HOW program in order to upgrade her skills after a long period out of the workforce. She served her externship at Compassionate Care Hospice. “Christine is much more confident now,” commented Compassionate Care Volunteer Coordinator Ronnie Tutty about Primavera’s transformation from the beginning of the 16-week course, noting that Primavera took on several difficult projects during her tenure at the hospice facility. “She has blossomed into a person who is willing to take on any challenge we gave her.”

Primavera is grateful for the experiences that the program afforded her, and she is eager to continue her education and move forward with her job search. “When I feel good about my work I feel good about myself.”

The next session of Project Self-Sufficiency’s HOW program launches on February 14th. 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.