Workforce Training Program Assists Women on the Path to Success

Low income women who may be interested in working in an office setting are invited to fine-tune their expertise or learn new skills through the Higher Opportunities for Women employment skills training program at Project Self-Sufficiency. The intensive program combines computer training with coursework in life skills and workplace etiquette, culminating in on-the-job experience in a local workplace. Graduates leave the program prepared to launch a new career as an entry-level administrative assistant. An abbreviated version of the HOW program, Summer Office Skills, will be offered beginning July 7th. Open Houses about the Summer Office Skills program have been scheduled for June. Interested participants are encouraged to contact the agency to register.

Project Self-Sufficiency participant Joan Towle is now employed as one of the part-time receptionists at senior living facility Bristol Glen as a result, in part, of the skills she picked up in the HOW training program. Over the years, Towle has taken advantage of many of the services available at Project Self-Sufficiency, including the food pantry and the Working Women’s Wardrobe, a program which provides free workplace attire to agency participants. Towle completed a medical receptionist course at Sussex County Community College, carrying a full course load while working overnight at Bristol Glen. Towle sought out the HOW program at Project Self-Sufficiency in order to learn computing skills. “Through the HOW program, I learned about Microsoft Word and Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. I learned self-esteem and job search skills.” Towle enjoyed her externship placement at Compassionate Care Hospice. “It was good to be involved in the workforce.” Towle’s long-term goal is full-time employment in a medical office setting. “I like interacting with people, greeting people, and answering phones.” Towle is grateful for the support she has received from Project Self-Sufficiency. “Project Self-Sufficiency is a really good place. It’s a great organization that helps a lot of people.”

Women who take part in the agency’s HOW or SOS programs can expect computer skills training, including instruction in Microsoft Word, Excel and other applications, along with classroom instruction and on-the-job training at a community employment site. Coursework focuses on workplace etiquette, life skills training, resume preparation, and interviewing strategies. Registration for the Summer Office Skills program is currently underway. Open houses about the Summer Office Skills program will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 1st; 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9th and Monday, June 15th; and at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 26th and Tuesday, June 30th. Interested participants are invited to visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org or call 973-940-3500 for more information.