Carol came to
the Women’s Opportunity Center after the company where she worked for many
years closed suddenly. She was fearful about her future and her skills were a
bit outdated. She attended the support group and worked with the staff on
updating her computer skills. She began applying for positions and when a good
opportunity for a full time position presented itself, she was ready. Her new position will allow her the
opportunity to use the skills she has as well as learn some new skills as she
grows with the company. We are excited about the possibilities and wish her
much success in her new career.
Denise initially
came to the Women’s Opportunity Center looking for support and guidance in the
midst of her divorce. She had some recent work experience but had been unable
to find full time employment. After just a few months of attending legal and
financial workshops as well as the support group and numerous appointments with
the career coach, she has a full time job and is moving forward with her new
life. We couldn’t be happier for her. Congratulations, Denise!
Petra was referred to
the Women’s Opportunity Center after her husband told her he wanted a divorce.
She had given up her full time career after the birth of her daughter and had
only worked part time to supplement the family income. Petra diligently worked
with the career coach to build a resume and research a new career. She
dedicated a great amount time to attending workshops, gaining confidence and
job searching. We are so proud of Petra and happy that her investment of time
at the Center has paid off! Petra is now pleased to be working in a field
that is well suited to her and her interests.
When Shirley T. first came to the WOC, she was seeking
direction. She had spent the last 12 years being a family caretaker and
had been unable to hold a job outside the home during that time. Now
faced with having to live independently, Shirley worked with the career coach and
attended workshops in hopes of finding her new path. Her self esteem
blossomed and she became excited as she anticipated the possibilities that lie
ahead. Shirley is now working at a job she really enjoys.
Congratulations Shirley – you’ve come a long way!
We are so proud to announce that three women in our program
have chosen to pursue new careers and have completed their chosen occupational
training programs. Tisha recently
completed training for Microsoft Specialist and is now working in an
administrative position. Danielle
and Renee have both completed
training to work in the medical field and will pursue positions working in a
medical office. We commend these women for their strong commitment and
dedication to their training. We wish them the best of luck, and we are looking
forward to seeing them happy and working in their new careers.
After many years at home, Theresa had to return to full time employment
following her divorce. She attended many workshops at the Women’s
Opportunity Center to gain strength and find direction. Her previous career had
been in IT but with the gap in employment and the constant evolution of that
field, she found additional training was necessary to bring her skills current.
She found an appropriate program that fit her needs, and when completed the
program, she eagerly jumped on her job search. In a matter of only a few weeks,
Theresa found a great job. We are so proud of Theresa for her success in
returning to work in the IT field and becoming such a strong and independent woman.
Congratulations, Theresa!
Valerie came to the Women’s Opportunity Center
following the permanent disability of her husband. She has 3 small children and
she
knows she will be their sole source of financial
support. Valerie has a passion for teaching and had completed over half of the required classes to obtain her degree
prior to her husband’s accident. She desperately wanted to finish her education
but she was struggling with the financial burden. With the help of the
Career Coach, she applied for several scholarships being offered to displaced
homemakers, and she has successfully been awarded two so far!
Valerie received $2000 from the AAUW and $3000 from the Burlington County
Soroptomists. We are very proud of Valerie and also very excited to have had a
part in helping her achieve her goal!
When Renee first came to the
Women’s Opportunity Center, she was recently unemployed and she was facing a
divorce. It was a time filled with uncertainty but with the help of the career
coach and the self esteem building workshops, Renee was soon able to formulate
a plan. She applied for an educational grant and began attending classes to
become a medical assistant. One by one she passed the tests for certification.
She worked with the career coach to build her resume and began applying to
doctor’s offices. We are so proud to say that Renee recently obtained a
position and is off on her new career path! Congratulations!
Susan came to the WOC seeking emotional support and help with making important
career decisions. She wanted to access the workshops and the support group
along with anything else the program had to offer. Susan is the owner of a small business that
was struggling. In May, Susan received the New Beginnings Award from the
Displaced Homemakers Network. It is an award that will help her sustain and
hopefully grow her business. Susan inspires us to remember that it’s never too
late to accomplish your dreams. We will continue to be by Susan’s side to
support her in her journey to self sufficiency! Congratulations Susan, we are
very proud of you!
Angelica came to the Women’s
Opportunity Center in search of support and guidance. She had recently become
unemployed and as the sole support of her household, she was eager to get back
into the workforce. She began attending the support group and worked with the
career coach on some modifications to her resume. In very short order, Angelica
was able to find a good position for which she was perfectly qualified. She is
very happy with this new career opportunity and we are looking forward to
watching her succeed.
This month we would like to celebrate Dawn. When she first walked into the
WOC, she was at the end of her long term marriage and uncertain how to start
over. Dawn attended workshops, worked with the career coach and used the
computer lab to job search. Her path was not easy but we are so proud of how
far she has come. This month she began working at her new full time job! She is
thrilled and we are thrilled to have been a part of her journey!
When Tina walked in to the
Women’s Opportunity Center, she was looking for assistance with her job search
after recently becoming unemployed. She committed many hours to both working
with the career coach sharpening her job search skills, and working on the
computer submitting applications for positions using her financial background.
After only a few interviews and two short months, Tina landed a job in banking!
We are so very proud of Tina and congratulate her on her success!
Wanting a fresh start following a divorce, Geri B. left her lifelong career to return to NJ to be closer to
her family. Now as an unemployed single mother, a concerned friend recommended
Geri to The Women’s Opportunity Center. She attended workshops and worked with
the Career Coach to prepare her with a resume and interviewing techniques.
Through WOC, she was selected as a recipient of the South Jersey NAWBO
scholarship. This scholarship provides her with a year of free networking
events and other learning programs led by business leaders. Geri found the
encouragement she needed through WOC, and has successfully found a management
position. We wish Geri much success in her new position!
Danielle A. was awarded an academic scholarship
for $2,000 through the Women’s Opportunity Awards program sponsored by the
Soroptomist International of Burlington County. This annual award is given to
improve education, skills and employment prospects. Danielle will use
this scholarship to offset her tuition for the certification program she is
presently attending. Congratulations Danielle – we are so proud of you!
Almost a year ago, Gail came into the WOC for the first time. She had been unemployed
for over a year, was living with family and was feeling very frustrated with
the job search process. Gail attended every workshop she could and took
advantage of the career closet and resume guidance. She was anxious and scared
at times but she continued to work very hard on herself. Today Gail has secured
a full-time position with a medical office and has retained her own apartment
that she is thrilled with. We are so happy for Gail and so proud of her
accomplishments!