Project Self Sufficiency classes designed to help un- or under-employed women

NEWTON — Women seeking to enhance their employability skills and earning potential are are invited to attend an open house for Project Self-Sufficiency’s popular training program, “Higher Opportunities for Women”. The 16-week program will kick off with a a series of open houses; classes are slated to begin on Tuesday, Sept. 20. The intensive, pre-employment skills-development program is designed to assist women who have been out of the work force or who have been underemployed for a number of years. All instruction will take place at the agency’s campus which is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton. Open houses for the Higher Opportunities for Women program will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 15. Evening open houses will take place at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 8, Monday, Sept. 12 and Tuesday, Sept. 13. Interested participants are encouraged to stop by and learn more about the program. The comprehensive HOW program prepares participants to seek entry-level office administrative positions. In addition to 80 hours of computer skills training, the HOW Program includes 40 hours of classroom instruction and 120 hours at an unpaid externship at a community employment site, which further prepares participants for success in the job market. The time in the classroom is devoted to careering instruction, life skills training and interviewing strategies. Over the years, Project Self Sufficiency has partnered with a variety of local businesses, non-profit organizations and government entities to provide HOW participants with externship opportunities. Participants gain real-life work experience while honing the computer skills they have received as part of the HOW training program. Since the HOW program’s inception, more than 600 women have learned marketable skills leading to economic self-sufficiency. “Project Self-Sufficiency externs have been a valuable addition to our office staff at Rutgers Cooperative Extension,” commented Brian Olesak, Agricultural Program Associate at Rutgers Cooperative Extension. “The externs are well-trained, professional and ready to assist us in our outreach and research efforts. We have been very satisfied in our partnerships with Project Self-Sufficiency.” Linda Barry, a recent HOW participant who is now employed at the Sussex County Chamber of Commerce, credits the program for her success in landing a job. “I didn’t have a computer when I left the working world 18 years ago to get married and start a family, so trying to figure all of that out was a little challenging,” noted Linda recently. “I also didn’t think I had the skills necessary to find a good job.” Through the HOW program, Linda brushed up on her computer skills, practiced interviewing, and received on-the-job experience by working at Sussex County Community College during her externship. “I would not have had the same opportunities if I did not go through the HOW program,” remarked Linda. “It was a great success for me.” The fall session of the HOW program will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, beginning Sept. 20. For more information call 973-940-3500.