Project STARS: Succesful Transition and Achievement for Returning Servicewomen

Women’s Rights Information Center has been awarded a $70,000 grant by Women United in Philanthropy to launch Project STARS: Successful Transition and Achievement for Returning Servicewomen. This new program will support women returning to Northern New Jersey following deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan. Collaborating partners in the project are Fairleigh Dickinson University, Bergen County One-Stop Career System and Women Lawyers in Bergen.

Project STARS was designed to address the unique needs of women veterans as they return from active duty. The three primary areas of focus will be: 1) Academic Preparedness for those who plan to take advange of GI Bill Education Subsidies, 2) Career Services for those seeking employment, and 3) Legal Assistance for those facing child custody or other family issues.

A minimum of 30 servicewomen will participate in Project STARS, at no cost, during the grant year. Candidates will be identified and referred by the Family Assistance Center at the Armory in Teaneck, the Office of Veterans Services at FDU, Veterans Reemployment Services at the Bergen County One Stop, and through other state and local veterans service providers.

Women United in Philanthropy, which began in 2005, is a giving circle based in Bergen County, with members of all ages from throughout the tri-state area who want to invest charitably and collectively to help women. Their mission...To promote and focus the philanthropic power of women to effect change in the lives of women in Bergen County... is closely aligned with the Women’s Center’s goal of helping women provide for themselves and their families and to achieve economic self-sufficiency.

Thank you, Women United in Philanthropy, for helping us serve those who have served our country. For more information on Project STARS, contact Suzan Burr.