MOM’S EXPERIENCE PAYS OFF
by Bonnie Strauss, Career Counselor

CH was a young single mom with a strong background in medical office work, who had been laid off from her position as a Secretary. The past year had been a struggle, since she had a young child at home, was job searching in a difficult market, and had learned she had another child on the way. While trying to search for a position, CH visited an agency in her area that encouraged her to contact our Center’s Career Counselor for assistance.
I spoke with CH and gave her some pointers on how to step up her job search, and also discussed ways to avoid the pregnancy-based barriers that employers might raise when selecting new hires.
I encouraged her to look beyond her past work experience and seek other types of jobs that could utilize her transferrable skills. I informed CH about a local job fair for childcare workers in a Daycare Center. After consulting with her other non-profit for some joint encouragement, she decided to attend. After all, she did have personal experience raising a child!
CH interviewed with the staff, and impressed them with her background and personality. Because the location was close to her home, it was easy to arrange care for her child. They offered her a job on the spot!
In this year’s economy, with the job market getting much harder to compete in, it pays to consider all of your skills and options. Programs like ours are important for assisting job seekers in discovering how their backgrounds and experiences can work well in different jobs and situations.
In addition to our large group of in-house job seekers, Women’s Rights Information Center provides career counseling and assistance to clients like CH who are referred by other non-profit organizations.

Picture left: Bonnie Strauss, Career Counselor

 

HOUSEMATES WELCOME
by Angele Leaptrot, Shared Housing Counselor

HG was renting a small house with her cousin when they learned from the homeowner that the house was going into foreclosure. HG’s cousin decided to move out of state leaving HG looking for a room with only her disability payment. I learned from HG during the interview that her disability did not preclude her from doing some services around the home.
BC was laid off from her job after 15 years. She came to the Center for career counseling and learned about our Shared Housing Program while she was here. BC bought her home 10 years ago, and was fearful that she’d have to sell it if she couldn’t find employment. BC told me she had a 2 bedroom home and lived alone. I explained the program to her and she enrolled. I was immediately able to place a mother and daughter in her home for a transitional 2 month stay.
I then introduced BC to HG and it was arranged that HG would move in as soon as the mother and daughter left. BC requested that HG help her with yard work such as mowing, weeding etc. in return for a low contribution. BC found new employment through her job search at the Center, but loves having a housemate help her around the house, so she has decided to be a long-term provider for the Program.

DINER FOOD FOR THOUGHT
by Juanita Turner, Job Search Counselor

When a prospective Rapid Resume client called for an appointment, I asked how she had heard about the service. She said she’d been trying to find a resume writer in Bergen County for over a month and was about to explore services in Manhattan.
She recounted how she was sharing her frustration with a friend over lunch at an Englewood eatery when a waitress approached. Having overheard part of the conversation, the waitress apologized for eavesdropping but told the woman that I had created a “dynamite” resume for her sister.
Not only has the woman booked an appointment, but the friend’s husband is thinking about coming in as well. Just a reminder that a satisfied client is still the best advertising.

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
by Juanita Turner, Job Search Counselor


CL, a vibrant divorcee “just this side of 60”, came for advice on how to use her enormous energy, diverse talents and client service attitude to get a fun, fulfilling job. During her marriage, CL had worked on and off at part-time and temp office and retail jobs and had cared for a few elderly family members.
She had also jumped in to perform a variety of tasks when workers at her ex-husband’s building maintenance company called in sick at the last minute. Not surprisingly, CL developed skills in light plumbing and electrical, painting, carpentry and “industrial strength” cleaning. While she also had a working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, CL was determined not to be “cooped up in an office”.
Because CL was completely out of touch with today’s employment scene, I suggested that she attend a North Jersey Media job fair just to look around, but primarily to sit in on the seminar given by my friend Eli Amdur who writes the Career Coach column in the Sunday Record. There is something for everyone at these seminars, but CL came away with the conviction that her entrepreneurial spirit was her greatest strength.
A few months later CL launched a cleverly named domestic diva/personal assistant/handywoman serv-ice targeted to the many single professionals and retirees in the thousands of high-rises, co-ops and condos in northeast Bergen County.  CL’s first satis-fied clients quickly paid dividends in repeat business and referrals.

CL is already in a position to pick and choose among interesting jobs like apartment-sitting, help-ing to plan a 50th wedding anniversary celebration, assisting with the opening of a summer home and driving more than one fun-loving senior to and from Atlantic City.  CL will also take on more mundane tasks such as delivering FiFi to the groomer and making your bathroom tile sparkle almost as brightly as the smile she’s wearing these days!

 

A CRITICAL EYE APPLAUDS CENTER’S WORK
by Joan Grzenda, Executive Director


Harvy Lipman, a journalist at the Bergen Record, covers the activities of area non-profit organizations. When he called to request an interview, he had already done his homework. In his article on the Center, published on June 24, he acknowledged “the organization may be relatively anonymous to poten-tial donors, but its programs attract more than 2,000 clients annually and win near-unanimous praise from government officials and other charities”.
During the course of his research, Lipman interviewed the NJ Dept. of Community Affairs, Div. On Women Director, Janice Kovach, who confirmed, “they’re a wonderful organization.  I’ve sat through some of their programs. They help women build that level of self-confidence they need to go back into the world and do what they need to get done.”
During his examination of our financials he learned that in comparison to other non-profit organizations, we are in the high range of dollars spent directly on programs. “We already knew all of this, ” states Grzenda, “but it was nice hearing it from an impartial party, known for his critical analysis of organiza-tions.” To read the article in its entirety visit http://www.northjersey.com/news/charity-watch/20730524.html

CHECK THE WRIC WEB!
Manuel Mesia, Computer Instructor/Coordinator and Webmaster, designed the Women’s Rights Information Center’s website two years ago. It is always changing, with new information and pictures. Browse through the Photo Album and you will see a complete view of the faces seen at the Center. Check the News, and the latest issue of the Women’s Center Bulletin is there, available for downloading. From calendars to commemorative mugs, Manny has included it, in a highly design-oriented manner. Thank you, Manny, for taking on learning the pro-grams DreamWeaver and Fireworks to provide such a lively public face for the Center!
www.womensrights.org

CENTER RECEIVES NJAWBO AWARD
Executive Director, Joan Grzenda, accepted the prestigious “Rose & Scroll Award” on behalf of Women’s Rights Information Center at the New Jersey Association of Women Business Owners (NJAWBO) annual awards ban-quet in June.
Joan Grzenda “This award can be shared by all the dedicated people who have given their time, talent and special abilities at the Center, con-tributing to the eco-nomic development of low income women and families in our community over the years” notes Grzenda.

NJAWBO’s primary objective is to support and encourage business ownership by women. Since 1978, the organization has been helping women achieve their business visions by providing them with the tools to develop and grow their enterprises.
In September, NJAWBO is sponsoring two entre-preneurship training courses at our Center for any-one interested in starting their own business: Are You an Entrepreneur?, and Start Right - Business Plan Basics. See page 9 for details. To learn more about NJAWBO, visit www.njawbo.org.

 

CALLING ALL GIRLS!  CALLING ALL WOMEN!  THEY CAME TO WOMEN’S EQUALITY DAY AUGUST 19
The Center was packed on August 19 with women, some in their eighties, teenagers, 11 year olds, and many others celebrating the 88th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote. Phoebe Seham, President of Women’s Rights Information Center, spoke about Elizabeth Cady Stanton, champion of women’s rights,  including women’s suffrage.  The short film “One Vote” showed the reasons some women had chosen not to vote---and responses to change the attitude.
The Hon. Mary Heveran, Mayor of Leonia, spoke on her move from voting to stand-ing for election. The Hon. Valerie Vaineri Huttle, State Assemblywoman, District 37 and other elected women, past and present, spoke of their similar experiences. Kate Sienicki outlined her work for national cam-paigns. Mary Heveran led a thoughtful discussion that involved the participants. The League of Women Voters, Teaneck, spoke about voting dead-lines and were ready to register voters. Ice cream and punch filled out the “ice cream social” part of the event. A voter's education web page is up on the Women's Information Center web site: http://www.womensrights.org/vote.htm.

ELIZABETH CADY STANTON'S BIRTHDAY COMMEMORATION
SCHEDULED: NOVEMBER 16, 2008

Elizabeth Cady Stanton, pioneer of the American women’s rights movement in the 19th century, was the planner of key strategies to gain the vote. Known for her intellect, vision and wit, Stanton was a suffragist, feminist and author of numerous books and articles. She was born on November 12, 1815. This annual celebration of her birthday will be introduced by sharing quotes that show the Stanton wit.
Elizabeth Cady Stanton said “Come, come, my conservative friend, wipe the dew off your spectacles, and see that the world is moving.”
The World is Moving surprise honoree will be a person who makes us think of Elizabeth Cady Stanton.
Check the Web (www.womensrights.org) and press for information about the event in early November.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS
May to Aug. 2008. Your donations help the Center in providing needed services to women and their families.
Ellen Schaible, Carol Malle, Eleanore Nissley, Dr. & Mrs. Pierson, Eileen Cohen, Janice Jacobs, Rosemary Kirk, Gloria Friedberg, Bob and Elaine Hargrove, Antonia Baganakis, Carlyn Kingston, Beverly Gray, Linda Krieger, John J. Vas, D.M.D, P.A.  UPS, Altrusa International Of Bergen County, Bergen County’s United Way: Carol Dibello-Keenan, Janet Dickerson. Verizon Payroll Incentive Program: Mercedes Mahaffey.  Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Observance Committee Of Bergen County,  Pride Of The East, Chapter #48. In honor of Phoebe Seham: Janet Earley Manning. In memory of Tessie Brown: Cheryl and Richard Alicchio. In memory of Phyllis Estrin: Priscilla Pogact, Linda Scholz, Kathleen Clines, Zelda Gradman, Dolores Andrews, Jackie Mulcey, Janet Chambers, Betsy Thomason, Marty Dougherty. In memory of Nancy Sessa: Janet Dunetz.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF OUR “WE CARE” LUNCHEON:
May to Aug. 2008
Visionaries ($1000 or more), Transformers ($500), Innovators ($300), Believers ($150): see page 1.
Contributors ($75): Chez Cheeze, Eagle Paint and Wallpaper, Little Steps JGC Inc., The Luggage Corner, The Farm in Closter, Evergreen Fine Fresh Foods, Jungle Red, Drug Fair Group, Oxygen Fitness Club, Willow Run, La Puerta Del Sol East, Marsel’s Jewelry #5.
Boosters ($35): Liberty Pharmacy, Mitchell Simon. In honor of Women’s Rights Information Center’s 35th Anniversary: Tara Barker, Cheryl and Richard Alicchio, Suzan Grey Burr.
In-Kind Donations: Tiffany and Company, Outback Steakhouse, AAA No. Bergen, Elmstock Tea Co., CVS Pharmacy, Starbucks Coffee Co., Barnes and Noble, Metropolitan Plant Exchange.
Advisory Committee: Elizabeth Corsini and Kim Jack Riley, Co-Chairs, Jennifer Borg, Monica Borg, Susan Del Rio, Diane Eidman, MaryBeth Garcia, Anne Hausmann, Marian Imperatore, Kelly Sacks.
It’s not too late!  Sponsorships, Boosters and Journal ads will be accepted through Sept. 15. For Luncheon reservations, please be sure to respond by Sept. 25. To download forms, visit our website at www.womensrights.org . For more information, call the Center at 201-568-1166.

 

THANK YOU FOR YOUR IN-KIND DONATIONS: 
May to Aug. 2008
Career Closet clothing and accessories: Cresskill Women’s Club, Teaneck-Englewood & Vicinity Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, DuPont Cleaners of Bergenfield, Kathie Lazzaro, Jane Toscani, Margaret Kidd, Nina Woodrow, Helen Slatkin, Adele Kolinsky, Carol White, Rosemary Byrne, Laurell Albanese, Robin Fisher, Hope Mainzer, Johanna Fooshed, Chris Foye, Naquisha Knights, Jane Tappan, Carol Weinberg, Ankit Bajaj, Michele Blum, Carolyn Enger.
School Supplies: Supplies 4 Success, Cresskill Woman’s Club, Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, Ronald Mayer.
Other: Hoffman-La Roche Inc., First Congregational Church in Haworth, Carol and Thomas Voorhis, Carol Weinberg, Ice Cream on Grand.

THANK YOU  “REBUIILDING TOGETHER-BERGEN COUNTY” and to more than 30 trades-people, energetic volunteers and Center staffers who joined together on April 26 to give our 100-year old building a brand new front door, electrical upgrades, freshly-painted walls, and other much-needed repairs. Special thanks go to Paul Galgano, Gretchen Viggiano,  Adam Eidelberg, and Christine Kearney for their leadership and coordination of the event
 
For information, appointments
and registration, call us at

CAREER SERVICES: Resume development and job search counseling - contact Juanita Turner. Re-employment counseling and interview coaching - contact Bonnie Strauss. Job training - contact Martha Velez. Evening career advancement counseling - contact Cheryl Alicchio to set up an appointment.

CAREER CLOSET: The Career Closet is open for Center clients only; limited donations are being accepted. Contact Zelda.

COMPUTER TRAINING: For job training classes, contact Martha Velez . For Microsoft Certfiication - contact Manuel Mesia

DISPLACED HOMEMAKER (DH) SERVICES:
Legal consultations, employment counseling, job training and other services to help after domestic violence, divorce, separation, death or disability of a spouse or partner. Contact Suzan Burr

EN ESPAÑOL - HISPANIC WOMEN’S EMPLOYMENT SERVICES:
Bilingual counselors provide employment assistance for women. Para las mujeras que hablan Español, se ofrecen consejos sobre carreras, búsqueda de empleo, referencia para entrenamiento. Consejeras Híspanas atenderán a sus clientes con cita previa. Llamar a Martha Velez

INGLES - ESL (ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE): Beginner, intermediate and advanced classes, plus one-on-one English tutoring. Citizenship classes are also offered. Se ofrecerán clases de Inglés - tenemos el primer nivel y el segundo nivel, y Computadora ESL. También ofreceremos clases de Ciudadanía. Llamar a Martha Aguilera

INFORMATION AND REFERRALS: Through our county-wide network of agencies and non-profit organizations, we can help you find resources and services to deal with a variety of personal and family needs. Contact Cheryl Alicchio- or stop in anytime.

JOB MATCHING: Employers can email job postings to Bonnie Strauss for our free job matching and referral services. We will select and pre-screen candidates from our talent bank of job seekers to match the specific skills and qualifications that you seek, and contact you with only those resumes that represent the best matches for your needs.

LEGAL CONSULTATIONS: Half-hour appointments for family, matrimonial and child support issues are scheduled Monday evenings and one Thursday night a month. Consultations on workplace rights are also available once a month.  For an appointment, contact Cheryl Alicchio

SHARED HOUSING FOR ONE-PARENT FAMILIES AND OTHERS: For help setting up a shared-living arrangement and finding a compatible housemate. For information, an appointment or other housing assistance, contact Angele Leaptrot

UNEMPLOYMENT (UE) RE-TRAINING: Microsoft Office computer training for those receiving unemployment benefits, needing new or upgraded skills, and eligible for training through the Bergen County One Stop System.  Contact Martha Velez

VOLUNTEERING: To contribute your time and talents to help the Center help other women, contact Zelda.

WOMEN’S HISTORY LIBRARY: Offering over 2000 books for borrowing at no charge. Call for schedule.

WORKFIRST NEW JERSEY (WFNJ): Microsoft Office computer training, office skills, and job placement assistance for individuals moving from welfare to work and self-sufficiency. Contact Martha Velez

WORKSHOPS: To register for a workshop, contact Cheryl Alicchio. To present a workshop, contact Suzan Burr

Funding for Center programs and services include: NJ Department of Community Affairs Division on Women, Displaced Homemakers Program; NJ State Department of Human Services; NJ Department of Labor; Bergen County Department of Human Services; Bergen County Community Development Program; County of Bergen; Bergen County’s United Way; Community Chest of Englewood; Leonia Community Chest; National Council of Jewish Women; contributions from individuals, organizations, small foundations and corporations; fund-raising events; plus valuable in-kind services from members of Women Lawyers in Bergen and other volunteer professionals.

JOB TRAINING
   

OFFICE TECHNOLOGY Computer training and certification
Monday through Friday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, nine-week sessions
September 8 - November 7 OR November 10 - January 16

Whether you want a position in a large corporation, small business, community organization or govern-ment agency, this course provides you with a solid foundation of computer skills that are in demand for today’s competitive job market. Our comprehensive 300-hour training curriculum includes: computer-based tutorial lessons for developing keyboarding, numeric keypad and data-entry skills; instructor-led classroom training in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook; daily computer practice and free lab time; job search tools and individualized employment counseling; onsite intern-ships and office-support experience; free outfits from our Career Closet; and Microsoft Office Specialist Certification testing. This course is approved by the NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development for WDP training and can be found on www.njtrainingsources.org. Cost: $3000 (Individual Training Accounts are accepted for dislocated workers; scholarship assistance is available to displaced homemakers and others who qualify)

 

MICROSOFT OFFICE SPECIALIST 2000 - XP - 2003 - 2007 CERTIFICATION EXAMS

Anybody can list computer skills on their resume. But with Microsoft Office Specialist Certification you can prove it!
Employers value this respected credential as a defining measure of a job candidate’s qualifications. It can mean the difference between you and someone else getting the job you really want. Why not go for it, and set yourself apart from the competition? As one of the only Microsoft-authorized testing centers in the area, you can take your exams here online, in your choice of Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint or Outlook. You’ll know your results immediately, and shortly after, will be mailed your certificate directly from Microsoft.
Cost:: $85 per exam.
Weekdays by appointment.
MOS TEST PREP - Practice sample questions and take a pre-test
beforehand to make sure you’re ready to pass. $25 (or free with
each scheduled exam).

HOME HEALTH AIDE
Training, licensing and certification
Classes are scheduled monthly. Please call for dates and times.

A new career in patient care can open up for you when you train to become a Certified Home Health Aide. If you love helping people and believe in health and wellness, you can become fully qualified to provide home care to elderly, disabled, or injured individuals who, with your training and expertise, can live or recover more safely and comfortably right in their own homes. You’ll learn all of the professional skills you’ll need to care for patients in the proper way, and to earn your license from the New Jersey State Board of Nursing. Upon successful course completion and certification, you will be eligible for immediate job placement through Priority Nursing Services, co-sponsors of this training program. Cost: $325 for the 76-hour course (scholarship assistance is available to displaced homemakers and others who qualify)

CAREER SERVICES
   

JOB TRAINING / RE-EMPLOYMENT COUNSELING
For those entering or re-entering the job market after a period of unemployment, our counselors can assess your work skills, offer training recommendations, and provide job search assistance and employment referrals. Weekdays by appointment. $FREE

RAPID RESUME – New resumes, updates and revisions are professionally and uniquely composed and typically produced in two hours. Also available are cover letters, thank you letters and reference lists. Donation: $50 per resume, $10 per additional let-ter or list. Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday by appointment.

THE 21st CENTURY JOB SEARCH - Individual counseling for job seekers on finding your next employer, how to rise above the competition, winning interview tips and techniques, and much more. Weekdays by appointment. $FREE wth resume appointment.

CAREER ADVANCEMENT COUNSELING – For those cur-rently employed who want to advance their careers by changing jobs, moving ahead, or changing careers entirely, individual appointments are available with Human Resource professional Dale Kramer who can help you assess your strengths and mar-ketability, analyze your career goals, and identify transferable skills. Tuesday evenings by appointment only. Donation: $10.

INTERVIEW COACHING - If you’re getting the interviews but not getting the callbacks, find out what you can do to make a better impression! Our volunteer interview coaches offer their experience in hiring and recruitment to provide you with helpful feedback and meaningful advice on how to present your best self to potential employers. Be sure to bring your resume, a few job listings, come appropriately dressed and arrive on time! Counselor’s recommendation required.  $FREE

NEW!! JOB CLUB -Network with other jobseekers, learn tips and techniques to boost your job search success, and interact with guest speakers from the business world. Email bstrauss@womensrights.org for schedule and information. $FREE

 

JOB PREPARATION FOR BILINGUAL SPEAKERS
Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:00pm - 5:30pm
September 23 - October 16

More and more employers are looking for people who speak both English and another language. This new job preparation program is especially designed for bilingual speakers who are entering or re-entering the workforce to learn how to obtain an entry-level job in any field. The program includes: basic computer training, resume building, interview skills, job search techniques, employment options, workplace expecta-tions and responsibilities, and dressing for success. US citizenship or valid work status is required. Cost: $150 (scholarships available to those who quailfy)
COMPUTER TRAINING
   

COMPUTER TUTORIALS For Keyboarding, Data Entry and Microsoft Office Applications
Flexible schedules, ongoing enrollment

If you like to work independently at your own pace and prefer a flexible training schedule, our interactive com-puter-based tutorial programs provide you with an effective alternative for learning, improving and assess-ing your computer knowledge and skills. You may choose our complete set of tutorials or select specific programs based upon your career and employment goals. Programs include: Expert Typing,  Microsoft Office (Word, Access, Excel, or PowerPoint), QWIZ Software Skill Assessments, and MOS Test Preparation Cost: $75 per tutorial program, or $1500 for the com-plete set which includes one free MOS exam. (scholar-ships available to those who qualify.)

   

THE CAREER CLOSET -Arrive at your next interview dressed to impress! Our Career Closet offers a limited selection of business suits and separates free to job-seeking clients.
Donors: To ensure that our clients present themselves at their best, we stock only quality business attire. All donations must be new or freshly dry-cleaned, on hangers, and appropriate for the current season. We appre-ciate donations from individuals, businesses, women’s clubs and other groups, but  in order to best serve our clients’ needs, we reserve the right not to accept inappropriate donations. 

*A special “thank you” to the members of the Teaneck-Englewood & Vicinity Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs for their recent clothing drive donation, and to DuPont Cleaners of Bergenfield who provided discounted cleaning services for all of the donated items.

ENGLISH and CITIZENSHIP
 
SELF- DISCOVERY

ENGLISH CLASSES (ESL)
Sat. Sept 20 - Nov 22, 9:30am - 12:30pm Mon. & Wed. Sept. 22 - Nov. 26, 6:3-pm - 8:30pm Registration and placement testing: Mon., Sept. 15
ESL students learn grammar, vocabulary, composition skills, and phonemic awareness while practicing to speak with confidence as they progress through the levels. Students are tested for beginning placement into the appro-priate level. Cost: $55 Mon. & Wed.,  $45 Sat.

ESL TUTORING

By appointment
Individual tutoring is available for students who want to practice and improve their English speaking skills. Volunteers will work with you to identify and eliminate common speaking errors, to improve your pronunciation and grammar, and to develop your self-confidence (coun-selor recommendation required). $Free. Volunteers needed.

CITIZENSHIP CLASSES
Tuesday and Thursday Sept 30 - Dec 9 6:30pm - 8:30pm
For anyone wanting to prepare for the US Citizenship test, this course helps students learn the responsibilities, rights and benefits of citizenship; understand the naturalization process; and acquire the content knowledge and English skills necessary to pass the INS citizenship exam. Open to Bergen County immigrants of any nationality who have five or more years of US residency. Cost: $26

 

YOUR LIFE PURPOSE
Thursday, November 6, 12:00 noon - 1:00pm
Take a moment to reconsider the attitudes and beliefs you hold true. Despite your circumstances, how do you make the best of what you’ve got? How does a "problem solv-ing" mindset keep you chained to your problems? How do you get out of your rut and begin to create the life you want? The workshop presenter, Sharon B., is the President and founder of www.kidsucceed.com, a positive parenting sup-port network to empower adults in their journey to model success for their children. Take home a CD of affirmations on courage to help you and your (inner) child as you travel the road of self-discovery . $FREE

HEALTH and WELLNESS

THE BERGEN COUNTY WELLNESS DISCOUNT PROGRAM
Tuesday, September 16, 6:00pm to 7:00pm

Are you concerned about the high cost of health care? Come find out about this FREE county-sponsored program that offers money-saving discounts on:

  • Prescription Drugs
  • Hearing Exams and Hearing Aids
  • Vision Exams, eyeglasses, contact lenses & lasik eye surgery
  • Dental Care
  • Diabetic Supplies and much more!!!!

Come find out how your family can access this FREE program that is open to ALL. *This is not Insurance and requires no medical exams, and there are no age or income requirements.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

ARE YOU AN ENTREPRENEUR?
Tuesday, Sept 23 6:00pm - 8:30pm
Has the economic situation got you down? Are you unem-ployed and looking for an alternative to finding another job? Do you want to be your own boss? See if you have what it takes to be an entrepreneur! This seminar, sponsored by the New Jersey Association of Women Business Owner’s Women’s Business Center, will cover the following topics: differences between self-employment and entrepreneurship; the importance of networking, business plans and insurance; availability of grants and loans; home-based businesses; marketing vs. public relations; and using a part-time job as a training tool. This seminar is open to the public and both women and men are welcome to attend. Presented by Louise DiSclafani of Success Stragegists.biz.  $FREE

 

START RIGHT!  Business Plan Basics
Four sessions, Thursdays, Sept 25 - Oct .16 6:00pm - 9:00pm
The New Jersey Association of Women Business Owner’s Women’s Business Center presents this in-depth seminar to address the legal, marketing, accounting and financial issues associated with starting your own business. The 12-hour seminar will cover such topics as: developing financial statements; operations and suppliers; buying a business; marketing plans; competition analysis; loan requests; and cash-flow statements. Materials provided at this class include a step-by-step business plan workbook and the IRS form “Starting a New Business and Keeping Records”. After finishing the seminar, you will have completed your first draft of a business plan. Presented by Louise DiSclafani, of Success Strategists.biz. $FREE

HOUSING
 
LEGAL

HOUSING INFORMATION AND REFERRALS-People in need of emergency housing, financial or legal assistance regarding hous-ing problems are provided with counseling and referrals to appro-priate programs and services through our county-wide network of agencies and non-profit organizations.  Our Shared Housing Program also maintains an information bank on all shared housing programs throughout the United States, which is helpful for those who may be relocating or are living outside of Bergen County. Please call to make an appointment or for more information.


 

LEGAL CONSULTATIONS - Family Law
For matrimonial, child support or custody issues, knowlegable and experienced attorneys, who are members of Women Lawyers in Bergen, provide information and legal advice to help you under-stand your rights and options. Private half-hour consultation appointments are scheduled on Monday evenings and on one Thursday night a month. Appointments must be made in advance. A $10 donation is requested to reserve your appointment.

LEGAL CONSULTATIONS - Employment Law -If you have questions about your rights in the workplace, or have concerns such as sexual harassment, pay inequity, age discrimination, fam-ily leave, pregnancy, whistle-blower retaliation or your civil rights, Lydia Cotz, Esq, a member of Women Lawyers in Bergen, offers her expertise and extensive experience to help you understand your rights and options under the law.  Private half-hour consultation appointments are available on the second Thursday night of each month. Appointments must be made in advance. A $10 donation is requested to reserve your appointment.

MOTHERS and DAUGHTERS ... and SONS ... and FATHERS
RINCON ESPAÑOL
 
PREPARACION DE TRABAJO

CLASES DE INGLES (ESL)
Sabado, 20 Sept. - 22 Nov., 9:30am - 12:30pm L&M, 22 Sept. - 26 Nov., 6:30-pm - 8:30pm Inscripción y exámen: Lunes, 15 Sept.
Se ofrecerán clases de Inglés que seran dictadas por profesoras tituladas. Tenemos el primer, el segundo y el tercer nivel. Los estudiantes que ya tengan algún conocimiento de Inglés deberán tomar un exámen para poder ser colocados en el nivel adecuado.
Costo: $55 L&M, $45 S.

CLASES DE CIUDADANIA
Martes & Jueves 30 Sept. -9 Dec. 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Se ofrecen clases preparatorias para el exámen de ciudadania Americana.  Se ofrecen clases a todos los inmigrantes residentes del condado de Bergen de 18 años o más.  $26.


TUTORIA DE CONVERSACION EN INGLES

Por Citas
Tutoria individual esta disponible para clientes que quie-ran mejorar sus conocimientos del idioma Inglés. Mujeres profesionales voluntarias trabajan contigo para identificar y eliminar errores al hablar Inglés y mejorar su pronun-ciación a nativos americanos y los extranjeros especial-mente los que quieran mejorar su inglés para conseguir empleo. (Se requiere una recomendación de consejeria).
$GRATIS

EDUCACIÓN E INFORMACIÓN SOBRE LA VIOLENCIA DOMESTICA
Jueves., Sept 18, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Es un programa que le informara y a la vez le ayudara a reconocer si su relación se esta convirtiendo en violencia, este le ayudara a salir adelante y a no permitir que sigan abusando de usted al igual que de sus hijos ya que la vio-lencia domestica tambien los afecta a ellos. Presentado por Lina Ramirez.
$GRATIS

LOS DERECHOS DE LOS INQUILINOS

Martes, Oct 14, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Ven e informate sobre tus derechos come inquilino y las responsabilidades que tiene el propietario hacia ti. Ven y disfruta con nosotros de este extraordinario é informativo taller.  Presentado por Zulma Andujar del Bergen County Housing Coalition. $GRATIS

 

PREPARACION DE TRABAJO PARA PERSONAS BILINGUES
Martes y Jueves, 4:00pm - 5:30pm 23 Sept. - 16 Oct.
Muchos empleadores estan buscando cada dia mas y mas personas que hablen Ingles y otro idoma. Este nuevo pro-grama es especialmente para mujeres Bilingues que no estan trabajando y quieren aprender como obtener un trabajo en cualquier area. El programa incluye: entrenamiento basico de computadoras, aprender a como hacer un resume, aplica-ciones y entrevistas de trabajo, aprender tecnicas y opciones de como conseguir un trabajo, responsabilidades y expecta-tivas de empleadores, y forma de vestir para una entrevista. Residente o permiso de trabajo es requerido. Costo: $150.
Gratis para estudiantes con elegibilidad.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

The Women’s Diversity Book Group, a joint effort of Women’s Rights Information Center and the Englewood Library, will meet over dinner on Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 6:30pm at the Englewood Diner to choose books to be dis-cussed in 2009. On Oct. 28, the group will meet back at the library to talk about Elyn Saks' memoir The Center Cannot Hold in honor of Disability Awareness Month. On Nov. 25, the group will focus on Louise Erdrich's Painted Drum in honor of Native Amercian Heritage Month. On Dec. 16, Thrity Umriger's Space Between Us, set in India, will be the topic. For more information, interested participants can phone Nancy Ferer, organizer, 201 424 4817.
Accessibility: The first floor of our building is fully wheel-chair accessable. Please note, however, that our computer classes and some of our workshops are held on the second floor.  The Center does not have elevators.

DISCLAIMER: Workshops  offered at Women’s Rights Information Center are provided for informational purposes only, and do not constitute an endorsement of any person, product, idea, service or business. Workshop presenters are volunteers who offer their expertise,  time and talents. They do not receive any salary, honorarium or other type of pay-ment from the Center or from any member of the staff or Board of Trustees.  They have been informed in advance that, other than providing their contact information to you, selling products or soliciting business is strictly prohibited. We invite you to enjoy our workshops and hope that you take away some new information that will benefit your life in
some way.