HOME TO WORK

Home To Work (HTW) empowers displaced homemakers with the personal support, education and job training necessary to become independent and self-sufficient. Displaced homemakers are women who, after spending several years working in the home, become displaced because of separation, divorce, unemployment, disability or death of spouse or partner.

Career Counseling: With counseling and guidance from HTW staff, you will assess your skills and interests and examine your career options. You will identify and/or clarify your short- and long-term goals. You will formulate career strategies that respect your personal, family and work priorities. Career counseling provides you with the tools to confidently find direction in your life and career.

Computer Training: Individuals who acquire computer skills and keep them up-to-date are in extremely high demand. HTW offers introductory and intermediate computer training three times annually. Both courses run three hours a week for 12 weeks. Courses are offered in the morning and evening to accommodate schedules.

According to State statistics there are over 500,000 displaced homemakers in New Jersey.

Job Readiness: If you are "job ready" you have all of the personal, educational and career skills necessary to find and maintain your desired job. HTW will help you establish readiness through an intensive curriculum including the Adkins Life Skills Program. You will develop and enhance skills and attributes like: a positive attitude, a strong work ethic, constructive communication techniques, ability to work in a team, professional manners and dependability.

Job Search: HTW's job developer will work closely with you to conduct a thorough and focused job search based on your career strategies. You will search for local opportunities in traditional print media and then expand your search online. The Job Developer will demonstrate how to conduct an Internet job search. If you wish to research the results further, you are encouraged to schedule an appointment to independently use HTW's computer lab.

Job Placement Assistance: HTW employs a job developer whose responsibilities include identifying, cultivating and maintaining relationships with the local business community. As a HTW client, you can access this employer information including literature, job descriptions and staff directories. When appropriate, our Job Developer can make direct referrals, furnish your application and resume, and network on your behalf.

Resume Writing: A strong resume will help you secure an interview by stimulating a potential employer's interest in you, your skills and your experience. For displaced homemakers, sometimes a traditional resume won't work. HTW staff is trained and experienced to help you create a resume that best highlights your qualities, skills and history.

Practice Interviewing: HTW staff will conduct a mock interview where you are expected to dress appropriately, arrive on time and utilize the many techniques learned through the program. Following the interview, HTW staff will discuss your performance, encourage your strengths and provide constructive support for areas of concern.

Career Closet: Thanks to donations from local professional women, HTW maintains a collection of quality business suits and other work attire and accessories. You may browse through the racks and select two outfits to help you succeed at interviews and the first day on the job.

Legal Advocacy: If you are a victim of domestic violence or sexual assault and you need the assistance of the legal system, ACWC can support you through the criminal justice process to help ensure that your safety and rights are protected. We cannot offer legal representation or provide you with an attorney, but, our Legal Services Coordinator can give you information, counseling, transportation, accompaniment and follow-up support through the confusing, and often overwhelming, legal system.

HTW empowers women who thought they would never be able to provide for themselves and their children to become confident and self-suffficient.

Through a partnership with Cape/Atlantic Legal Services, free legal consultations, clinics and/or forums are offered twice monthly at ACWC's Northfield offices. To schedule a private and confidential appointment with a Cape/Atlantic Legal Services attorney or for information about upcoming forum topics, contact ACWC's Legal Services Coordinator.

Child Care Assistance: ACWC's Child Care Network (CCN) promotes and enhances existing child care services and works to develop and increase the supply of quality and affordable child care in Atlantic County. The New Jersey State Department of Family Development (DFD) designated ACWC's Child Care Network as Atlantic County's Unified Child Care Agency (UCCA). As such, CCN coordinates the State's child care programs and services throughout the County. If you qualify or can benefit from any of the UCCA programs, HTW will connect you with the appropriate staff and assist you with your application(s).

Resource and Referral: Displaced homemakers often require more support than HTW can provide, i.e., medical issues, financial difficulties, drug/alcohol abuse, etc. HTW staff will assist you to identify your needs and facilitate your connection with the appropriate organization for additional support.