Too often, women do not grow up in strong families, healthy families that normally prepare one for self-sufficiency. Without good role models, one might not internalize skills and knowledge like appropriate interview attire, how to search for a job, the importance of being on time, or how and when to ask for help. Unemployment or a spotty work history develops, often accompanied by dependence on public financial support. Adding insult to injury, each of these negative work experiences further undermines many women's confidence that they have what it takes to get or keep a job. When coupled with other barriers individuals they may face, such as failure to complete high school or domestic violence in the home, the erosion of confidence and self-esteem may lead them to question whether they can ever become independent, capable providers for themselves and their families.
Strong Foundations assists adult women transitioning from welfare-to-work by providing work experience and services to build both soft and marketable skills, job retention skills and self-esteem. The program is based on the rationale that for women to move from welfare to self-sufficiency, they need a supportive environment in which to acquire skills and realize their potential. Specifically, the program provides employment counseling and job search assistance, supervised work experience, weekly staff meetings around job readiness and life skills topics, case management and referrals to community resources, and job retention individual and group counseling. The program runs two six-month cycles during the year, serving approximately 35 women annually.
Strong Foundations provides clients not only with quality instruction and counseling, but with sufficient opportunities and time to develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed. As a six-month program, Strong Foundations is able to provide more sustained and in-depth work on a variety of life skills and job readiness topics, and is able to provide more opportunities for acquiring job skills. Case management is more effective when staff are better able to identify and address barriers.
Participants in the program are also eligible for a small scholarship that defrays expenses for meals, childcare, transportation and other personal expenses that are not covered by other entities. The scholarship serves as an incentive for committed participation, helps to develop the concept that hard work has its benefits, and minimizes the attrition that would otherwise result from the inability to meet minor expenses.
Most participants in the program are currently on public assistance, although this is not a requirement. When referred by a county-contracted school or approved by one's case manager, participation in the program meets work activity requirements as mandated under the current welfare regulations.
Who's eligible?
Female residents of Hudson County
Cost?
The program is free.
How do I enroll?
Contact (201)333-5700 ext. 552 or ext. 515.