Letter to the Editor: March is Women's History Month

March marks Women’s History Month a national commemoration of the economical, political and social achievements of women.

As we celebrate women’s accomplishments, I invite you to remember the local women who need our help to become economically and personally self-sufficient.  I’m talking about Displaced Homemakers–women who have lost their primary means of financial support due to separation, divorce, death, or disability of a spouse.

The Women’s Center at the Joel Gensler Career Center a division of Jewish Family and Vocational Service (JFVS) serves displaced homemakers in Middlesex, Somerset, Mercer and Union Counties.  It is a lifeline for women when their life feels out of control, with mounting debt, divorce proceedings, loss of medical insurance and concern over how to feed their children and find a job.  Funded through a grant through the Division on Women, NJ Department of Children and Families all of the services are free to women who qualify.  During this economic downturn women can find help when they feel most vulnerable and desperate.  We all know a displaced homemaker; she may be your sister, daughter, friend or neighbor.  They feel alone and afraid wondering how they will find a job, feed and educate their children, and save for retirement.

The Women’s Center provides basic computer literacy skills, assistance to write resumes and cover letters, interviewing skills and provides support to women as they transition into being the bread winner and single parent.  Please join us as we empower women to set and achieve tangible goals.  We welcome your monetary contributions, gift cards, sponsorship of educational programs, mentoring, and announcements of employment opportunities.

The Women’s Center at JFVS now in its seventh year looks forward to celebrating the success of women who have achieved their personal, educational and financial goals.  Congratulations to all women who have embarked on the journey to personal and economic self-sufficiency.

To learn more about the Women’s Center at JFVS, call (732) 777-1940.

-Noreen Noel

Women's Center Coordinator, Jewish Family and Vocational Service