An Urgent Call for Help!!!  

The New York State (NYS) Displaced Homemaker Program is in threat of losing not only a significant portion of 2010-11 NYS grant money but the Governor also wants to take 25% of their current Department of Labor funding back. This is money which is already being used to bring FREE classes and services to the women in need in your neighborhoods.

The Capital District Women’s Employment and Resource Center, (WERC), one of the 22 Displaced Homemaker Centers, has provided quality workforce development services to over 5,200 women regardless of financial need or educational achievements. Since 1988, WERC has helped women successfully find or improve their employment and their quality of life.

A Displaced Homemaker is defined as an individual who has worked in the home, is not gainfully employed, or is underemployed, and has lost her source of income upon the death, divorce, separation, disability, or dislocation of a spouse or pending loss of Public Assistance benefits.

Program participants currently receive career counseling, computer skills, workforce preparation training, job placement, and ongoing supportive follow-up. They leave the program with enhanced qualifications, skills, self-confidence, and a deep commitment to achieving excellence in their chosen workplace.

The Capital District Women's Employment & Resource Center (WERC) since November 2009 has helped 171 women in their search for employment. To help accommodate the rising need for our intensive services, the Troy Center on River Street opened their doors for business in January 2010 enabling 45 women to receive services they could not have attained otherwise.

In just eight short months, 272 FREE classes have been taught at the Capital District Women's Employment & Resource Centers filling the seats over 1,435 times (1109 participants attended the 189 classes in Albany and 329 participants attended the 83 classes in Troy). Over 2,400 FREE individual and group workforce training services were received by those in need. We have also provided 79 FREE bus passes and 110 FREE clothing vouchers. Over 50 percent of those women are already working in careers of their choice and/or pursing higher education.

Please contact the Governor, your Senators, and your Assembly Members and let them know we need the funding to continue serving our women. Send your comments to us through this link and I will post them today with your name, city and date of contact and will also send our leaders a copy.

Thank you for your anticipated overwhelming support.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth M. Miller, PHR, WERC Executive Director

Click here to submit a testimonial for our CALL FOR HELP campaign    From: Phillamena Williams– WERC Customer Service Graduate, Albany    Date: 7/29/2010 When I responded to an ad in the papers in April of this year, I thought that I was going to a job placement program. I was in no way prepared for the reception and warmth that was extended to me. I recently moved to Albany and was totally lost as to how to go about getting back into the workforce. WERC proved to be the best phone call I ever I ever made. They not only guided me through all the avenues that I needed to achieve my goal, they went above and beyond in making certain I had all the self confidence that I needed. I graduated their Customer service Training Program and was still allowed to take further classes. They helped me with my resume and with applying for jobs online and going to job fairs, they even made certain that I had clothing for my interview and for work. As a result of WERC's input into my life, my life has drastically changed. I went from a lost displaced house wife with no where to turn to a confident independent woman. I now have a job, a very good job, making decent money. I am enrolled in nursing school starting Sept 1, 2010. I am also more than half way to getting my drivers' license through ACAP a program WERC introduced me to. Without WERC in my life I do not know where I would be right now. The service that they provide for women like me is invaluable and I thank God everyday for WERC in my life that has been completely changed. I appeal to all that financially support this organization, please continue to support them, your support is allowing them to make the tremendous difference in many women's lives.    From: Sandra LaPlante – WERC Customer Service Graduate, Westerlo    Date: 7/29/2010 I became a Displaced Homemaker that had been out of the work world for a long time, so when it came to trying to apply for a job, my skills were very outdated. As an individual that has taken part in the WERC program, the program is greatly beneficial. I was given the opportunity to take part in the programs they provided; customer service training, Excel, Word and PowerPoint. Through these programs my skills became more enhanced. This program has helped me to go from a "stay at home Mom" to a professional working woman that is able to support herself and her family. I am currently employed at well known company in Albany, as an Administrative Assistant, for the past 5 years. I believe with out this program I would not be where I am today. There are so many women out there that are in the same situation that I was, that will benefit from this program. I truly am grateful for what the WERC staff has done to help me get to where I am today, without them, I don't know what I would have done. Still to this day, I keep in touch with staff members and help out when I can. Please don't cut these services out. It would be a big mistake!!    From: Norinie A. Kenny - WERC Graduate, Clifton Park    Date: 7/28/2010 Looking for a job is a job itself. The class that WERC conducts provides the tools that you need to get a job - from researching job openings, preparing your resume and cover letter to interviewing (tips) as well as dressing for the interview. They provide encouragement and build your confidence. I am thankful that they offered this program. WERC provides the tools for us to obtain a job and be self-supporting.    From: Bernice Hopkins – WERC Graduate    Date: 7/28/2010 I would like to say how the WERC program helped me and what an absolutely vital, important program it is. When I enrolled in the program I was 54 years old and collecting Unemployment. Sure, I had a college degree:but, it was from 1978. I was really out of touch with new technology in terms of essential job skills and even completing on-line applications. If I had to attach a resume that was the end of applying for that job. I just did not know how! That is a small thing, but it was one of the many,many practical things I learned at WERC. I was able to re-vamp my resume and learn Access and PowerPoint among other things.The end result is that I now have not one, but two excellent jobs.I pay a good amount of taxes now which I don't even mind because taxpayers' money helped me when I needed it. I put money I earn back into the economy. It just makes sense to have the WERC program continue! I will always be grateful for their help.    From: Tammy Layton – WERC Graduate    Date: 7/28/2010 This program has helped me find the job of my dreams. It was also a great self esteem booster for me. Without the staff and their help I wouldn't be as successful today as I am. Please don't let this program get cut. There are too many women out there who need their help.    From: Melvis Twum-Barima – WERC Customer Service Graduate    Date: 7/28/2010 I support the Women's Employment & Resources Center. I lost my job and I needed career readiness for my job search. The experience and satisfaction that I received from the program was amazing. I thank the staff for their understanding and dedication.    From: Marika - WERC Graduate    Date: 7/28/2010 I am truly appreciating all the help and training I have received from Marjorie and her whole staff. Because of their support I was able to find a place I enjoy to work. Thank you ladies and I hope you will be able to give help to a lot more women.    From: Teri – WERC Customer Service Graduate    Date: 7/27/2010 Taking this course was a wonderful experience. The topics, along with the instruction has better prepared me and helped build my confidence. I am very impressed by the level of dedication exhibited by the WERC staff.    From: Fran - WERC graduate    Date: 7/27/2010 Good Morning! I just wanted to let everyone know that I excepted a job offer on Friday. I will be working for James Leone Insurance(StateFarm). Now I'm working hard studying to get my insurance license. I also want to say Thank You to all the ladies at WERC. The training and support that I received there is greatly appreciated. I'm hoping that when I get on my feet financially, that I can make a donation to help others as I have been helped. Thank You again!    From: Susan – WERC Graduate    Date: 7/27/2010 I was very fortunate to have reached out to you during my job search and truly thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for you efforts on my behalf.