Lancaster YWCA career program commended by L&I Secretary

YWCA Lancaster was commended Monday by Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Jennifer Berrier for its New Choices Career Development program.

Funded by the Pennsylvania Women Work organization through L&I’s New Choices New Options grant, the New Choices Career Development program offers Pennsylvanians the opportunity to use personal development, career guidance, and job training to gain economic self-sufficiency.

“By empowering individuals with job search and interview skills, opportunities to build their confidence and support to achieve personal goals, New Choices programs are helping Pennsylvanians negotiating the labor market to find lasting employment that pays a family-sustaining wage and improves their overall quality of wife,” Berrier said while touring the recently renovated YWCA facility. “The critical program would not be possible without the perseverance of the Pennsylvania Women Work organization and organizations like the YWCA Lancaster who offer the New Choices program.”

The aim of New Choices Career Development programs is to provide the skills and resources to single parents, individuals entering the workforce or going through life transitions. The programs are available throughout Pennsylvania and open to all residents, though their focus is primarily on individuals 18 years old and over. Program topics include Career assessment, Career counseling, Resume preparation, Interview instruction and practice, Skills identification, Referrals and connections to community resources, Exploration of education and training resources, and Salary negotiation.

“Our mission of eliminating racism and empowering women is more important than ever, as the pandemic did not affect all people equally,” YWCA Lancaster Chief Executive Office Stacie Blake said. “For all women in our community to be able to thrive, we need vital programs like new Choices to support our community members in transition, re-entering the workforce or seeking new opportunities. We’re proud to have the support of Secretary Berrier, as well as so many important community partners who help make this work possible.”

The YWCA Lancaster New Choices program has for nearly 40 years helped thousands of women in Lancaster, York, and Chester counties gain economic and emotional independence.

The program was founded in 1985 via a collaborative effort by YWCA Lancaster, Junior League of Lancaster, and Lancaster County Career and Technology Center.