Job Search Support

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2012 – 2013 Activities and Program Guide

Job Search Support

YWCA JOB SEARCH SUPPORT PROGRAM FOR WOMEN

CLICK HERE FOR JSS REGISTRATION FORM

CLICK HERE FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE APPLICATION FORM

2013 Computer Class Schedule – Session 4

Each class meets for 3 sessions; you can choose morning or evening classes

The intermediate classes are a continuation of the basic classes

3-Week Basic Excel	Weds	4/24, 5/1, 5/8	10am - Noon	6pm - 8pm
3-Week Intermediate Excel	Weds	5/29, 6/5, 6/12	10am - Noon	6pm - 8pm
3-Week Basic Word	Thurs	4/25, 5/2, 5/9	10am - Noon	6pm - 8pm
3-Week Intermediate Word	Thurs	5/30, 6/6, 6/13	10am - Noon	6pm - 8pm
Keyboarding	Tues	TBD	1pm - 2pm
Keyboarding	Thurs	TBD		5pm - 6pm
PowerPoint	Weds	6/19, 6/26	10am - Noon	6pm - 8pm
Publisher	Thurs	6/20, 6/27	10am - Noon	6pm - 8pm

All classes meet at the YW Computer Center, 2nd Floor

What is the program?
The YW’s job search support program is designed to support women in all aspects of the job search process with an individualized approach. With the economic downturn driving more women to seek employment or to computer skills and to update their resumes, this program is now open to women in the general public. Services are available for a fee and also, financial assistance is available to women demonstrating a need. The program helps women:

Gain the skills needed to find a job (especially in the area of computers)
Navigate the complexity of the job search process
Embark on a new career

Who is eligible for the program?
The YW’S job search support program exclusively for women is open to all residents of towns in lower Fairfield County.

What specific services are offered? (See price list and computer class schedule below)

Computer classes : Microsoft applications (Word and Excel) with class exercises that provide practical applications to the workplace
One-on-one resume writing assistance: Learn how to leverage past job or volunteer experience and translate it into experience that gets the right job
Individual job search strategy/coaching: Learn how to negotiate the waters of the job search process, prepare for an interview, network with others in the field, search for jobs on the Internet, etc.
Workshops: TBD

Who leads the program?
Certified Social Worker and Career Coach Kate Foster has been leading this program for the past two years. Kate has over 12 years experience in corporate human resources and over 25 years of experience in clinical social work, earning her MSW at the Columbia University School of Social Work. Kate offers practical one-on-one job search assistance with resume writing, interviewing skills, job search website navigation and everything needed to prepare for landing that perfect job. Kate understands the needs of women in the local community, “Women sometimes feel the need to apologize that the only work experience they have for a resume is volunteer or part time. I help women realize this is real experience that they can leverage in a resume and job interview.”

Who teaches the computer classes?
Kate Foster will teach the Microsoft Word classes and Susan Cameron, a computer training professional with over 30 years of experience with computers, will be teaching the Excel classes.

Where are the computer classes held?
The classes are held at the Technology Training Center at the YWCA Darien/Norwalk’s facility in Darien which features state of the art computer stations. The Technology Training Center was made possible by a generous grant in Fall 2009 from the Darien Technology & Community Fund.

How do I enroll in the classes or other services?
Computer Classes: To enroll in the computer class, please complete the registration from at the top of the page and remit payment via PayPal on this site. For information about scholarships, please contact Kate Foster at the YWCA Darien/Norwalk at 203-655-2535 ext. 307 or email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

One-on-One Assistance with Resumes, Interviewing, or other Job Search Activities: Please contact Kate Foster at the YWCA Darien/Norwalk at 203-655-2535 ext. 307 or email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

More about the program
The YWCA job search support program was originally developed in the 1980s to help women who need to become financially self-sufficient gain the job skills they need to enter the workforce. In the past, participants have been residents of Greenwich, Wilton, Ridgefield, Fairfield, Norwalk, Darien and Stamford.

COMPUTER CLASS DETAILS
November classes will be Beginning Microsoft Excel and Beginning Microsoft Word and December classes will be Intermediate Excel and Word. Each class will include practical applications to the workplace, meeting for 2 hours each week for 3 consecutive weeks. The 2-hour Beginning Excel class will begin on November 2nd and will be offered on Wednesdays at 10am and again at 6pm. The 2-hour Beginning Word class will begin on November 3rd and will be offered on Thursdays at 10am and again at 6pm. Pre-registration is required by calling the YW office at 203-655-2535. Training in 2012 will include other Microsoft applications.

Click here for Press Release