The loss of a spouse, a divorce or a layoff because of the recession can all lead to financial hardship that affects many aspects of a woman’s life. From learning how to manage monthly bills to re-entering the workforce after several years out of the job market, without the proper services, support and resources, a short-term crisis can quickly become a lifelong struggle to return to self-sufficiency, and it can happen to anyone – at any time.
Women throughout Pittsburgh now have a specific place to turn when unexpected economic hardship strikes. JF&CS, through the generous funding support of the United Way of Allegheny County’s United for Women fund, is collaborating with the new Squirrel Hill-based Center for Women, a project of the Jewish Women’s Foundation of Greater Pittsburgh (JWF) and the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW), which designs programs and initiatives for all women throughout the Greater Pittsburgh region, and specifically women in transition, female heads-of-household and women who are newly-divorced, separated, widowed or experiencing domestic abuse, with the goal of increasing financial literacy, building career skills and achieving economic independence.
As part of JF&CS’s partnership with the Center for Women, professional staff from JF&CS’s Career Development Center will lead workshops tailored to help women who are struggling with critical life events. Support will include information, mentorships, internships, job readiness training, placement assistance, counseling, computer training and more. Additional workshops will be led by community volunteers and professional women in the community, including topics such as basic financial instruction and legal referrals.
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Upcoming workshops at the Center for Women this month include:
Magnetic Resumes* (suggested donation $10)
Monday, August 19, 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Betty Berkely, SPHR, CCMC, Career Consultant at the Career Development Center
Learn resume formats, styles, and techniques to ensure your resumes are visually appealing and appropriately targeted to your intended audience. Sample resumes are provided.*Workshop led by the professional staff of the Career Development Center of JF&CS and made possible through United for Women, an initiative of the United Way of Allegheny County.
LAW: LEGAL ASSISTANCE FOR WOMEN (suggested donation $10)
Monday, August 19, 3:30 PM, 4:30 PM and 5:30 PM
Provides participants with a confidential consultation with a professional to determine how best to approach a financial or legal concern. Appointments must be scheduled in advance. Legal consultations on divorce, separation, support, custody, alimony and equitable property division.
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The Center for Women builds on existing community programming and partners with area agencies and organizations like JF&CS to act as sources for referrals, fill service gaps, avoid duplicate services and maximize resources, providing a comprehensive approach to women who are experiencing hardship.
For more information about how JF&CS helps individuals and families in our community, or how you can help, visit our website at www.jfcspgh.org or call 412-422-7200. If you would like more information about the Center for Women, or if you would like to help by volunteering, please contact Becky Abrams, director, at babrams@cfwpgh.org or visit www.centerforwomenpgh.org or call 412-421-4400.