Fresh Start

DISPLACED HOMEMAKER PROGRAM

Definition of a displaced homemaker is an adult who has worked primarily without pay to care for the home and family and who, therefore, has diminished marketable skills. These individuals face unemployment or underemployment when they are no longer supported by another income, and experience difficulty supporting themselves as a result of this lack of marketable skills.

A Displaced Homemaker is an adult who:

• has worked in his or her own household for at least five years and during which time has provided unpaid household services; and
• is unable to secure gainful employment due to lack of required training or experience; or is unemployed, or underemployed; and
• has been dependent on the income of another household member but is no longer adequately supported by that income, or is receiving support from a spouse but is within two years of losing such support, or has been supported by public assistance as the parent of minor children but is no longer eligible, or is within two years of losing such eligibility.

Displaced Homemaker Programs are distinct from general job-training and search programs. They strive to assist women’s efforts towards self-sufficiency and emphasize identifying careers that will support the family over the long term and not just a minimum wage job that requires an additional job to pay the bills. It helps women improve their education level, increase their opportunities for better jobs, and thereby increase their ability to support themselves and their families.

Life Skills Class

Held in Mitchell County on Mondays, from 4:30-6pm, at Abundant Life Church, Spruce Pine. Held in Yancey County on Thursdays, from 4-5:30pm, at Church of Christ, Burnsville.

• Icebreakers, Collage activity, discussion of individual problem areas
• Communication skills, role play activities, short term goals
• Boundary setting, assertiveness vs. aggression, making "I" statements
• Time management & problem-solving, long term goals
• Effects of stress on mental & physical health, goal planning
• Healthy self-esteem, hygiene issues, positive affirmations
• Color analysis, wardrobe coordination, make-up application
• Healthy relationships, qualities as a mate, needs vs. wants
• Balancing work & family, single parent networking
• Daily spending diaries, economic literacy, check writing
• Budget presentations, planning a family outing within budget Reception, certificates & awards for completion

Employability Skills Classes

Held at Mitchell Community College, Spruce Pine and Yancey campuses. Contact Elizabeth Custode by email or at 828-765-4044 (HOTLINE) or 828-765-4015 (Office) for more information.

• Identify job search concerns, develop goal strategies
• Complete & share goal plans, take series of job interest inventories
• Resume styles, discussion of individual employment histories
• Job search skills, sample applications, reference lists Time management techniques, time-tracking diaries, goals
• Review time-tracking diaries, begin and format resumes
• Family involvement in job search, developing a support system
• Finish resumes, print copies, type reference lists
• Choose specific jobs, write cover letters, discuss employer expectations
• Discuss 10 most frequently asked interview questions, video, role play
• Mock interviews videotaped, class feedback & self-critique
• Review goal plans, certificates of completion for attending all classe

Computer Literacy Class

For times and locations, contact Elizabeth Custode by email or at 828-765-4044 (HOTLINE) or 828-765-4015 (Office).

In this class, the student will become familiar with the fundamentals of computer usage. Basics such as terminology, history, mouse proficiency and becoming familiar with saving and re-opening a document will expand into more complex issues such as building a filing system on the computer and customizing the Windows Operating System. The class will also include basic e-mail skills and familiarity with basic hardware and software used in today’s business world. We will also learn to use the most powerful tool available today. Discover how to search the web with not only speed, but efficiency. Keep yourself one step ahead of the malicious programming and spam. Learn to download text, graphics and even programs to your computer. Plus! Get the scoop on e-mail! Sending, and receiving, attachments! It’s all covered within this class. Attention will be paid to searching the web for employment opportunities and methods in which the Internet can improve your employability skills.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Custode by email or at 828-765-4044 (HOTLINE) or 828-765-4015 (Office).