In conjunction with Displaced Homemakers Awareness Month, the Women’s Opportunity Center at the YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties recently celebrated its new Burlington location with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Burlington-Riverfront Y on 302 Commerce Square Road. Previously, the Women’s Opportunity Center was located at the Mt. Laurel Y facility.
Displaced Homemakers Awareness Month recognizes women who have lost their primary means of financial support after the death or disability of a spouse, divorce or separation. The Women’s Opportunity Center is one of 15 Displaced Homemaker Centers throughout the state that provides women with counseling and support. Each year, the center provides more than 200 local women with free support services to help them learn the skills and confidence needed to gain personal and economic self-sufficiency, including financial workshops, computer training, job readiness, community referrals and support services.
Cathi Rendfrey, director of the Women’s Opportunity Center, also serves as the Legislative Liaison for all centers in the state where she advocates and educates Legislators and policy makers on Displaced Homemakers and their centers.
“We are committed to help women gain economic and personal self-sufficiency through education, job readiness, support groups, referrals and outreach,” said Rendfrey. “Our spacious new Burlington office will meet the growing demand of women who face tough circumstances and need WOC services to help them move forward. We encourage women throughout Camden and Burlington Counties to take advantage of all that we have to offer.”
Local women who have benefited from the services of the Women’s Opportunity Center were on hand at the grand opening event to share their stories. Audubon resident Denise Haley, who lost her job due to downsizing, is attending one of the center’s workshop series and has taken computer classes to update her skills. Cherry Hill resident Ann Alfano first tapped into the Women’s Opportunity Center in 2003 when she was going through a separation. She attended the center’s workshops, computer classes and support groups.
Alfano worked on her resume and job search with a Career Coach at the Women’s Opportunity Center. In 2005, she secured a job as a procurement analyst with American Water Company. Today, she’s in the position to provide support to the center.
Donna Pellegrino, Ph.D. of Cherry Hill-based The Psychology Group, who has played an integral role at the Women’s Opportunity Center over the past 19 years by empowering women in her workshop series and support groups, stressed the importance of support and empowerment on the road to self sufficiency.
Keynote speaker state Sen. Diane Allen (R-7) complimented the Women’s Opportunity Center on the services and support it provides to help women become whole again and get back into the workforce. Sen. Allen talked about the importance of women supporting each other. “As soon as we can get all of you to the top job positions, all you have to do is reach back and bring the next one up with you.”
