A program dedicated to helping individuals in transition has made its own move. The New Choices Career Development Program, most recently sponsored by the Lancaster County Career & Technology Center (LCCTC), will return to its founding organization, the YWCA Lancaster.

New Choices was created in 1985 to help individuals develop essential job-seeking and work skills, and classes were held at the YWCA, 110 N. Lime St., Lancaster, for many years. Later, the program's headquarters was moved to the PA CareerLink of Lancaster County offices. Being back at the YWCA will help new and existing clients access services.

"The program fits a particular niche within the YWCA's program offerings to support economic independence and opportunity. We have lots of parents who use our child care services who are working but are low income and are looking for an opportunity and support to move forward in a career," said YWCA Lancaster CEO Stacie Blake. "We expect New Choices will have many inquiries from folks getting back on their feet as well as from employers who want to fill critical roles quickly."

Although the ongoing pandemic has prompted the 10-day series of classes to be held virtually, participants continue to study the existing New Choices curriculum. They receive training in areas such as conducting a job search, resume writing, and interviewing. They also learn the value of self-esteem, effective communication styles, and stress management, and students are introduced to resources in the community that help with housing, legal, and medical issues. The program aims to preserve dignity and support personal choice. Part of its funding comes from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, and it is overseen by Pennsylvania Women Work, which strives to transform women's lives through empowerment, employment, and economic independence.

LCCTC Dental Assistant Program instructor Rachel Sprecher noted that attending New Choices classes at the YWCA ultimately led to her current position. "I didn't think that I was capable of much, and I didn't think that there was much point in trying," Sprecher commented. "The program helped build self-confidence, which was a huge part of getting me where I am today."

New Choices classes are offered free of charge to individuals over the age of 18 who have earned at least a GED or high school diploma and are single parents, first-time pregnant women, people experiencing recent job loss, or displaced homemakers. Students who complete the course are eligible for scholarship funds for short-term education, and they may receive continued guidance from New Choices staff members.

Enrollment is open for the next series of classes. Individuals may choose to attend one week, either in the morning or the afternoon. Morning sessions, which run from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., will be offered Mondays through Fridays, Feb. 8 to 12 or March 15 to 19. Afternoon sessions, held from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., will take place on Mondays through Fridays, Feb. 22 to 26 or March 29 to April 2. Class size is limited to 10 people per session.

For more information or to register, readers may visit https://ywcalancaster.org/programs/newchoices/ or contact New Choices executive director Deborah St. Onge at 717-869-6363 or dstonge@ywcalancaster.org.