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The Women's Bureau is working with the Everywoman’s Opportunity Center in Western New York to provide 125 underserved women a “hands on” experience operating a computer. The training takes place in the Center’s new Computer Lab. So far this year, thirty-two women in three different counties have completed between 25 and 50 hours of training.
"I found the computer class to open my eyes to the world of technology and bring me up to speed in the competitive workplace."
As Myrna Young, EOC’s Executive Director, reports: “This training makes such a huge difference in women’s lives. One of our trainees, who was separated from her husband, whose only income was minimal child support, and who had only a work history of intermittent low-wage jobs, took ‘Introduction to Computers’ with us. She is now working full time and making $9.50 an hour and is receiving full benefits! She’s on her way to self-sufficiency."
Other Comments from Participants:
Introduced to computers for the first time, Bette discovered a new world and new opportunities - "You gave me the tools to unbury myself.There is another world beyond what I knew.I like it.I don’t like to leave work and can’t wait to go back to the office.”
Patty states, “I’m using daily the computer skills I learned through Everywoman.I wouldn’t have gotten through the front door without them.In fact, based on those skills, I am teaching myself Quicken.”
Cynthia remarks about one of her classes at the Center - “Ifound the computer class to open my eyes to the world of technology and bring me up to speed in the competitive workplace. I found the teacher to be easy to follow...I am now employed as an administrative assistant. I use the computer skills I learned in the class and have expanded my knowledge to include other areas of computer technology. Because I was unable to return to my former [place of] employment, [I was able] to find related employment [which] started me back on the road to financial recovery. Thank you!”
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For More Information About WB, Contact:
U.S.
Department of Labor
Women's Bureau
200 Constitution Avenue, NW - Room
S-3002
Washington, DC 20210
Telephone 1-800-827-5335 or (202)
693-6710
Fax (202) 693-6725
