New Directions

Girls Rock!

2012-02-23T06:46:00.000-08:00

Our clients sometimes wonder how we keep our programs and services so relevant and meaningful at New Directions Career Center. Our process is simple – we have our finger on the pulse of current trends in society and in the continuously evolving workplace. Our passion is for the careers of women, so we translate any and all new trends to decipher how they will affect women and their career needs.

When the Center started in 1980, divorce rates in the United States were reaching an all-time high. There was no mandated child support enforcement at the time, and many women facing a new life on their own hadn’t worked outside the home in many years, if at all. We created programs to help these displaced homemakers develop a career plan for themselves and expand their skills through training and education. Our clients were then prepared to enter the workforce at pay levels necessary for women who were now the primary breadwinners of their families.

In the mid eighties, the number of single parent households increased to over 7 million (as reported by the US Census Bureau). Most single parents were (and continue to be today) women. This, combined with increased awareness about the prevalence of domestic violence, brought us to develop programming focused on more options for mothers who are single. We partnered with hospitals and shelters to help women create new lives for themselves and their children.

The 1990’s and recent years have brought more displaced professionals to our attention and led the Center to create and refresh programs like Creating Career Options and Advanced Career Techniques to meet the needs of this population.

More recently, we have seen seasoned workers over the age of 50 returning to the workforce. The reasons vary, though often has roots in the current economic reality: needing medical/prescription drug insurance, insufficient retirement funds, unexpectedly faced with raising grandchildren, etc. Computer literacy programming has helped immensely to bring our clients up-to-date on the computer skills they need to be competitive in today’s workforce, to network online, and to get those digitally-based jobs.

These are examples of how the Center has continued to identify and respond to changes in the economy and the workplace – strategically modifying our approach to help women manage and advance professionally. As the glass ceiling continues to slowly crack, the number of women in management increases, and more women are employed in jobs previously dominated by men – women and the skills they bring to the table will change business in a much more proactive way. Women are adept at managing shrinking budgets and shifting markets. Women know how to listen to employees and our customers and glean what is important to change. In the June 2011 issue of Harvard Business Review, researchers published their observations that work teams actually got smarter as the percentage of women on a team increased. Then there is the much-referenced Miller-McCune research essay that showed a correlation between profitability of the Fortune 500 and women in executive positions.

Women are doing more than entering the workforce and providing for our families – we are changing the face of the U.S. economy! NDCC is continually examining and learning from the experiences and insights of these women leaders, as well as our clients. We will continue to develop and provide programs and services to prepare women not only for the jobs of today, but of tomorrow as well.

Hot Jobs – Cool Professions

2012-01-27T04:19:00.000-08:00

This month I’m returning to a topic I’ve discussed in earlier blogs, and that is “Hot Jobs.” In the past, I’ve shared information about career areas where women can quickly join (or rejoin) the workforce and earn a decent income.There are, however, career opportunities that take a bit more preparation as well as some strategic thinking. Pragmatism mixed with passion can balance your career dreams with reality. Start with what you know you want and need from work and then take the time to research the practicality of those ideas.

Suppose your goal is a college degree. You have to ask yourself if there’s a market for the degree you want, and is the demand projected to continue over the next decade or more. Also, research how well jobs requiring that degree pay, and will you be able to live on what you can earn. It’s a thinking and planning process that can be well worth the effort if you’re looking for a rewarding professional career and the lifestyle that goes with it. But be creative. If you are struggling to come up with “out of the box” ideas, think “inside the box” instead. What skills or experience do you already have? Is there an area where you have expertise? Perhaps your current qualifications can be used in a new way or transferred to a new field. Also, think about the jobs that are traditionally held by men. Do any of them appeal to you? Understanding your existing strengths and interests, and how they apply in the workforce can be one of your greatest assets in career management.

By tackling your job situation creatively and with an open mind, you may find that there are lots of opportunities in areas you might not have otherwise considered.

Here’s a sampling of interesting and worthwhile careers on our “Hot Jobs” list right now:

Biomedical Engineering, according to the University of Connecticut, is extremely attractive to women as a degree program and career. They earn a greater percentage of college degrees in Biomedical Engineering than in any other engineering discipline.

The field is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2018 (Bureau of Labor Statistics - BLS). Population aging and the focus on health issues will increase the demand for better medical devices and equipment, and rehabilitation and orthopedic engineering specialties are growing quickly.

Landscape architects make outdoor places more beautiful and useful. They decide where to put flowers, trees, walkways, and other landscape details. They work with architects, surveyors, and engineers to find the best place to put roads and buildings. They work with environmental scientists to find the best way to conserve or restore natural resources. According to the BLS, jobs for landscape architects are expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2018.

Systems analysts figure out how to use computers to get things done. They tell businesses and other organizations which computers and software to buy, and they decide how to get those tools to work together. According the BLS, the number of computer systems analysts is expected to grow much faster than average through 2018.

I recommend that you visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics once you’ve selected a career area. Its Career Information page is a great place to start your search for a career path or an occupation that responds to your inner needs and that fits your lifestyle.

Warm Holiday Wishes from All of Us at New Directions Career Center

2011-12-16T07:52:00.000-08:00

The holidays are a time when we can reflect on the year behind us and take comfort in the company of the family and friends who have touched our lives. When I reflect back on the year New Directions Career Center has experienced, I am awed by the realization that by working here, I get to experience the true spirit of this wonderful holiday season every day of the year.

Each day, I have the privilege of witnessing the positive impact of the generosity of others. Each day, I am lucky enough to see the ways in which lives are transformed. I get to know incredibly inspiring women who are overcoming tremendous odds to achieve success. I am lucky to be able to celebrate victories with these women when they accomplish something that makes them stronger, gives them pride, and puts them back in control of their lives.

And every day, I am grateful for the role I am able to play and I am continually motivated to find new ways to keep making a difference in the lives of women in our community.

2011 has been a special year for New Directions Career Center. We have seen amazing successes with the women who have participated in our programs. We’ve developed lasting partnerships with organizations that share our view of a more equal, more accessible future for women. I’ve had the unique opportunity of getting to know people like Gloria Feldt, who inspire me to believe it’s all possible.

From our Woman of Promise honoree, Bonnie Philips, to our Bostwick Scholarship winner, Marci Nugent, the results of our efforts are visible and tangible. We say it all the time, but I’ve never been more grateful for the truth of it: Lives Get Changed Here.

As the holidays approach, I hope each of you will take the time to hug your loved ones. Cherish the memories you are making. And take the time to reflect on all that is good in your lives.

All of us at New Directions Career Center wish you a very blessed holiday season and a new year filled with peace, joy and prosperity.

Introducing Our 2011 Bostwick Scholarship Winner

2011-11-29T08:14:00.000-08:00

Many of the women who turn to New Directions every year feel cornered in life, especially as single moms trying to put food on the table and keep a roof overhead. A dream of having a job that pays decently may seem a far off reality, especially if child rearing redirected time and resources from ones own education, skill building, hopes, and aspirations. Through the Center’s programs, fear mutates into financial independence and a sustainable career. When this happens, it is a time to celebrate.

This transformation takes place because of the many women who have walked this path before, and held the door open for the next woman who needed a helping hand of guidance and support. The Bostwick Scholarship, in honor of former staff member Anne Bostwick, continues this tradition as a living legacy that holds the door open for women like Marcella (Marci) Nugent. Marci is a graduate of the Center’s E3 Program (Educate, Empower, and Elevate), and the 18th scholarship award recipient.

Marci exemplifies how a single mother can elevate her life through education. She is driven to transform her life and achieve both her personal and professional goals through education.

Nugent found her own meaningful career path by expressing what she has experienced, in a sense to hold open the door for those in similar situations to her own. She survived open heart surgery as a child and is now pursuing her Associate’s degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography Technology with an emphasis in Cardiovascular at Central Ohio Technical College. It will qualify her to administer EKGs, MRIs, and CAT scans.

“Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States,” explained Nugent. “Because of my experience, I wanted to be in the cardiovascular arena in order to help other women combat this disease.”

Diana Westoff, Marci’s mentor, shared her comments of praise and encouragement: "Marci is a determined, strong and realistic woman. She has consistently pursued her return to school to continue her education and personal/professional development. Way to go, Marci!"

We are all proud of Marci’s accomplishments and I congratulate her on winning the 2011 Bostwick Scholarship!

Times Have Changed … but There Is More To Do!

2011-10-10T05:19:00.000-07:00

Women are more educated now than 40 years ago and many are holding positions of influence in the workplace. As you can see in the diagram below, the percentages of women in 1970 that had less than a high school diploma and those in 2010 that completed a college degree are practically flip flopped. More women than men now earn college degrees.

Unfortunately, these changes have had little effect on gender pay disparity. Women still make about 73-77 cents for ever dollar a man makes (depending on geographic location). Over a life time, this gender pay disparity creates a wage gap that, measured over a 40-year period, adds up to major losses for women. In Ohio, it means a wage gap of $449,000 between men and women with high school diplomas, a $502,000 gap for those with some college, and a $657,000 gap between men and women with Bachelor’s degrees.

What happens because of this wage gap is that women face different challenges in their lives than men – serious challenges that affect their quality of life. They are often not able to retire. According to the Health Policy Institute of Ohio, women in Ohio are “more likely to live in poverty, be enrolled in Medicaid, and not to be working.” The study also revealed that women are more likely to get cancer.

In 2010, we had 31 women between the ages of 55 and 83 who participated in our New Directions program. Three of the women were in their 80s! Those numbers are astounding. Women are being forced to work, or return to work, at much older ages. This is a trend that will continue if more efforts are not made to improve the disparity.

New Directions Career Center is a resource for women in careers and the workplace. We take a holistic approach to developing women as healthy persons and thus more valuable employees. We inform people about women in today’s workplace; specifically the barriers, disparities, trends, needs and how things are changing. We are proud to be part of the solution to decrease the wage gap, level out gender pay disparity. We empower women to achieve and maintain economic self-sufficiency. What better way to promote change in the work place and the world?

Ready to Make History?

2011-08-22T11:03:00.000-07:00

Knowing how busy things become once school is back in session and the countdown to the holidays begins, I’d like to ask you to take a moment right now and set aside your evening on Wednesday October 12, 2011 to forget about being “behaved” with New Directions Career Center. You see, October 12 is the night NDCC will be holding our Fall event, and it’s shaping up to be an experience you will not want to miss.

I am thrilled to announce that Gloria Feldt, nationally renowned activist, author, and former president of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, will be our keynote speaker for the evening. Gloria is the author of No Excuses: 9 Ways Women Can Change How We Think about Power and a faculty member at Arizona State University where she teaches “Women, Power, and Leadership.” We are very excited about hosting her, since our mission here at NDCC, to empower women, is so closely aligned with her message and her passion.

One of Gloria Feldt’s favorite sayings, often worn on one of the tee shirts she’s become famous for wearing, is “Well-Behaved Women Rarely Make History.” This comment, originally made by historian Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, sums up the approach Feldt thinks women need to have in life, both individually and collectively. She has this to say about the phrase:

“When women come together and collectively decide to stop being well behaved — to shuck the shame and have the courage to stand up for ourselves, with our sisters — then that’s a movement. Banding together to speak our truth and effect change allows us to get through the barriers of shame and fear, as well as barriers of law and custom. Together we’re a force to reckon with — and people might as well get out of our way.”

Passionate about social justice, Gloria Feldt is a woman who understands the struggles our clients face on a daily basis. She explains, citing her own experiences, “Even if I had wanted to change the situation and break the rules of expected behavior, I couldn’t have done so because I had no employable skills, which meant few employment opportunities.” This same frustration that Gloria experienced in the 1960’s is echoed by our clients today.

Feldt explains, “When a woman is prevented from earning money, she can't tell the jerk to go jump in the lake if she lacks the financial means to support herself and the children. She's hobbled as surely as Chinese women of old with bound feet, and for exactly the same reason. She's trapped, controlled, powerless; she can't get away.”

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But Gloria Feldt found ways to “misbehave” – to challenge the status quo and transform her life –and she will spend an evening sharing her insights with us, helping us throw traditional ways of thinking and behaving out the window.

Named by Vanity Fair as one of “America’s Top 200 Women Leaders, Legends, and Trail-blazers” and Glamour’s “Woman of the Year,” Feldt has been a bright light on the path to gender parity. She uses her own life experiences, going from teen mom to successful CEO, to empower women to take control of their lives. Feldt believes the last obstacle preventing women from achieving parity is their learned resistance to embracing their own power. Once women “stand in their power and walk with intention,” says Feldt, they can lead unlimited lives and reach parity for good — their own, and society’s as well.

Join us on October 12 from 6:30—8:00 p.m. at Hilton Columbus at Easton for what is certain to be an empowering evening. Feldt’s presentation will inspire and motivate you, as she shares her “Power Tools” for work and life. Cost is $25 for admission or $50 for admission plus a signed copy of Gloria’s book, No Excuses: 9 Ways Women Can Change How We Think About Power. Visit our website for more information or to register for the lecture.
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Transformations from Inside Out - NDCC Helps Victims of Domestic Violence

2011-07-25T09:52:00.000-07:00

A woman you and I personally know experiences domestic violence within her most significant relationship. According to the Domestic Violence Resource Center, one in four women (25%) has experienced domestic violence in her lifetime. Between 600,000 and 6 million women are victims of domestic violence each year. Nearly three out of four (74%) Americans personally know someone who is, or has been, a victim of domestic violence, and 30% of Americans say they know a woman who has been physically abused by her husband or boyfriend in the past year. Every year, domestic violence results in almost 100,000 days of hospitalizations, almost 30,000 emergency department visits, and almost 40,000 visits to a physician

But this insidious epidemic is about more than sterile, impersonal numbers. In fact, this issue is exceptionally personal. It’s about our sisters, our neighbors, and our best friends. Domestic violence is about what we tell ourselves and teach our daughters about self-worth - as well as appropriate boundaries. The one who loves you does not hurt you.

That’s why New Directions Career Center (NDCC) actively seeks, through our relationships with domestic violence shelters, as well as other valued referral sources, to address the career development needs of battered women. Often women stay in situations of domestic violence longer than they should, because they are afraid they cannot support themselves and their children. When they take that first, courageous step to leave an unhealthy situation, experts here know it is imperative for them to receive career and job-related guidance designed to empower and lead them into fulfilling and economically self-sustaining careers.

Women who have been domestic violence victims comprise a large percentage of the women we serve. In fact, more than 50% of the participants in our 105-hour New Directions program, report that they have been victims of domestic violence at some point in their lives. The rate is most likely a little higher than that because some people are embarrassed or don't feel comfortable telling others about the violence they’ve experienced. Occasionally, we have a client who is still being victimized. In that case, we work with shelters and other agencies to help her secure the assistance she needs.

However, NDCC does more than just empower women to attain and maintain economic self-sufficiency. The Center is a safe harbor, where women are guided by a team of career professionals and licensed counselors to develop a career plan, to learn financial management skills, to learn how to take care of themselves, to believe in themselves, to develop confidence, to identify barriers, and to learn the importance of setting boundaries. We transform women from the inside out, focusing on helping them improve their attitude, demeanor, and appearance in addition to securing job readiness skills, training, coaching, and placement services. It’s through this holistic approach, that New Directions Career Center empowers women to create the lives they envision and attain a livable wage.

Lives get changed here.

If you or someone you know might be the victim of domestic violence, get help now. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−SAFE (7233) or TTY 1−800−787−3224.

Several Leaders – One Team - Changed Lives

2011-06-24T03:48:00.000-07:00

Last year, New Directions Career Center celebrated 30 years of service to Central Ohio job seekers. We celebrated the thousands of inspiring clients who discovered themselves within the sanctuary of our Center. We celebrated transformed lives and realized dreams. In short, we celebrated the generations of women transformed by passion coupled with hard work.

Hard work is something the staff at New Directions Career Center knows a thing or two about. We have great leaders that work together to achieve mended lives, build confidence levels, discover hidden dreams, and help women nurture and realize those dreams. We recognize that every woman who passes through New Directions Career Center has a story. We assist each one to complete their next chapter with direction and focus.

People talk about building teams, working as a team, and being a team player, but few understand how to create the experience of teamwork or how to develop an effective team. NDCC strives every day to prove that we understand we are part of something larger than ourselves. Our success rate proves that our team is successful. What contributes to this success?

We communicate. We collaborate. We coordinate. We embrace the responsibility to work together effectively. By understanding the roles and responsibilities each of us has, we can apply our knowledge to ensure all aspects of our goals are met. We work with our clients to encourage self-confidence, participation and forward thinking. We help remove barriers to promote value, dreams and personal success.

Each woman that enters the New Directions Program is treated with respect. Some women experience worth for the first time. Each individual’s purpose is discovered in new and innovative ways. We work together to provide healthy appreciation for diversity, problem solving and significant discoveries.

Everything we do is geared toward delivering our clients a successful path to freedom and empowerment. At Women of Promise, our annual fundraiser recognizing exceptional women who overcame tremendous obstacles to achieve personal as well as professional success, we witness firsthand the power of individual transformation. It’s not uncommon to hear honorees say, “I was encouraged to dream without any barriers”, “I learned that I had value. I had something to offer the world”, and “I learned that I had to take care of myself before I could be prepared to care for others," only motivates us to do more, care more, and reach further.

With 100% of our graduates completing a career plan and over 70% attaining economic self-sufficiency, NDCC is proud of its leadership and teamwork. Our dedication to embrace life and value all people is what makes us endeavor to work together even harder to guarantee a victorious future for every woman who participates in our programs.

At New Directions Career Center, we have clear expectations of our team and our clients. NDCC delivers career counseling, employment-related education, life skills training and job placement services. The importance of each team member’s contribution starts with their ability to be visionary leaders. (Visit our staff bios to learn about each significant person that works to bring empowerment and belief into the lives of women.)

Ultimately, the Center’s cutting-edge career development services empower individuals to achieve their goals through fulfilling, economically sustaining employment. But it’s about more than a job. Simply put, our mission advocates each woman’s right to work her chosen passion. Lives get changed here!

Change Lives and Have Fun Doing It!

2011-05-25T08:44:00.000-07:00

At New Directions Career Center, your contributions go a long way toward making a difference in many lives. We use the funds we receive to provide programs, training, and support for women in transition, and we experience measurable and sustainable success. I know how difficult it has been in this economy for people to afford the basics like food and fuel, so I’m touched and often amazed at the level of support we receive from individuals and organizations in our community. I think people feel good about giving to New Directions because they know they’re making a great investment in the future.

We do try to make fundraising fun. Last week, we held A New Season, A New Direction Party, featuring Shawn Ireland from The Shawn Ireland Show (S.I.S). The party was co-hosted by The S.I.S. Club Care Corps, Jessica Germain from Germain Honda of Dublin and The Key4Women professional group. We enjoyed appetizers, desserts and wine & spring cocktail tastings, as well as a silent auction and entertainment. What a fabulous night!

If you missed out on the opportunity to attend, we have a number of other events coming up this summer that will give you the chance to have some fun while helping change lives. Here’s a few to add to your calendar:

Tuesday June 7, 2011

Shop from the City's Best Closets!
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Wine/Hors d'oeuvres 5-7 PM)
Second Chance Consignment Boutique (Grandview)

Enjoy a special opportunity to shop this unique ladies' consignment boutique. All day (June 7) 20% of your purchase price will be donated to NDCC! Bring a friend and enjoy shopping for classic & trendy styles, high-end designer clothes, vintage fashions, and accessories! From 5-7 PM, enjoy wine and hors d'oeuvres, & hear from a graduate of New Directions Career Center.

Saturday August 6, 2011

Wine Tasting
7:00 – 10:00 PM
The Danter's

Join us for a fun evening with seven different and unique wines to compliment tapas and desserts in the home of NDCC Executive Director, Linda Danter and her husband, Ken. A silent auction and raffle are also featured. Limited tickets are available – cost is $75 per person.

Monday August 22, 2011

Driving for New Directions
1:00 PM Shotgun Start for this Golf Classic
Rattlesnake Ridge Golf Club

Rattlesnake Ridge Golf Club will host the Center's 3rd Annual Golf Classic. The event will finish with awards, prizes, appetizers and a raffle. Individuals and/or foursomes are welcome, as well as Corporate and Hole sponsorships. Cost is$125 per individual or $500 for a foursome.

A Guest Post from the 2011 Woman of Promise Honoree, Bonnie Phillips

2011-04-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

Every woman who has passed through New Directions Career Center has a story. As this year’s “Woman of Promise” honoree, I have the privilege of telling you mine.

When I was growing up, both in my family and in our culture, not much was expected of women. And although I did go to college I really didn’t think much of myself. I certainly didn’t understand that I could have a career, not just a job. In fact, had you asked me to define “career” I would have drawn a blank. When you’re not expected to do anything, you don’t set goals for yourself.

So even after I graduated from college, I continued with my regular job. It paid well but more importantly, I thought that this blue collar job was all that I could be. I didn’t then have a vision of myself as something more. In addition, I did not possess the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively network and maneuver in society.

Soon, though, several life changing events occurred that created so much stress for me, I could no longer work at my former job.

During a period of intense counseling, as I was putting my life back together, my counselor suggested I connect with the New Directions Career Center.

Those 4 weeks transformed my life!

As the Center’s licensed career counselors led us through various career and self-exploration exercises, I learned that I had value. I had something to offer the world. I also discovered that instead of just working to make a living, I could have a career. I could make money doing something I loved!

I can’t tell you what a life-changing concept that was for me. It was like waking up to my life for the very first time.

The supportive staff at the Center encouraged (and expected) me to dream, to set goals and to develop a plan for making those dreams a reality. I started to throw off old beliefs, patterns and ways of thinking about myself. I stepped out in faith to pursue a new path, and learned that every little step counts on your journey. I began to get excited, and I began to believe in ME!

Another key for me was during the testing I did at the Center, we discovered I have a learning disability. I told you before I went to college, what I didn’t tell you is that it was an intense struggle, and I barely passed. I did it, but I did not feel very good about myself in the doing.

Now let’s fast forward to the completion of the New Directions program. I decided that working in the travel industry was my passion. I went back to school, enrolling at Columbus State to become a certified travel

planner. With the knowledge and tools I had gained at the Center, PLUS the awareness of my learning disability, this time, school was so much easier and I felt great about myself.

I spent a number of years in that industry, even becoming a successful manager. During that time, my husband and I also became legal guardians for 3 young boys who are now grown.

A few years ago, as my sons were becoming adults and the travel industry was changing drastically, I once again put to use the skills I had learned at New Directions and I re-evaluated my career choice.

The result was the start of my own internet business two years ago. The business is called, “Creations For Fun”; we make Personalized Music CDs for kids.

Being an independent business woman would never have been on my radar 20 years ago. The New Directions Career Center set me on a path that enabled me to see and activate a NEW VISION of myself. I am honored to serve as an example of just how far a new vision of yourself can take you!

And the Winner Is...

2011-04-15T10:44:00.000-07:00

It’s almost here — can you feel the excitement? The 15th annual Women of Promise event is right around the corner (Thursday April 21, 6-8 p.m.), and I for one can’t wait.

This is a time to not only celebrate the achievements of an outstanding New Directions graduate, but also, I think, the NDCC itself, and how it has contributed to helping women change their lives. And as we hear the stories of Woman of Promise award winners (to see some of those stories, click here), it’s hard not to be inspired — to realize that it’s possible to achieve whatever we want in life through determination, hard work, and a caring support system.

Support is what the NDCC is all about. We help women develop tools to not only choose and develop a career path that will lead to self-sufficiency, but also deal with issues that may come up in their personal lives.

For instance, Jacqueline, our 2010 Woman of Promise award winner, enrolled in New Directions as she was in the process of leaving an abusive marriage. In addition to developing a career plan through New Directions, she also learned valuable lessons about setting healthy boundaries. Jacqueline obtained a full-time job as an insurance account assistant, and is now pursuing a law degree to become a family law attorney.

Sally, our 2009 award winner, also overcame multiple obstacles. After losing her husband of 30 years, as well as her job, Sally’s self-confidence had hit rock bottom. As she began a course at New Directions, though, something happened: Her confidence came back. After graduating from New Directions, after completing her computer science degree, she landed a job working for the Computer Help Center at Columbus State Community College. Most important, she’s happy with her life: “I am healthier now than I have ever been,” she says. “I have found joy and I want to share it with everyone.”

These are not isolated stories — when it comes to NDCC clients successfully taking charge of their lives, Woman of Promise award winners represent the tip of the iceberg. And I think it’s a measure of New Directions’ success — and a reason to celebrate NDCC as we recognize the achievements of our Women of Promise — that so many award winners and graduates have not only gone on to develop careers and have a stable income, but also have become donors to NDCC. Several return regularly to do motivational speaking for the women who are currently participants in our New Directions program.

Don’t miss out on this year’s Women of Promise event, where we will once again recognize the achievements of an outstanding NDCC graduate. 10TV news anchor Andrea Cambern will be emceeing the affair, and there will be music, hors d’oeuvres, and live and silent auctions (click here to see auction offerings). Most of all, there will be inspiration. After all, while there may be only one award winner, her example makes us realize we’re all women of promise.

Hot Jobs!

2011-03-25T06:54:00.000-07:00

EDUCATE. EMPOWER. ELEVATE. These are intense words that are packed with significance and set the bar high for our E3 Initiative, a collaboration with The Women's Leadership Council (WLC) of United Way of Central Ohio. I am excited about working with central Ohio women who are ready to take on the challenge of achieving economic self-sufficiency by pursuing further education!

To learn about E3, as well as discover “hot jobs” and effective career management strategies, New Directions Career Center is hosting a series of “Hot Jobs” Workshops. The jobs are hot because they are in high growth areas that have an on-going demand for workers. These jobs will pay a livable wage that will bring low income individuals to a new level of financial security. Many of these careers don’t require a four-year degree. Many are within reach after completion of a one-year certificate program OR a trades/apprenticeship training program. Examples of “hot jobs” fields include:

Logistics: As companies centralize their manufacturing and service deployment to save money, they need specialists to organize and maintain the warehouse and distribution logistics. Who better to manage intricate logistical details than a mother that already has the skills to juggle home, children, career, and school?

Service: Women continue to dominate careers in the personal and social service industries. Many women inherently know how to take care of people and to listen to their needs, so why not capitalize on these valuable skills?

Health Care: We’ve all heard the statistics about our aging population and the strain on the U.S. health care system. There is a tremendous need for new people to become part of the solution. Women who possess a healthy balance of empathy and intellect are good candidates for careers in health care.

Technology: The Internet has become the major source for our information. We go there instead of flipping through the phone book, to research and purchase products, to book hotels and flights, to network with our friends and family. The demand is high for a variety of positions in the technology field. Women who are attentive to detail and have both interest and aptitude for technology may find a good career fit in this field.

The Hot Jobs Workshops walk participants through these and other potential career paths and issues. Educational requirements and salary ranges, for various “hot jobs,” are discussed. However, the major focus of the workshops is on savvy career management – how to create the career you want through research and professional development. Today’s world dictates that having a successful career is dependent of the individual taking charge of her own career management, rather than letting an employer or the market dictate her path.

If you, or someone you know, may benefit from attending a “hot jobs” workshop, call the Center (614-849-0028 ext. 103) and ask about dates/locations for upcoming sessions.

Financial Literacy for Women

2011-02-22T07:56:00.000-08:00

I’ve witnessed for myself the power of financial literacy. Women who learn to manage their finances tap into something deep within themselves and discover a limitless reservoir of strength, confidence, and courage. This inner power helps us develop financial confidence and achieve our financial potential; it is instrumental in helping us to become financially independent. Financial literacy ultimately enables us to control our own destiny.

There are tangible skills that New Directions Career Center teaches our clients, like tracking expenditures, budgeting for the future, living within means, prioritizing debt repayment to minimize interest, and maximizing the benefit of each dollar for them and their families. Many of our clients are rebuilding their lives from scratch; some even have to make a choice between feeding their children and heating their homes. Each situation is unique, and we help each client to begin where she is in the current moment. The emphasis is on how to live right now and to set achievable short and long term goals with steps to work consistently and continuously toward reaching those aspirations.

More fundamentally though, at NDCC we help our clients to change their relationship with money. Most of those who seek us out are having financial difficulty, and that is a frightening and all-encompassing situation for anyone. It is hard to really see where we are financially when we are afraid to look -- for fear that it is even worse than we thought. Maybe it is worse, usually it isn’t, but facing the situation head-on is exactly what is needed to start controlling it, instead of letting it control us. Through improved financial literacy, New Directions Career Center helps women to do just that.

Of course, earning more money makes life easier. As a result, NDCC encourages and supports our clients to develop a career plan and work towards attaining employment that satisfies professional interests and provides a livable wage. However, it is when participants in our classes begin to understand how their money works for them that life changes are set in motion. When money is seen as the tool that it is, we can put it in its proper place in our lives, stop letting it define who we are, and then use it to achieve economic independence.

Thakor, Manisha, "Shocking Statistics on Women & Retirement," Forbes, February 18, 2011

How NDCC Is Making a Difference

2011-01-17T06:30:00.000-08:00

Those of you who know me know how passionate I am about our work at New Directions Career Center. Not a day goes by that there isn’t something I see or hear from a client that inspires me and helps me to feel like what I’m doing is worthwhile! How many people can say that about their work? In particular, we get powerful feedback from the women who complete our 105-hour New Directions Program wherein participants work through an intensive and holistic self-analysis of their interests and skills as well as how to overcome barriers to their education and employment. The goal is to empower women to change their situations for the better, and achieve economic self-sufficiency.

Most of those we help are struggling financially. Some do not have a GED, others have a lot of education and strong professional experience, but are living at or below the federal poverty guideline. The thing these women have in common is that they are scared – afraid they will not be able to support themselves and their children. They may be dealing with issues of self-esteem after a divorce or an abusive relationship, or they may have a spouse who has suffered an injury that rendered them incapable of providing for the family. They may have let their professional experience lapse to be stay-at-home mothers. Whatever the life transition they are experiencing, at New Directions Career Center, we help women set goals and create a step-by-step plan for meeting those goals. Then we put people in touch with relevant resources, such as opportunities for scholarships, work-study programs, loans, and paid internships.

For our clients, our focus is not just on getting a job but in having a career that fulfills each woman professionally as well as providing financial stability for her and her family. The most common feedback I receive from program participants sounds something like: “I went through the New Directions program and it changed my life! It really helped me to have realistic career goals for myself, and to believe in my ability to achieve whatever goal I set for myself. It helped me to know how to get from where I am to where I want to be, to map out a realistic path for myself, and to know about the resources available to help me achieve it.”

After completing a program, we continue to be part of our clients’ lives. After graduation, we follow-up and actively track the progress of each participant for 18 months. Then we encourage them to check in with us and let us know how they are doing. It is extremely satisfying to see women take these skills, knowledge, tools and resources, make them their own, and put them to work to achieve financial independence.

Lives get changed here!

Gender pay disparity persists, even with new laws

2010-12-09T11:22:00.000-08:00

“Women earn only 77 cents for every dollar earned by men.”

You might think the above statement was written 20 or 30 years ago, but it was spoken by Barack Obama in June 2008 during an address made to working women while on the campaign trail in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In Ohio, the disparity is even worse: women earn, on average, 73 cents for every dollar earned by men.

Women work as hard as men; women carry the same titles as men. However, in many cases, a woman will earn less than a man in the same job – even in 2010. Gender pay disparity continues to exist for two main reasons. First, women working the same job as their male counterparts are consistently paid less for their work by the companies who employ them. Second, and more insidious, the types of jobs traditionally held by women are lower paying than the types of jobs traditionally held by men.

In January 2009, the President signed the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009. While the bill extends the statute of limitations for women seeking recourse, it does not address the underlying social and political context that keeps women making nearly 25% less in the work force while doing the same work.

There are a number of arguments about why the gap continues to exist; many blame it on women taking extra time off to have and rear children. However, in a study by Catalyst (a “nonprofit membership organization working globally with businesses and the professions to build inclusive workplaces and expand opportunities for women and business”) women were no more likely to leave or change jobs because of family than men. In fact, even when a woman had no children, her pay still lagged significantly.

Many say that the pay disparity exists because women don’t have the education and training of their male counterparts. However, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s Digest of Education Statistics, in 2005 - 2006, women earned nearly two-thirds of all associates, bachelors, and master’s degrees and almost half of all doctorates. The digest further predicts that by 2016 - 2017, women will be earning nearly two-thirds of doctorate degrees as well.

There are no more excuses. Women are as capable as men, as educated as men, and as well-trained as men. New Directions Career Center has been fighting gender pay disparity by offering comprehensive training, counseling, and support for women to empower them to become self-sufficient and successful wage earners and was recently names as one of three partners to deliver a program called E3 (Educate, Empower, Elevate). This program supports post secondary education for women to help them achieve economic self-sufficiency. Women must focus their post secondary education on a "hot job" that is projected to be around for a while and to pay a livable wage. The program is being funded by the Women's Leadership Council (WLC) through United Way of Central Ohio. For more information on the E3 program, call NDCC at 614-849-0028, and ask to speak to either Cindy Kazalia or Amanda Fox.

Why Women of Retirement Age Aren’t Retiring

2010-11-22T08:21:00.001-08:00

New Directions Career Center exists to empower women to become self-sufficient. When the Center was founded in 1980 it was to help displaced homemakers enter or re-enter the workforce. These women had usually been displaced by divorce or death of a spouse, were between the ages of 20 and 40, and had minor children living at home. The structure of our society has changed considerably in the last 30 years. Today our typical client is over the age of 40, with many in their 50s and a growing number in their 60s, 70s, and even in their 80s! Why are women continuing to work past the age previously considered “retirement” age? Several factors are driving this trend.

More women are bearing children later in life, so many of these women still have minor children at home. In addition, a growing number of women over the age of 50 are raising their grandchildren! If these women are single OR if the spouse works at a low paying job or is disabled, they may need to work to not only support themselves but minor children.

Today women (as a group) earn 73 cents to the $1.00 earned by men. The earning disparity was even greater when “seasoned” women started their careers. Many women take time off to deliver and raise children. These factors result in women not having retirement plans equal to those of men.

Obviously, the economy has taken its toll on retirement plans of both men and women, and many of us may be working longer than we originally intended. Still, there are other factors at play when it comes to older women. The Sloan Center at Boston College took an in-depth look at the reasons older women remain in or return to the work force. The results of their analysis concluded the following:

Older women in the workforce are poorer

According to Boston College research, women were increasingly under-employed compared to men as they aged. In their 20s, underemployment rates were fairly equalized between men and women. By their 50s, the difference of underemployment rates between men and women was nearly 5 percent. According to the Department of Labor, the median weekly earnings for women in 2009 were 20 percent less than the median weekly earnings for men.

Marriage and older working women

In the 1970s, the majority of working women over the age of 65 were single, widowed, or divorced. That number has shifted; by 2007, more than half the women over the age of 65 in the workforce were married. In many cases, these women are supporting an ill or disabled spouse.

The double minority effect

Older women of color have higher unemployment rates than Caucasian women. Hardest hit were women of color living outside of larger metropolitan areas. According to the department of labor, the unemployment rate for all women in 2009 was 8.1 percent. For black women, that rate jumped to 12.4 percent.

How NDCC Helps

In many cases, the women who seek out the services of New Directions Career Center have no choice but to work. These women either lost their spouse or never married, and simply must work to survive. New Directions Career Center assists older women in finding careers that capitalize on their experience, taps into their passions, and provides them with a livable wage. If you are a woman over the age of 50 in need of the skills and resources that will allow you to obtain a job and become self-sufficient, contact New Directions Career Center for more information about how we can help.

New Directions Is partnering with The Women's Leadership Council for an exciting new opportunity

2010-11-01T05:25:00.000-07:00

The average unemployment rate, in the United States, is hovering at around nine percent, right now. However, there are pockets of communities throughout the country – including right here in Ohio – where unemployment is 15 percent or higher. For those who are still counted among the employed, many of them are struggling to make ends meet with multiple part-time jobs or even a full-time job making only minimum wage. It can be extremely difficult to see any light at the end of the tunnel, when your income is either non-existent or barely enough to pay for very basic needs.

New Directions Career Center has always been dedicated to helping women achieve their potential and attain and maintain economic self-sufficiency by providing the information, resources, and education women need, to become more competitive in the work force.

Are you a woman currently struggling to pay the rent, cover the bills or buy groceries? Are you are working several jobs just to make ends meet? Want to break out of the cycle?

New Directions is proud to partner with The Women’s Leadership Council (WLC) of United Way of Central Ohio, order to offer women a way out. The WLC’s new initiative - E3 - will Educate, Empower and Elevate you to a new level of financial stability.

E3 is a unique program that recognizes that offering women the skills, confidence, and education they need to improve their lives not only helps these women and their families, but helps the entire country as well.

The E3 program provides women (free*):

Post-high school classes or training that leads to a job with livable wages
Career and financial counseling
Connections to community resources that can lower your expenses
Mentoring and networking with other women in the community
Child care and transportation assistance (if needed)

To be considered for E3 you must:

Be between the ages of 18-40+
Have a high school diploma or GED
Be struggling to meet basic needs
Have work experience and currently be working or have other means of support
Be willing to work hard to improve your finances

E3 partners are Consumer Credit Counseling Service, Godman Guild and New Directions Career Center. Recruitment is now underway for the first E3 class. The program will continue for 6-36 months, depending on the path you choose and assistance you need.

For more information on the E3 program, call NDCC at 614-849-0028, and ask to speak to either Cindy Kazalia or Amanda Fox..

*Post-secondary tuition not included.

The Women's Book

2010-10-18T08:21:00.000-07:00

As the Executive Director of the New Directions Career Center (NDCC), I understand how important it is to follow your passions and dreams. My dream has always been to help others believe in the possibility of achieving their dreams, and my work at the NDCC has always been a personal passion for me. I previously served as co-director and director of the NDCC from 1995 to 2000. My return in 2009, to resume leadership of the organization, stems from my continued desire to assist unemployed and underemployed women by empowering them with the resources, tools, and confidence they need to transform their lives and discover their own true passions.

The Center is a unique organization. Services are holistic and focused on empowering women, who have reached a crossroads in their lives, with updated skills and the ability to discover and believe in their own potential. The organization is not simply a job placement service, but an entire support program, dedicated to embracing diversity while providing the resources women need to become economically self-sufficient. The NDCC offers education, career counseling, and employment services, as well as, ongoing workshops and services specifically designed for the underemployed and unemployed.

I use my three decades of experience, in program development and service delivery, to successfully lead the New Directions Career Center. I’m an experienced administrator, with public, private and non-profit experience, and I work with the Board of Trustees to ensure the NDCC continues to find innovative and creative ways to provide high quality service to central Ohio women who can benefit from our programs.

I am being honored with inclusion in “The Women’s Book of Central Ohio”, this year, in part because of my work with the Center – how wonderful to be recognized for following my passion! The Women’s Book is a beautifully designed 200-page coffee table book that contains profiles of some of the most influential women leaders in and around Columbus. These women, representing a variety of different fields, are excellent resources and role models who can help other women in their journey to achieve their career goals. The book, which was unveiled at a launch party on the evening of September 30th, also provides students and career-oriented women with a directory of various female-owned businesses, women’s organizations, and other resources for women in the central Ohio area.

To be included among this select group of women, profiled in The Women’s Book, is a source of pride for me, as I have always been heavily involved in the Columbus community. In addition to my work with the New Directions Career Center, I’m involved in several local charities. I obtained my Ph.D. from The Ohio State University and currently live in Bexley with my husband.

The women included in The Women’s Book are considered trailblazers who inspire and lead modern women and pave the way for women in the community to enjoy success in their careers and lives. The entire Columbus community has benefitted and will continue to benefit from their extraordinary talent and guidance. I am honored and grateful to be included among these women.

More information about The Women’s Book can be obtained by visiting www.thewomensbook.com.

Find your true calling and follow it

2010-09-10T12:30:00.001-07:00

As many of you know, New Directions Career Center changes lives. Certainly that's true for the more than 60,000 clients we've served over 30 years. But it's also true for the staff who work at the Center. One woman I supervise - someone who previously worked for both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations - often says, "I feel called to do this work at this time in my life." Her "calling" represents a true passion not only for the responsibilities she undertakes but for the people she serves. I feel much the same way, caring deeply about my own role and the wonderful individuals associated with this agency. And my wish is that each of us - clients, co-workers, friends, and neighbors - discovers the work that we were born to do with our very unique gifts.

That's why I am so excited to invite you to a groundbreaking event on October 20th that's designed to transform how we think about ourselves and the work that we choose to do. New Directions Career Center is proud to bring bestselling author and career development specialist Nancy Anderson to Columbus. Anderson, whose new book, Work With Passion In Midlife and Beyond, is generating national attention, speaks as an expert having guided thousands of individuals as they uncover their own personal purpose and professional passion. She's a much sought after guest, speaking on radio programs as well as television shows such as Good Morning America. Newspapers and career building websites also consistently seek this expert out.

Anderson's appeal - and the popularity of her new book - doesn't surprise me. For so many of us, our early years are often crowded with the demands (and joys!) of marriage and children along with the hard-earned establishment of our career. But as we approach middle-age, we may wonder, "Is this all there is?" Or we ask, "Is there something more that I'm meant to do with my life?" Answers don't always come easily. Yet, according to Anderson, if we look deep within, our authentic self exists, waiting to be acknowledged, begging to be heard. Her life-altering workshop provides the practical tools we need to unlock barriers to our authentic self and create the lives we are all destined to live.

Please mark October 20th on your calendar. You don't want to miss Nancy Anderson's one time engagement here in Columbus, Ohio. Check out our website in the coming weeks for complete workshop details and ticket information. Lives get changed here. Yours will, too.

Women are the country's most powerful emerging workforce resource.

2010-08-23T09:13:00.000-07:00

As Executive Director of New Directions Career Center (NDCC), I am constantly reading studies and researching statistics about women in today’s work force. In addition, NDCC staff often read about and/or notice trends and employment-related issues in the course of delivering programs and services to empower women to achieve economic self-sufficiency.

A trend that we noticed about 15 months ago, is the growing number of "seasoned worker" women (ages 55 and older) who are in need of entering or re-entering the work place. In addition, many women (and men) are choosing to work past the age of 65 - the age typically thought of as "retirement age." This trend is expected to continue with the aging of Baby Boomers.

Here are some facts related to this age group:

DID YOU KNOW?

Women, especially women over age 55, are this country’s most powerful workforce resource. According to the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Statistics, Employment and Earnings, January 2005:

Labor force participation rates for women, over 55 years of age continue to increase. The labor force participation rate was 24% in 1994, 25.6% in 1999, as compared with 30.5% in 2004.
There were 10.3 million employed women aged 55 and over in the United States in 2004.
These women were most frequently employed in management, professional and related occupations, (3.9 million) and sales and office occupations (3.8 million).
The remainder were employed in service occupations (1.8 million); production, transportation, and material moving occupations (674,000); and natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations (78,000).
The 10 leading occupations for women aged 55 and over in 2004 were secretaries and administrative assistants (720,000); elementary and middle school teachers (371,000); registered nurses (353,000); nursing, psychiatric, and home health aides, (251,000); cashiers (240,000); maids and housekeeping cleaners (230,000); first-line supervisors/managers of retail sales workers (228,000); managers, all other (207,000); and first-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers (204,000).

These numbers are likely to grow exponentially as baby boomers hit their zenith! There are 1.5 females for every male at the age of 50. This means that dynamic, innovative companies will increasingly rely on exceptionally qualified, experienced women at every level of their organization.

In late 2009, NDCC started a new program entitled "Bridging the Digital and Professional Divide"-- a program designed for seasoned workers to develop computer literacy and the communication skills they need to be successful in today’s multi-generational, technology-oriented workplace. For more information about this program OR to find out more about how you or your organization can benefit by hiring seasoned workers, contact New Directions Career Center at (614) 849-0028.

Lives Get Changed Here

2010-08-01T08:08:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the New Directions Career Center Blog. We are excited to share our passion for transformation with you. New Directions believes that every woman has the potential to achieve her dreams.

Women play a variety of roles throughout their lives, but the one role on which we often forget to place enough emphasis is personal development. As moms, wives, sisters, daughters, and aunts, our identities are often defined in contrast to the people we love, care for, and support. New Directions can help women identify the barriers – internal and external – that have prevented them from following their own aspirations.

New Directions is a non profit organization dedicated to assisting individuals to achieve and maintain economic self-sufficiency. We are committed to providing the skills, education, and resources our clients need (omitted “in order”) to secure and retain meaningful employment with fair compensation and benefits, and to develop their careers. Although our Employment Specialist works with graduates of our programs to help them find jobs, we are not a “job placement” company. We are the people you can come to when your life is at a turning point and you need someone to help you take stock and discover the hidden potential inside yourself.

We pride ourselves on our passion for helping people pick up the pieces of their lives. We accompany you on a journey of discovery, helping you find the direction to which you want to point your career compass and building your confidence by providing the tools you need to arrive at your destination.

We believe in the power of transformation. We believe in the power of passion. We know that when passion is fueled with faith, belief, and support, anything can be accomplished. When you put all of your energy into reaching higher, you can create new opportunities for yourself that promote independence, sustainability, personal and professional fulfillment, and economic self-sufficiency.

If you are at a crossroads in your life and not sure which direction is right for you, New Directions can help you identify the strengths within you that can help you find a career and lifestyle that does more than just provide a weekly paycheck. Our goal is to enhance your ability to achieve contentment with your life through better understanding and commitment to yourself and your desires.

Our career counselors will do everything they can to help you succeed, but they will expect the same level of commitment from you that you will get from them. It’s only through this hard working partnership that you will be able to transform your dreams into reality.

And yes, lives do get changed here.