Center for Displaced Homemakers Celebrates New Chapter at RCSJ

Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) celebrated the official launch of the Center for Displaced Homemakers (CDH) with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and community resource fair on Thursday, October 15, at the College Center on the Gloucester Campus. The ribbon cutting took place at 10 a.m., followed by a free Resource Fair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. that was open to the public.

Formerly known as People in Transition, the Center for Displaced Homemakers commemorated a new name and a renewed commitment to helping individuals navigate life transitions through career services, educational opportunities, and community support resources.

“Our program has been part of this college since 1981,” said Amy Charlesworth, director of the Center for Displaced Homemakers. “While the name People in Transition served us well for over four decades, the Center for Displaced Homemakers more clearly reflects the population we serve and brings our Gloucester and Cumberland campuses together under one unified identity. We are proud to build on the foundation of People in Transition and continue this work as the Center for Displaced Homemakers.”

The Center assists individuals who are rebuilding their lives following significant life changes, including divorce, separation, the death or disability of a spouse, or other circumstances requiring financial independence and workforce reentry.

Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce (GCCC) executive director Lauren Seery began the event by welcoming the Center for Displaced Homemakers as a GCCC Rising Professionals Member housed on RCSJ’s Gloucester campus. “I’m thrilled to have the Center for Displaced Homemakers as a vital resource to our community members as a free service provider to give people the opportunity to build confidence and make career connections.”

Community members who attended the Resource Fair had the opportunity to connect with local organizations, explore supportive services, and access resources that promote personal and professional growth. Participating organizations include Inspira Health, the Gloucester County One-Stop Career Center/Workforce Development Board, and numerous community partners.

“Today is not the beginning of a new program, but the continuation of a mission that has been making a difference in people’s lives for more than four decades,” said Elizabeth Finn, program specialist for the Center for Displaced Homemakers. “Our new name gives us a clearer identity and helps communicate that this is a place where individuals can turn when life changes unexpectedly and they need support determining their next step.”

Attendees enjoyed a variety of free services and activities, including:

· Professional headshots for resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and job applications

· Chick-fil-A sandwiches and refreshments

· Resume, cover letter, and interview assistance

· Community resource tables and giveaways

· Attendance passport raffle opportunities

· Community inspiration wall

· Vision boarding activities

· CDH enrollment opportunities

· Registration for free workshops and training programs

The Center for Displaced Homemakers provides individualized career counseling, resume development, interview preparation, computer training, educational support, workshops, certification opportunities, and referrals to critical community resources, including housing, healthcare, food assistance, and legal services.

“RCSJ is a pillar and an important part of the community. We are here to support our community members with anything they need, not just education. The services the Center for Displaced Homemakers provides are critical for individuals facing challenging times and major life transitions. I am proud to have this Center on our campus and in doing so, we share the message, you are not alone,” said Brenden Rickards, president of RCSJ.

The program is supported by Rowan College of South Jersey, the New Jersey Division on Women, the United Way of Gloucester County, community partners, elected officials, donors, and volunteers whose ongoing support helps strengthen the lives of individuals throughout the region.

For more information about The Center for Displace Homemakers visit RCSJ.edu/CDH.