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Self-Sufficiency through Financial and Career Literacy

P.R.O.B.E. For Participants

P.R.O.B.E. offers Career Development and Financial Literacy programs to help participants build self-esteem and achieve economic self-sufficiency.

  • The New Choices Program is a free service designed to assist displaced homemakers, dislocated workers, and individuals in a career transition.
  • The Financial Literacy Project is free to all Lebanon County residents. The program is a collaborative effort of more than 12 local human service agencies, businesses, and financial institutions to promote sound financial literacy practices in Lebanon County.

P.R.O.B.E. For Employers

Successful graduates of P.R.O.B.E.’s New Choices Career Development Program can become your future employees – employers consistently report that graduates are well qualified and possess a professional work ethic.

Employer services ensure that needs and expectations are fulfilled:

  • Our staff will speak with you to assess your business needs and requirements of available positions.
  • Candidates’ work skills and abilities are assessed to ensure the best possible match for your job openings.
  • Program staff are available to support a candidate’s smooth transition into her/his employment.

P.R.O.B.E. can also assist you with workplace financial education – a win-win for both employers and employees. A growing number of companies that have invested in financial education are reporting higher productivity, reduced absenteeism, and lower turnover. Some have noted greater participation in retirement programs and reductions in healthcare costs.

One Woman’s Success Story

For four years, Yaritza Ramos was a stay-at-home mom and dedicated volunteer. As much as she enjoyed this stage in her life, she wanted to enter the workforce – but she wasn’t sure where to start.

“I didn’t know the first thing about writing a resume or how to interview for a job,” she confessed.

She saw an ad for New Choices and learned there was a class starting the next week. Yaritza’s English was limited, but the program staff assured her they would work through it together. “Taking the New Choices class was definitely a challenge and big step for me,” Yaritza explained.

With each week, Yaritza’s English got a little stronger, and she learned critical workforce skills. “I created a resume and cover letter. We were taught interviewing skills, how to answer questions, how to dress, what to expect, and we practiced,” she said. On top of that, Yaritza learned budgeting strategies and how to better organize her finances.

Soon after graduating, with help from the New Choices team, Yaritza accepted a job at First Citizens Community Bank as a teller and recently became a home owner. “I have been at my job for more than six months now. I love my new career,” she said.

Excerpt taken from the March 2019 PAWW Newsletter.