New Choices Program Moves to YWCA Lancaster

Lancaster, Pa. (January 5, 2021) – YWCA Lancaster announces the return of New Choices, a program first launched 35 years ago as a collaborative effort between YWCA Lancaster, the Junior League of Lancaster and Lancaster County Career and Technology Center.

Founded in 1985, New Choices has been successfully aiding individuals in transition and has assisted thousands of Lancaster individuals to plan and achieve their career, educational, and personal goals. This program provides an environment that preserves dignity and supports personal choice.  Deb St Onge, the current New Choices director will continue her role as the director of YWCA Lancaster New Choices.

“The work we have done at New Choices, aiding thousands of individuals over the years, is especially rewarding to me, and I am excited to transition the program to YWCA Lancaster, where it aligns perfectly with their mission of eliminating racism and empowering women,” says St. Onge.

Stacie Blake, CEO of YWCA Lancaster says, “the New Choices program fills a vital role in our community and fits perfectly within the umbrella of YWCA Lancaster because of the focus on economic independence.  We know the pandemic has affected minority community members disproportionately and we expect New Choices will have many inquiries of folks getting back on their feet as well as employers who want to fill critical roles quickly.”

New Choices gets part of its funding from the PA State Department of Economic Development and is overseen by Pennsylvania Women Work, who transform women’s lives through empowerment, employment, and economic independence.

YWCA Lancaster New Choices currently offers virtual courses – one week for 10 hours, offered twice a month – a morning session from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and an afternoon session 1:30-3:30 p.m., completely FREE of charge for individuals in Lancaster, York and Chester counties. To find out more about the program, contact Deb St. Onge at (717) 869-6363 or via email at dstonge@ywcalancaster.org.

About YWCA Lancaster

YWCA Lancaster is dedicated to the elimination of racism, the empowerment of women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.  Since 1889 we have served children and adults in the community through a variety of programs.  Current offerings include the Center for Racial and Gender Equity; Kepler Hall residence, home to fifty women, men and children; New Choices Career Development Program, a life-changing opportunity for Lancaster, York and Chester County’s individuals in transition to achieve economic self-sufficiency; YWonderful Kids providing child enrichment for ages six weeks to five years and before/after school care in a number of settings; Sexual Assault Prevention and Counseling Center with a 24 hour hotline and no-cost professional counseling for survivors of sexual assault and their significant others and Parent Empowerment Program for families in need of positive parenting support.

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