Community Action, Inc. Honors New Choices Career Development Graduates

Community Action, Inc. honored seventeen New Choices Career Development graduates on May 17, 2012 at the Heritage House in Brookville, PA. Graduates received a Certificate of Graduation for successfully completing 50 hours of career development and basic computer skills training. The 50-hour graduation requirement included eight weeks of training on topics such as skill identification, career exploration, goal setting, job search strategies, interviewing and the Microsoft Office Suite. Graduates also developed a resume and cover letter. “The Career Development Course is an excellent opportunity for individuals to learn to recognize skills and develop goals for the future,” said Tonya Mauk, Career Development Supervisor at Community Action, Inc. “The class helps students gain confidence and empowers them to take action to progress to the next step in their career path.” Lisa Doty, Director of Marketing at DuBois Business College, and former New Choices Career Development graduate, served as the commencement speaker. She recognized the significance of the graduates’ accomplishment and shared the story of her transition to her current career and encouraged students to make a habit of positive self-affirmation. “I completed the New Choices [Career Development] Program over a decade ago and the skills I learned benefited me many times over the years,” said Doty. “I directly associate my attending the New Choices [Career Development] Program with the successes I have enjoyed in my career. I would highly recommend this Program to anybody who is looking to make a positive change in their life.” Michelle DiGilarmo, Director of Human Resources at Christ the King Manor, closed the ceremony and challenged the graduates to follow their dreams. DiGilarmo encouraged graduates to think about more than what they want to do but also, who they want to be. DiGilarmo said,“Your mission as a part of the (New Choices Career Development) Program is to discover what special skills and abilities you have that will value an employer along with keeping a vision of how you are becoming the very best version of yourself." The next New Choices Career Development class will begin on July 9, 2012 in Reynoldsville. All courses are free and designed to provide individuals the skills necessary to find and maintain employment in the current economy. To register for Community Action, Inc.’s Career Development classes, call (814) 938-5866 or (877) 580-6739, ext. 210, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Community Action, Inc.’s Mission is to provide and coordinate activities which alleviate poverty, promote family self-sufficiency and advance community prosperity. To learn more about Community Action, Inc., please visit our website at www.jccap.org.