A Time to Grow and Change

Hour Working Women Program (HWWP) has seen considerable transformation since the onset of COVID-19. New remote programming and a change in leadership is taking the program on an evolutionary course. Updating for a post-COVID world is at the top of the team’s mind as they look towards the future. The program is also excited to welcome a new Program Assistant, Jamie Krmenec.   

Participants in the program have continued to carry out remote classes and workshops through Coursera. Hybrid programming that includes Zoom and in-person classes will begin as we continue to keep CDC safety protocols in place. Utilizing the shared HWWP Calendar gives participants access to the daily schedule and Zoom links for each class. Workshops are currently held three days a week and consist of a range of topics: from resume building, to interviewing skills and computer classes. In between workshops, students may practice their typing skills, work on their resumes, or use the time for independent study. Participants will also be offered a new business writing etiquette class, the ongoing Social Capital workshop, and a Know Your Rights workshop from the NYC Commission on Human Rights.  

Hour Working Women Program currently has one dedicated intern from the Borough of Manhattan Community College and one of Hour own participants completing courses at New York City College of Technology.   

The flexibility and dedication of Hour participants have been key to the successful pivoting of Hour Children’s essential job training program. Participants have shown great perseverance throughout the pandemic and continue to be resilient in their re-entry journey.  

In order to ensure they are receiving an individualized experience, participants are given the opportunity to attend school and/or training programs through different partner organizations. Participants meet with the Program Assistant and Employment Services Coordinator regularly to delve into specific needs for their individual success plan.  

As the city re-opens, HWWP will be implementing a hybrid model of in-person workshops mixed with virtual. In order to resume a more comprehensive program, participants will be attending HWWP five days a week by the beginning of May, while continuing to follow all COVID guidelines. The program is very excited to be introducing new workshops that will include business writing and practical office skills, as well as resuming internships within the different Hour Children programs.  

The Hour Working Women Program is here to provide participants a comfortable yet challenging environment to begin their re-entry and connect with peers who have gone through similar experiences, while preparing them for their return to an everchanging career market.