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Schools

Job Search: Local Single Mother's Story Returning to School After Divorce

Single mother of five finds support for career and self, as she navigates the job market

About this column: A weekly series detailing both personal stories of unemployment, and local services that help the unemployed. Topics include job searches, unemployment figures, and local profiles.

Going to college and getting her degree was something Belinda had always planned on doing but had put it off over the last ten years to raise her daughters and be a wife. But when she divorced and was left without support and to care for her five young daughters alone, the prospect of education dropped to the bottom of the list of priorities due to the cost and the time involved.

To support her family, Belinda worked and applied for other jobs that would use her experience in marketing and computer skills, but her job applications went unanswered.

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“I must have sent out a 1,000 resumes,” said Belinda, “and I realized I needed more than just a job to support my family: I needed a career.”  

Belinda, who lives in Toms River, knew that education was the key to finding a career she enjoyed as well as one that would support her family long term, but where to start in this process was daunting, she said.

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Belinda came across the chapter of the and in the process met Kate Pandolpho, director of the program. Through the program, Belinda was able discover through surveys and aptitude tests the type of careers she was interested in and that best suited her. Aside from realizing her educational opportunities, Belinda said she was able to see options for setting a course to better herself—not just her career.

Belinda said the workshops offered through Displaced Homemakers were and continue to be helpful. She has benefited from the Financial Counseling seminar, the Women Empowerment presentations and the Stinkin’ Thinkin’ workshop that helped her learn how to alter her perception and taught her methods to curb negative and self defeating thoughts.

Above all, it was the personal interaction she received from Kate and the Displaced Homemakers staff that kept her going through some tough moments. “If I were to come in to see Kate and be a crying mess,” said Belinda, “she would talk me through how I was feeling. They [Displaced Homemakers] address the woman and her whole life — not just the student aspect.”  

Belinda is currently a junior with honor role status attending at Ocean with a double major in English and Special Education. She is employed in work-study programs at the college, and as she says, “I don’t want my education to end.”

Editor's Note: Belinda, who asked us not to use her last name, will share her progress throughout the year as she progresses toward establishing her career.

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