Compiled by:  Coalition for Better Employment Steering Committee:  Rev. Marshall Cooke, Diana DiGirolamo, Denise DiMicelli, Mayer Fistal, Joan Freling, Rich Fritzky, Judith Kass, Marlena Lechner, Bob Markman, Bob Miller, Kate Pandolpho, Barrie Peterson, Claire Scarono, Rev. Bob Takacs, Paula Wills, Ellen Yedwab

Also Compiled By:
Bergen Employment Action Project (BEAP)
AFL-CIO Community Services
214 State Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601
(201) 489-7476
wib8@bergen.org

We are sharing information, not recommending services or groups.  Therefore, people must carefully check out groups or services to see if their needs would be met by participating.

Please send corrections, updates, new groups, etc. to BEAP and our webmaster.  Feel free to duplicate and circulate this non-copyrighted material!  Thanks to Samia at the Buyer's Laboratory in Hackensack for copying this as a public service.  Thanks to Eleonora Plath for the preparation.

Support Group For The Unemployed. For information, please call Tom Babcock (201)384-6524.

Women's Rights Information Center. 108 W. Palisade Ave., Englewood, 568-1166. For career changing and job seeking women: Seminars, job bank, workshops, resume writing, interview practice, including videotaping. Classes in WordPerfect 5.1, Windows/Word for Windows, Lotus 123, and Intro to Computer Basics. One-on-One career & resume counseling for small donation. Open 5 days and some evenings each week. Call to receive quarterly calendar. ESL classes several times each week. Occupational training for single parents and displaced homemakers. Annual Women's Career Expo (October 17, 1998).

Self Employed Artists and Writers Network, Inc. Has met monthly since 1984 at Flat Rock Brook Nature Center. Emotional support, the "how-to" of job search, public info and advocacy; speaker followed by networking. Average attendance is 30. Call Mike Biegel (201)941-7826.

Urban League for Bergen County. Employment counseling and job referrals, employment training, mortgage counseling & more. Monday through Friday 9-12, Tuesdays 5-7. Call Vicky Washington, at (201)568-4988.

Re-employment Ministry--Project H.O.P.E. Most Blessed Sacrament Church. Job Bank began 11/91. Resource room with fax, computer, copier. Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings 9 am to noon and Wednesday 7:30-9 PM. Mentor for each job seeker. Open to all, call Lynn Pagano at (201)891-1097.

EARN (Employment Assistance Response Network) Committee meets 3rd. Monday at 8 PM at St. Catherine's Church Rectory, 905 S. Maple Avenue. One-on-one assistance with resumes, interview techniques and networking available. Special activities are shown in Parish Bulletin. Provides support to unemployed fellow parishioners and non-parishioners who are Glen Rock & Fair Lawn residents. Contact Hotline (201) 445-7092, Robert M. Loftus.

Bergen County Division of Veterans Service can assist unemployed veterans from Bergen County in a job search. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday an employment specialist is available to help those who are looking for work, old or young, disabled or not. If you would like to hire a vet, get a job yourself, or just want further information, please call (201) 646-3487 every day except Thursdays between 9 and 2 PM. Walk-in job applications with no appointment on Mondays only. Be sure to bring your military separation papers with you and a resume if possible.

Bergen County Community Action Program, Inc. BCCAP offers Adult Basic Education and ESL classes, as well as, vocational training programs for entry level jobs in the food service and property maintenance fields. In addition BCCAP oversees Bergen County Head Start which provides childcare for poor and low-income working families. For further information contact the Education and Training Center at (201) 968-0200.

Bergen Employment Action Project of the United Labor Agency, AFL-CIO.

Continual series of full day Job Search Classes for any job seeker. Topics: attitudes, stress management, support systems, resume-polishing, locating job openings, interviewing skills. Graduates may come in for consultations and to review job leads on-line and hard copy, Tuesday and Thursday from 2 to 4. Also: consultations to agencies or groups to upgrade services to job seekers and families. All services free. Call (201) 489-7476.

Hispanic Institute for Research and Development. Aid with translation (for a small fee). Free aid with resume preparation and finding jobs. Instruction for computer courses, ESL, citizenship and introduction for hairdressing classes offered via 40 hour classes in Hackensack and Morristown for $80. Call (201) 368-1414.

JobStart Learning Center. Provides courses for anyone in need, to computer, WordPerfect 5.1, Lotus 1,2,3 (No ESL classes and tutorial). Located in the Calvary Baptist Church, 106 Central Ave., Hackensack. (Our status is: independent, with its own Non-profit number) Call (201) 646-1995 for information.

NJ Division Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Offers medical and vocational evaluations, career counseling and job training, for people with disabilities, at 60 State St., Hackensack. Call Reed Purcella at (201) 996-8970.

Professional Services Group. Enhances job search skills in a professional environment with fax, copy and computer facilities. Meets at Bergen Workforce Center, 540 Hudson Street, Mondays, Thursdays from 9:00-4:00 and Fridays from 9:00-12:00. Seminars in job search skills include resume writing, networking and interviewing. Career Counseling offered. Affiliated with the NJ Dept. of Labor, Employment Services. Members must volunteer 3 hours per week. Call for more information. Paula Wills, (201) 998-8950 or (201) 329-9600 ext. 5410.

Job Bank. Confidential registry for jobs and resumes. Call Friar Dowd's office at St. Luke's R.C. Church, (201) 444-0272 (works in conjunction with Guardian Angel R.C. Church, Allendale and St. Gabriel's R.C. Church, Saddle River).

Commerce and Industry Association Job Bank. Contact Jake Schneider and/or submit your resume to South 61 Paramus Road, {P.O. Box 768}, Paramus, NJ 07653. (201) 368-2100.

Employment Support Group. Meets at Paramus Congregational Church, since 1/91 on Thursdays at 10 am. Contact Rev. Marshall Cooke (201) 261-4166 for more information.

NJ Career Connection. Has met Tuesdays at 7 PM since 1982. Helps women explore career options or to start new businesses. Meetings build confidence and self esteem regardless of one's situation. Classes held on identifying and combating sexual harassment and discrimination. Call Debbie Cenci (201) 587-9528.

TEAM Writers (The Educational Artistic Ministry). TEAM offers creative personal growth through education and the arts. The Mind's Eye is published annually. All writers are invited to share and read their writings with support for publishing also involved. Meets 4th Tuesday, at 7:30 PM at Trinity United Presbyterian Church, 650 Pascack Rd., (201) 262-8624, $5 annual membership. Call Jack Pratt, President, (201) 427-4732 or Julie Sibbald at (201) 843-5499.

Job Support Group. Meets Thursdays 8 to 10 PM at 228 Vittorio Court. Led by Bob Miller for over 18 years. Exchange of job hunting experience, "hands on" skills of resume polishing, networking and interviewing. Part of Guide Posts experiment-prayer support, Interdenominational. Call (201) 391-0657 for more info.

WestSide Jobs Network. Deals with the mechanics of finding a job. For people entering or re-entering the job market or thinking about a job change. Meets alternate Mondays at 7:30 PM at West Side Presbyterian Church, 6 S Monroe St. Informal networking, library available, Roger Letts, Moderator. Call Church for information, (201) 652-1966.

MIS Network Associates. Meets Tuesdays from 2-5 PM, Knights of Columbus, 31 Broad Street. Has met since 11/90. Lead-sharing for senior IS and Telecom people. Bring 90 copies of resume. Donation $35 to join; $5 monthly. Call Louis Fallon, (201)692-1366 (VoiceMail (201) 804-5909) United Methodist Church. Dayton Street. Provides job search support group, in skills assessment, salary negotiations, led by career counselor Susanne Ziskis. Meets Mondays from 1pm - 2:30pm. Please call in advance, (201) 652-2868.

Bergen - Hudson Job Bank. Resumes circulated to area businesses. ALEX computer terminal. Call Robert Malec at Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce, 201 - Rt. 17 N. (201) 939-5922.

Jewish Family Service Job Search Network. All volunteer agency headed by professional career counselors dedicated to the purpose of assisting out-of-work Bergen County residents re-locate in new positions. Job bank assistance with resumes, interviews, group for the unhappily employed, source materials, workshops, internet access. Marlena Lechner at Job Search Network (201) 837-9090.

Teaneck Women Train and Work. 1 Merrison Street, Teaneck. Offers individual and group career counseling, information, and referral for Bergen County residents. Emphasis is on helping women who must support their households and on exploration of high-paying careers, including nontraditional careers. Special services for teen parents and welfare participants. Counseling available days and evenings. WNJPIN internet access available for Teaneck residents only. Call Claire Scarono, Program Coordinator, at (201) 837-8560.

The 753 Club - Career Management. Meets Mondays at 8 PM at Church of the Presentation, W. Saddle River Rd. The unemployed, under-employed and unhappily employed are all welcome, come and bring a friend. For information call Presentation at (201) 847-5292, Anita Campbell or (914) 623-8407

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Project H.I.R.E.: (Helping Individuals Realize Employment). A self-help support group, networking & information resource center serving individuals (unemployed or underemployed) who are serious about improving their current employment situation. Aims to address each inquirer's or participant's needs and concerns, while focusing on issues affecting today's job market. Call Bob Markman at 973-CAN-HELP/226-4357 for further information.

Notre Dame Network. Since 5/94, aids parishioners. Call Bob Morrissey, at (973) 227-9282.

Job Developer Program. Assistance for displaced homemakers preparing to enter or re-enter workforce. Life Skills seminars in career choice, resume writing and interviewing. Call Carol Kenny, NCJW Center for Women at 513 W. Mt. Pleasant Ave., Suite 325- Call (973) 994-4994.

Career Transition Center. One Lackawanna Plaza, Suite. 304, Montclair. Professional career services for New Jersey residents seeking employment; provides job search advice and guidance, along with Internet, PC's, resume/cover letter development, fax and phone; no charge. Call for an appointment. (973) 655-0101; Fax (973) 655-9311, contact: Art Bieber.

Job Seekers of Montclair. Meets 7:30-9:15pm Wednesdays at St.Luke's Episcopal Church, 73 S. Fullerton Avenue, (973) 783-3442. Speaker on one of 12 key topics after support group. Open to all.

Employment Support Group. For people with seizure disorders. 11-1pm at Martland Building, University of Medicine and Dentistry. Sponsored by Training and Placement Service of Epilepsy Foundation. Call Judith Johnson, (973) 982-5872 or (973) 972-5873.

OAR (Offender Aid and Restoration of Essex Co., Inc.). Helps former offenders find roads to lawful and productive living via basic education, job counseling, Adkins Life Skills, situated in Room 3270 at Essex County College, Newark, (973) 624-6610 Fax (973) 623-0851. Linda Williams, Exec. Director & James Corbett, Mgr..

NJ Commission for the Blind & Visually Impaired Job Club. Job-seeking skills, networking, assertiveness training, speakers, mutual support, job leads, vocational information, disability disclosure and other issues. Call Gloria Leiberstein, (973) 648-2512.

NJIT (New Jersey Institute of Technology). University Heights, Newark NJ. This bi-weekly support group is for alumni seeking employment. You can learn more about the resources that are available from the NJIT Div. of Career Development Services. The group also takes a proactive role by developing and uncovering additional opportunities for job seekers. Building on the concept of "alumni helping alumni", the group brings alumni together for information sharing and support. Special guest speakers address the group on a variety of topics. (For alumni only) . Meets Tues. & Thurs. 10am-6pm. Call (973) 596-2939 for more information.

WISE Women's Center. Room 3276 - 3rd Level, Yellow Area, Essex County College, 303 University Ave. Runs an employment seminar every Monday from 10-12 am. Specific employment skill training for the "90's" (course). How to start your own business, etc. Call Susan MacDonnel, Assoc. Dir., (973) 877-3395 for information on different categories.

Metro Career Services. Offers services to help people with career change and transitions, career advancement, resumes and job search. Fees vary. A free consultation is available. Publishes Metro Career Insights, covering national and N.J. employment trends, career strategies and work tips. Call Judy Scherer at (973) 912-0106.

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Let's Celebrate Job Training Program (JobPower). A FREE comprehensive 16-week program of culinary instruction and training. Your only requirements are a desire and willingness to learn, a positive attitude and commitment to completing the program. For information call Mr. Ken Sammond at (201) 433-5438, Fax (201) 332-1728.

Job Search Group of Christian Business Association. Meets at Woodcliff Community Church, 7605 Palisade Ave. Computer practice, aid with resumes, job leads (Spanish & English) Call Artie Perilla, (201) 869-4555.

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The Professional Roster. Offers job listings, employment info and counseling. Weekdays from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Wednesdays from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. $30 annual dues. Located at 842 State Road, Suite. A3. Call (609) 921-9561.

Jobseekers. Support and education for unemployed people and those who are changing jobs or careers. Also a support group for spouses of the unemployed. Meets Tuesday @ 7:30 PM in Rm. 206. Trinity Church (Mercer Street entrance), 33 Mercer St., Princeton. Call the church office for information (609) 924-2277.

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Project Resources. Employment counseling and word processing classes for people 50+. Darlene Yoseloff coordinates the volunteer staff and Central Jersey Job Developers Assoc. which sponsors large annual job fair and professional career counselor development events. Call mornings M-Th. (732) 906-2554, Middlesex County College, Department of Community Education, 155 Merral Ave, Attn: Project Resources. Volunteers only weekdays 9:00-12:00 am.

NOVA Job Search Support Group. At Jewish Family & Vocational Service, 10 Franklin Ave., Edison, NJ. Every Wed., 9:30AM - 11:30AM. Open ended groups for job seekers, career changers, trailing spouses, re-entry workers. Focus on innovative strategies and emotional issues that affect you in job search. Topics: Interviewing, phone skills, handling job loss, age/sex discrimination, self esteem. We have employer guest speakers. Network with us! We help you gain employment! Call Larry Jacobs, Ed.S, M.S., Career Counselor or Lila Schwartz, Supervisor, NOVA (732) 738-5225 or E-mail to nova1@erols.com

Senior Community Employment Service Program (SCESP). Full-time and Part-time jobs for anyone age 55 and over throughout the State. Call Peter Friedman, Monday-Fri 9-5, 732-937-6200.

N.J. Entrepreneurs' Forum, Innovative Partners, Inc. Monthly meetings rotating among NJ Commission on Science and Technology sponsored technical development centers. It offers an opportunity for entrepreneurs to test a business idea and to receive mentoring and technical assistance by Forum members. Modest fee includes refreshments. Call (609) 984-1671 for more information.

Professional Service Group. Self help for unemployed professionals utilizing resources of State Employment Service. Job Service Placement Office, 506 Jersey Ave. Call Bob Miller at (732) 937-6207 or Kevin Hirschfeld (732) 937-6230.

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Professional Service Group. Job Search Network run by professional-level job seekers. Meets at NJ Employment Service, 60 Taylor Ave. Call Al Lundgren at (732) 775-1566 ext. 124.

Job Seekers of the Chathams. Meets Wednesday 7:30-9:30 PM at Stanley Congregational Church, 94 Fairmont Ave, (973) 635-7723. Sponsored by the Community Interfaith Council of the Chathams and Green Village with the goal of providing hard, useful information on the job of getting a job. Includes self-analysis, preparing a resume, orientation to marketing yourself, and developing a complete marketing program. Modeled after long-running Job Seekers of Montclair. For info call (973) 635-6868 or 7723. No fee, all are welcome, no registration necessary.

Employment Support Group. Has met since 1/91 last Mondays, 7:30 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church, 123 Blackwell St. Composed of people seeking to change careers or unemployed. Networking, resume-polishing, occasional speakers. Call Rev. Cheryl Johnson (973) 366-2821.

Professional Services Group. Since 1/91. Classes on job search, Wednesday meetings, telemarketing, sponsored by NJ Dept. of Labor, 107 Bassett Hwy. Call (973) 361-1034, fax (973) 631-8727.

Professional Services Group. Support for unemployed professionals, utilizing resources of State Employment Service. Meets daily 9-12 at Employment Service, 5 Sussex Ave. Seminars on loss, job search techniques, networking, resume writing, interviews and telephone skills. Call (973) 631-6327.

Hispanic Institute for Research and Development. {See listing under Bergen County, Hackensack -- on page 3}.

Spouses of the Unemployed. Meets Thursdays 7-9 PM at Family Service of Morris County, 62 Elm St. Call Mary Jo Buchanan (973) 538-5260.

Teenagers of the Unemployed. Emotional support and coping skills for teenagers of the unemployed. Meets Monday from 7:30 to 8:30 PM, Family Service of Morris County, 62 Elm Street, Morristown. Call Carrie Thompson (973) 927-1100.

Women's Center/County College of Morris. Career services for displaced home-makers and single parents, For more information call (973) 328-5025.

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Clifton Job Match. Circulates job applications from area residents to area employers. Sponsored by Municipal Housing Dept. Call (973) 470-5853.

Passaic County Career Center. Re-employment services for workers in transition. Many different services available. Participants of different employment and business background. Career Resource Room and computer training (visit our web site at www.pccareercenter.org/index.html). For information call Dr. Wayne Dyer at (973) 340-8845.

Jubilee Employment Service. Job prep seminars and job counseling. Madison Ave. Christian Reformed Church, 494 Madison Ave. Meets Mondays through Thursdays 10 - 4. Call Alco Sutton (973) 278-5627.

Paterson Task Force For Community Action. Offers job placement services, food resources and housing. Call Shirley Robertson, Dir. of Housing Counseling at (973) 279-2333.

Women In Transition. Is a state-funded program for displaced homemakers in Passaic County. This program is to offer supportive counseling, job search skills and computer training to women who need to return to work or who are underemployed because of loss of support due to death, disability of spouse, separation, divorce or abusive behavior by their spouse. It will offer individual and group counseling, typing and computer training and an eight week job readiness class designed to enhance women's self-esteem and confidence in making career and job choices as well as practical help in facing the job search process. No fee, for qualified applicants. For more information contact Kate McAteer, Coordinator, Women in Transition at (973) 694-9215.

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Career Forum. Meets Tuesday 7:30-9:30 PM at Somerset Hills YMCA, 140 Mt. Airy Rd. Call Debbie (908) 766-7898. Learning, motivation and support groups; occasional speakers.

BRIDGEWATER

Janus Support Group. Meets 2nd. Tues., year round at 7:30 PM, Bridgewater. For more information, call Barbara Ronca LCSW, (908) 218-9062. (Counseling and therapy services)

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Sussex County Community College. Offers One-Stop Career Service Center providing skill assessment, training, and job placement for unemployed residents. Call Susan Rafter, Director Counseling at (973) 300-2207.

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Adult Advisory Service. Career counseling, vocational interest testing. (Strong, Myers-Briggs), resume consultation, workshops on starting your own business, job enhancement. Fees range from $25-75. Kean University, Morris Ave, Call Warren Kahnt (908) 527-2211.

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Professional Service Group (PSG). Mutual support to help unemployed and underemployed professional level job seekers develop leads, learn effective job search techniques, and network. Free use of phones, faxes and computers. Meets Wednesday @ 10am - 12 Noon, 75 South St., Phillipsburg. Call Frank Olmes (908) 859-0400.

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Rockland Guidance Center, full range of employment related services, including preparation for job search, job leads, assessment, testing. Main St. Contact Director Rita Lieberman, (914) 358-9390.

Finkelstein Memorial Library, many books on how to do resumes; job postings. Call (914) 352-5700.

New York State Small Business Development Center. Provides free and confidential one-on-one counseling for start-up and existing businesses. For information call (914) 356-0370.

Women Entrepreneurs. Rockland County Womens' Network. Call Pauline Ross, President (914) 362-3620. P.O. Box 315 , Tappan, N.Y., 10983.

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Jobseekers Network. Meets 2nd Tuesday 7:30 P.M.. at Hendrick Hudson Free Library, 1 Kings Ferry Rd. , Montrose. For info call Carole Burton (914) 271-4423 (Home).

New York State Small Business Development Center. Provides free and confidential one-on-one counseling for start-up and existing businesses. For more information call (914) 674-7485

Career Transition Support Group. Meets at Holy Innocents Catholic, 42 Hillside Ave. For info call Jim O'Connell at (914) 769-9062 (Home).

New York State Small Business Development Center. Provides free and confidential one-on-one counseling for start-up and existing businesses. For more information call (914) 948-4450

St. Patrick's EARN. Meets 1st Thursday of each month at 7:45 PM at St. Patrick's Church, 137 Moseman Ave., Employment assistance, resource network. For info call Tom Tilston at (914) 962-7534.

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American Assoc. of Advertising Agencies, Job Search Forum. Open to all in advertising, marketing and publishing fields. Meets at 666 Third Ave, NY from 4:30-6:30 PM. No charge or reservations needed. Participants meet new people, get tips on what works for others, be warned of mistakes to avoid, and learn about other good resources to use. For info call Chris Segal (212) 682-2500.

Five O'Clock Club. Weekly presentations, small group strategy sessions, networking, private coaching and monthly issues of the Five O'Clock News.- 300 E. 40th St. Call (212)286-4500 or 212-286-9332.

40 Plus of New York. Founded 1939. Mutual aid for unemployed mgrs., exec. and professionals 40+. Members must have earned $25K yearly. Career counseling,, resume preparation, interviewing skills. $400 life-time membership fee, $100 monthly dues. Write 15 Park Row, NY 10038 or call (212) 233-6086.

Career Renewal Center, Inc. Non-profit organization provides intensive and interactive hands-on counseling for new direction for small groups or individuals. Concentrated, small 4-hr. or more sessions with experienced counselors. Geared for executives, professional managers as well as entry level and career changers employed or not. Emphasis is on self assessment and successfully marketing self for new workplace. Call Marion Karpen (212) 535-1910 for schedule and reasonable fees. Most sessions on Saturday. 184 E. 76th St. NY 10021 . Fax (212) 535- 2860.

WorkTalk. A non-profit career development support information group which meets on Tuesdays all year long, from 6:00 - 8:30 PM at St. Jean Baptiste Community Center, E. 76th. St. between Lexington and 3rd.

Working Today. Founded in 1995 by Sara Horowitz as an advocacy and service organization for all workers/job seekers and has worked out health insurance at group rates. For more information call (212) 366-6066 or E-mail  working1@TIAK.net

The Employment Project. 237 Thompson St., N.Y., NY, 10012. They offers group meetings, advocacy and support for job seekers. Publishes "No More Jobs". Call Paul Chapman, at (212) 533-6945, meets weekly.

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St. Mark's CATS Team. Runs many different workshops in CT & NY area. Weekly & monthly newsletter; job postings, support groups and more. Call (203) 966-4515, for more information.

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CREATING SUPPORT GROUPS

Barrie Peterson, (201) 489-7476, consultant to the United Labor Agency, supported by the United Way, Bergen County and the AFL-CIO.

Penny Prosperi (800)367-6274, of the New Jersey Self Help Clearing House, aids new groups and can refer interested individuals. Printed materials and training workshops are also offered.

Besides the Better Employment Coalition of NJ (publishers of this guide), there are two other networks to aid leaders/professionals in their work with job seekers:

Central Jersey Job Developer's Association meets 3rd Thursdays 9 am in New Brunswick for those aiding job seekers. Annual Job Fair. Contact Dorna Silverman, President at (732) 846-2968.

ADEPT Network to assist those working with people with disabilities to gain employment. Meets monthly in Hackensack, Div. of Vocational Rehabilitation. Call Barbara Cerwin or Janice Pointer at (201) 996-8970.

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AFL-CIO Survival Guide to Unemployment: When the Paycheck Stops. Available in English or Spanish at United Labor Agency, 214 State St., Hackensack, NJ 07601 or call (201) 489-5457.

Money 2000, financial education program of Rutgers Cooperative Extension. BE 599-6162; PA 973-305-5742; ES 973-648-1428; MR 973-285-8300; HU 915-1394 and UN (908) 654-1854.

Community Resource Council of Bergen County, 387 Main St, Hackensack, NJ, 07601, call HELPLINE for referrals (201) 343-6543. Ask for "Opening Doors--A Guide to Community Resources for Bergen County Job Seekers".

Consumer Action (CA). Offers 5 free publications on education on credit issues, how to resolve problems with their doctors and HMOs. Also, a 16 pg. booklet "It's Your Health: How to Get the Most Out of Your HMO" (Available in several different languages). Write to: Consumer Action, 116 New Montgomery St., Suite 233, San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 777-9648.

Consumer Credit Counseling Service, 3 sites in Bergen. Call (973) 267-4324, in New York (212) 675-5070.

Debtor's Anonymous. Meeting: Watchung Presbyterian Church, Mondays 7:30, Bloomfield, call (973) 667-2404; NW Covenant Medical Center., Wednesdays 7:30, Boonton Twp., call Maureen (973) 660-0277 or Andy (973) 238-0682.

Department of Human Services, Division of Economic Assistance. Help with home heating bills. Call 1-800-222-0130.

St. Elizabeth's Parish in Wyckoff publishes Lifeline, offering "Strategies for Living on Less" and "Sources of Help in Bergen County". Contact Mary Ann Morse (201) 848-1689 for copy.

United Way of Bergen County publishes "Help for Hard Times". Call Carmella Raiti at (201) 261-2806.

United Way of North Essex publishes "Help for Hard Times". Call the United Way in Montclair (973) 746-4040.

SHARE. Anyone can participate. There is no means test. For a $14 contribution of each food package desired, and pledging 2 hours of community service during the month provides a dignified method of eliminating hunger. For info call (973) 344-2400 or 1-800-213-2769.

"How To Feed Your Family on $45 a week". Shopping lists and menus for a family of 7. Send $4.75 to Cynthia Hillson, P.O. Box 2036, Cornelius, NC 28031.

COBRA, U.S. Dept. of Labor (212) 399-5191. Enables individuals to continuous benefits at the company's rate plus fee for 18 months after being let go.

HMO Complaint Line, 1-800-HMO-WATC ($1.95 Per minute, 24 hours)

HMO Pharmacists Info Line, 1-800-420-0275 ($1.95 Per minute, 24 hours)

Network for Medical & Health Information. A service provided to physicians and patients FREE. Accessible through Closter Library and 64 libraries in Bergen. Call (768) 4100 from 9-noon. The foundation accesses a data bank producing a printout of info on pediatrics, OB/GYN, medications and adult health.

PATIENTS first - A consumers survival guide to Health Care in the '90s. Call Patients First at this toll-free number (1-888-PT HELP 9 or 1-888-784-3579) to let us know about any problems you have experienced with your hospital, nursing home, HMO or managed care program. (We'll make sure the proper authorities find out). Located at 9-25 Alling St., Newark, NJ 07102.

Health Access New Jersey helps low and moderate income people purchase insurance and HMO services. Maximum yearly income: 1 person - $18,615; 2 persons - $25,075; 3 persons - $31,475; 4 persons - $37,875. Costs - $5.00 to $144.00 monthly. Call 1-800-729-HANJ.

Small Employer Health Benefits Program. Six standard health plans sold by a variety of companies to businesses employing two to 50 workers. The program is overseen by the state. A buyer's guide, list of companies, and rate comparisons are available. (800) 263-5912.

N.J. Individual Health Coverage Program Board. Info on basic policies now available to everyone. Call (800) 838-0935.

Medicaid Bergen County. Bd. of Social Services (201) 368-4200. Community Intake Unit. Medical coverage for individuals who qualify categorically or financially. Helps aged, disabled (Social Security definition) for 12 months or more, the blind, pregnant women, and children born after 9/30/83.

Other sources of insurance such as "Blue Cross/Blue Shield", professional associations, certain colleges if enrolled full-time. Note: carefully investigate extent of coverage, including pre-existing conditions clause and financial health of insurance company.

Health Department. Call your town's health department for free inoculations and well baby care. Call Bergen County Health Dept. for on-going or upcoming special no-cost/low-cost health screenings, mammograms, (201) 599-6100.

Children Special Child Health Services (201) 599-6153 can help parents of chronically or acutely ill children with finances.

Hospital Clinics
Englewood 894-3087 Hill Burton Hospital Care
Hackensack 996-2121 US Dept. of Health and Human Services
Bergen Pines 967-4060 Hotline (800) 638-0742.

Hospitals
Holy Name 833-3174 nursing homes and clinics receiving aid
Pascack Valley 358-3158 must provide free or low cost care to
Valley 447-8166 poverty stricken.

Your Personal Physician Or Dentist. Don't let embarrassment deter you from speaking personally with your family medical professional concerning possibly lower or deferred fees.

Publications
For a catalogue of free or low-cost U.S. Government Publications on insurance and other health matters, write to S. James, Consumer Information Center, 2A PO Box 100, Pueblo, Co. 81002 for the Consumer Information Catalog. Write to the same for a free copy of the Consumer's Resource Handbook for information on how to be a smart consumer and where to go with problems. Topics: health hoaxes, medical records and problems with insurance companies.

University of Medicine & Dentistry of NJ (201) 456-4242

New York University (212) 998-9800

Colombia Presbyterian Hospital (212) 305-5665

Attention: For information concerning Temporary or Emergency Housing within your area, contact your local municipality for specifics:

Urban League for Bergen County. For help with mortgage payments and financial counseling call (201) 568-4988.

Bergen Employment Action Project publishes "Is Extended Unemployment Threatening Your Ability To Pay Your Rent or Your Mortgage?" (info and resources). Call (201) 489-7476 for a copy.

Women's Rights Information Center has a shared housing program for single parent families in Bergen County and individuals willing to live with single parent families. Call 568-3942.

The Transcendental Meditation Program, taught by the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, 7 Steps to Learn TM Technique, courses held on evenings & weekends at the Maharishi Vedic University. Reduce stress, improve health, memory and creativity. For more information call (locally) Barbara Ebel at (201) 886-0166 (please leave message) or call 1-888-532-7686 (toll free).

Bertha's Poetry, Bergen Employment Action Project, Bertha Pietkiewicz, has compiled a selection of poetry helpful for the mental state to be in, times of unemployment, employment problems, etc. Humorous poems to help you cope. For a copy call (201) 489-7476.

LAW (Legal Assistance for Women), 1/2 hour consultation $10. Contact NCJW, Center for Women in Livingston at (973) 994-4994.

National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA), 1/2 hour consultation $25. Call (212) 603-6491, or their national office (415) 397-6335.

1-800 FREE LAW. Brief free legal consultation and referrals.

Women Lawyers in Bergen County, 1/2 hour consultation $30. Call 692-1011.

Women's Rights Information Center, 1/2 hour consultation $10.00 for business issues and matrimonial. Call (201) 568-1166.

Workers Defense League, (212) 627-1931.

International Alliance of Holistic Lawyers (IAHL). Call or write for particulars, brochures, membership and articles on alternative conflict resolution, Holistic Justice Center, PO Box 753, Middlebury, Vermont 05753 (Tel. or Fax) (802) 388-7478.

Unemployment Action Center, (212) 998-6568.

American Association of Retired Persons, Publications, consultation to help get through age discrimination. Call (800) 424-3410 to get publications: or Rich Meehan, of AARP Works at (609) 273-0247.

Community Resource Council, 387 Main Street, Hackensack 07601, (201) 343-4900 has an extensive computerized referral service covering many needs.

Career & Life Counseling Center of Bergen Co. Technical Schools, 540 Hudson Street, Hackensack, (201) 329-9600 ext. 5202. Individual and group career counseling designed to assist women who are divorced, separated, widowed and/or raising children on their own to obtain wage and high skilled employment. Job search/placement assistance, resume preparation, vocational and academic assessment, academic skills refresher courses, GED preparation, ESL courses, technical and computer job skills training. Financial assistance for transportation, tuition and child care. Obtain schedule for courses.

DINI (Dial-In News and Information Service), a computerized job bank in the New York City area provides employment information to the blind, visually impaired and people with print impairments providing 47 categories ranging from accounting to word processing. For info about DINI contact IN, TOUCH at 15 West 65th.. Street, New York, NY, (212) 769-6270.

Project Achieve. Aid for entrepreneurs and job seekers including literary and improving English speaking skills. Call (201) 329-9600 ext. 5408. Located at Bergen Workforce Center, 540 Hudson Street, Hackensack.

Project VOW. Training and support for NJ single parents. Services free to eligible participants. Call Carol Ucciferri at 1-800-272-7837.

Women's Rights Information Center, see description under "Englewood," or call (201) 568-1166 to receive quarterly calendar of relevant workshops, seminars and one-on-one services.

National Council of Jewish Women Center for Women, 513 W. Mt. Pleasant Ave., Livingston, (973) 994-4994 offers Educational Workshop Program with job workshops and strategies covered plus Job Readiness Program (aids displaced homemakers re-enter workforce via one-to-one help).

The New Jersey Employment Service; 60 State St, Hackensack, (201) 996-8950; 40 Bennett Rd, Englewood, (201) 568-9840; 438 Summit Ave, Jersey City, 795-8800; 370 Broadway, Paterson, (973) 977-4350; 186 S. Clinton St, E. Orange, (973) 266-1990; 201 Route 17 N, Rutherford, 939-5922. Some offices offer a whole range of services for job seekers, both professional and blue/pink collar, including "Job Clubs" and resource rooms and publications to internet.

Help for Drop-Outs. The Hackensack office of the N.J. Division of Vocational Rehabilitation offers tutoring and job training for unemployed or under- employed high-school drop-outs under 22yrs. Call (201) 996-8970.

Workforce Investment Boards. Administers Job Training Partnership Act and more. Testing, assessment and training provided at no cost to eligible county residents, including computer, health care training or other short term educational programs in active occupational fields. In Bergen, call (201) 487-3400, in Passaic (973) 742-6387.

SCORE, Service Corps of Retired Executives. Free counseling Wednesday 6-9, Adult Learning Center in Hackensack, and Friday morning, 327 Ridgewood Ave, Paramus, by appointment. For business owners, current or potential, call (201) 447-9220 or 599-6090.

Public Libraries often contain valuable job search information. See reference librarian for assistance with everything from researching potential employers to help with emotional aspects, e.g, When a Parent Loses a Job - Denise McNaught, The National Childhood Grief Institute. The Newark Library Business Information Center (973) 733-7779 answers your questions Tues.- Fri. from 9 to 5.

BERGEN EMPLOYMENT ACTION PROJECT of United Labor Agency offers a one day Job Search Class for the un or underemployed. Covers stress management, attitudes, resume polishing, networking and interview skills. Call Barrie Peterson at (201) 489-7476 for schedule and to register (free due to United Way, County of Bergen and AFL-CIO funding and contributions of volunteers and interns). So far 118 classes serving over 1600 people have been run.

SPRY job registry for adults 60+. Call Georgia Lee Ursprung (201) 489-7779.

NEW JERSEY ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN BUSINESS OWNERS, INC. (NJAWBO) offers its EXCEL Program a proven program for business skills, technical assistance and management training for individuals who own business or who are contemplating business ownership is offered at Small Business Development Centers and other facilities throughout the State. Call Harriet Nazarete for info on their 15-hour seminar or their Free EXCEL brochure at (908) 707-0173.

NEW JERSEY DEPT. OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS, DIVISION ON AGING offers assessment, paid job training in community service jobs, skill development vocational classes, job placement; for income eligible persons 55+ through The NJ Senior Community Service Employment Project due to funds provided by the US Dept. Labor. Call Bergen County Office on Aging, John Demetriov, (201) 646-2625.

HUDSON TECHNICAL-ADULT CAREER INSTITUTE in North Bergen offers training in technology-based programs for Hudson County residents needing skill enhancement. A $250.00 refundable registration fee is required. For info call Vivian Belen, Coordinator at (201) 854-3210.

SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER of Bergen Community College offers consulting services at Adult Learning Center in Hackensack Tuesdays and at the Passaic County Dept. of Economic Development in Paterson on Wednesdays. Call Greg Skelley or Melody Irvin at (201) 447-7841.

WOMEN'S RIGHTS INFORMATION CENTER in Englewood offers resume and career counseling, a job bank, computer training, job search training and workshops on various employment related topics. Call (201) 568-1166.

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Computer Training

*Avalon Computer Club offers unlimited use of high quality, Mac/Apple computers, laser printer, and many software packages--graphics, word processing, spreadsheets. Learn and practice, write cover letters and resumes. Typing tutor software also. $100 annual membership fee. Speak with Cathy Lauer, ACSW, 37 Park St, Demarest. Call (201) 784-8470.

*JobStart Learning Center offers courses in WordPerfect 5.1, Lotus 1-2-3, Typing Skills, Computer Keyboard. Call (201) 646-1995 or (201) 342-2256 for info.

*Women's Rights Information Center in Englewood offers classes in computer basics, WordPerfect, Windows/Word for Windows and Lotus 1,2,3 and use of equipment for practice.

*Many temporary agencies hold free classes or allow use of equipment.

*Nearly every adult school gives classes.

*Many libraries offer use of equipment and training manuals.

*Computer Training For Employment courses are available at Bergen Community College. Call (201) 447-7488.

*Computer Start. $8 per hour instruction (volunteering to help run project can be bartered). Paramus site. Call (201) 262-0566.

*American Institute of Finance in Jersey City. Free classes for unemployed. Call (201) 434-4882.

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The Coalition for Better Employment offers 40+ different speakers who can address over 60 topics for your group or agency. The purpose is: 1) To compile a data base of professionals from all facets of industry; experts who are willing to share knowledge, experience and skills related to job hunting or career changes, 2) To serve as a centralized resource center groups may use to find speakers or expand their knowledge base. To obtain request forms or to apply to be a volunteer speaker, contact Bob Markman c/o Project: H.I.R.E., 433 Rt. 23, Suite D, Cedar Grove, NJ 07009 or call (973) CAN-HELP (226-4357).

State-wide resource for locating self help groups. Consultation for people starting new groups, call Peter Martin at 1-800-367-6274.

The Star-Ledger business page, Thursdays, carries Ellen Simon's Workplace Column.

The Record "Work and Technology" section every Monday & Sunday include CNN "Special Report: Work in Progress" available for $25. Call 800-433-0500.

WFDU radio 89.1 FM features on-air job tips.

NJN-TV features 'Employment New Jersey', Mondays 7:00 PM and Sundays 9:30 AM.

WCBS 880 AM features 'Working Women' weekdays 2:36 and 6:26 PM. (7:25 and 9:00 AM Saturdays - 7:55 and 10:25 AM Sundays)

Call 1-800-235-8924 24 hours a day. Provided by NJ Department of Labor.

Call (212) 337-2400. Provided by Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Call Robert Massanova at (800) 222-1309, to learn how to access via computer modem info on NJ employers, vocational schools, colleges, licensed occupations and occupational outlook.

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