Women’s Opportunity Center of Syracuse is a non-profit organization that successfully assists hundreds of women each year on the road to self-sufficiency.

By participating in WOC programs and classes these displaced individuals build the confidence and skills to gain employment to support themselves and their families.

How can I help these courageous women to become successful contributing members to the economy of Central New York?

No support is too big or too small! Here are some great ways that you can help:

Contact WOC at (315) 446-0550 to discuss how your donation can
Pay Tribute to an Inspiring Woman!

The Displaced Homemaker Program is one of the oldest, most successful state funded resources of its kind. In fact, in 2008, the New York State Displaced Homemaker Program celebrates its 30th year of job readiness assistance and training to women who have lost their primary source of financial support. The program offers a caring, holistic approach to the complex challenges faced by displaced homemakers.

In 1985, NYS Assemblyman Melvin Zimmer was instrumental in bringing the program to Syracuse and the Regional Learning Service of CNY, Inc. Since 2005 the program has been affiliated with the Ithaca Women’s Opportunity Center.

Program services have grown since inception to meet the changing times and needs of the women it serves. In the early days Pathfinder job readiness workshops were four weeks in length. The next generation New Directions Workshop was completed in five days offering skills assessment, interviewing preparation, information on the CNY job market, expert speakers, and support.  Today the Business Office Administrative Training program – known as BOAT – is completed in seven weeks offering employability skills, computer classes, interviewing preparation, information on the CNY job market, expert speakers, an internship and support.

An advisory council of human resource professionals volunteers its time and expertise to conduct mock interviews and panel discussions on such timely topics as resumes and cover letters, interviewing, skills, and success on the job.

E-assistance for sending and posting e-mail resumes and online applications is now a commonplace service for participants seeking employment.  Today, staff and participants alike celebrate each new employment with the ringing of the brass bell located outside of the computer lab.

Staff and participants alike celebrate each new employment with the ringing of the brass bell.

In 20+ years over 4000 women have come through the doors of the Syracuse Women’s Opportunity Center/Displaced Homemaker program.

The staff of WOC envisions a continued bright future for the program and success to its participants.

Yellow, black caterpillar

Swallows up the kids

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Swirling fairies dance

Eerie mysterious beauty

River mist rising

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Colorful glory,

An early morning rainbow

Earth smiles at heaven

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NPR stories

Science, politics, the world

Road and time pass by

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Red horse gallops by

Lights flash sirens scream – the man

Mustang is corralled

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All comes to a stop

Fender bender, drivers curse

Highway parking lot

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Cold crisp autumn day

Cloud sculptures capture the eye

Heaven’s masterpiece

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Red river of fire

Washed blue sky turns purple pink

Sun’s blazing glory

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Long day, endless miles

Groceries gas; too tired

Weary road warrior

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On autopilot

Daydreams take over the mind

Am I there so soon?