Life Skills Program of My Sisters' Place

Through MSP’s Life Skills program, victims of domestic violence who are seeking economic and emotional independence have the opportunity to learn skills that prepare them to enter (or re-enter) the workforce and create a sustainable life for themselves and their children.

The curriculum includes:

• Computer Skills – This component focuses on general computer skills with an emphasis on Microsoft Word and Excel. Classroom assignments and a final project are required.
• Financial planning, budgeting and personal finance – Students are taught how to budget, organize bills, review bank statements, open checking and savings accounts, balance a checkbook, and develop a monthly cash flow worksheet.
• Communication skills – Students learn active listening skills, differences in verbal and non-verbal communication styles, and formal and informal communication methods.
• Health and nutrition – Topics include healthy and affordable food choices, use of food labels, and benefits of physical exercise for adults and children.
• Stress management – Subjects included in this section are the effects of stress and several stress reduction techniques including guided imagery, breathing exercises, and yoga.
• Resume writing – Students learn about different types of standard resumes including chronological resumes and skill/strength-based resumes. Students also learn how to write an effective cover letter and a reference list.
• Career exploration – Students learn how to conduct job searches through internet searches, headhunters, word of mouth, and local and regional newspapers. Students also lean how to research career paths, salary ranges, and job category requirements.
• Interview techniques – Students learn winning interview techniques and then participate in “dress rehearsal” mock interviews with retired executive and professional volunteers.
• Parenting skills – Students learn about specific issues related to parenting children who have witnessed or experienced domestic violence. They learn warning signs of children in distress and appropriate responses and referrals. Students also learn about child development, children’s self-esteem and self-image, single parenting, discipline, and child safety.

In order to reduce barriers to successful completion of this program, transportation, child care for pre-school-aged children, and meals and snacks are provided.

The Life Skills Coordinator works with each client as she seeks appropriate employment. In the year following graduation, the Coordinator maintains contact with each graduate to ensure job retention, offering support, ongoing education, and referrals.

To access Life Skills services, or to inquire about hiring a Life Skills graduate, please call MSP’s Yonkers Administrative Office at (914) 963-6701.