Personal Enrichment Workshops Offered at GCC

Deptford Twp. – The Center for People in Transition at Gloucester County College is offering an assortment of personal-enrichment workshops during the month of March. All are free unless otherwise noted. To register, please call 856-415-2222 or email peopleintransition@gccnj.edu. 

“Forgiveness: A Healing Journey” — Licensed Professional Counselor Dr. Jeannie McQuaide will impart coping techniques to overcome emotional or physical pain from past experiences. During this eight-part series, individuals will learn how to let go of anger, overcome destructive behavior and begin the healing process for a healthier, happier future. Learning to forgive is an important part of the healing process. It meets Tuesdays, March 4, 11, 18, 25, April 1, 8, 15 and 22 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

“Understanding Your Investments” — Joseph Johnson, owner of Main Street Financial, will share information to help participants better understand investments and to plan for their financial future. Topics include stocks versus bonds, mutual funds and tax-deferred investing, risk management and estate planning techniques. It meets Tuesday, March 4 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

“Social Media and Online Marketing” — Marion Chamberlain, of MMC Style, will demonstrate how to use many of the social media platforms available today for small business owners to increase their online marketing presence. Participants will leave this seminar confident in their ability to keep pace with fast-changing Internet marketing options such as Google +, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, WordPress and more. It meets Wednesday, March 5 from 6 to 9 p.m. To register, call 973-507-9700. This workshop is sponsored by People in Transition and the Women’s Center for Entrepreneurship Corporation.

“How to Avoid Costly Housing Mistakes Before, During and After Divorce” — RE/MAX Connection Agent Brian Ziegenfuss will explain how to protect one’s desired interest in the sale of a home and to maximize profits. Issues of lifestyle changes, new budgets and housing affordability will also be addressed. It meets Monday, March 10 from 7 to 9 p.m.

“Laws of Separation and Divorce” — An attorney from the Gloucester County Bar Association will speak on grounds for divorce, court procedures, alimony, equitable distribution, custody, visitation rights and other concerns. It will meet Tuesday, March 11 from 7 to 9 p.m.

“Who am I Now: Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man or Lion?” — Sharon Roth Lichtenfeld, certified professional lifecoach, will help individuals discover who they really are on their journey to self-discovery. This session includes positive-thinking exercises. It meets Wednesday, March 12 from 7 to 9 p.m.

 “Money Management for Partners and Children” — Tiffany W. Thurman, program manager of Financially HERS at Clarify, will share the best practices for opening conversations about money management with either a partner and/or children. She will provide strategies through which individuals can financially empower their children regardless of their age. Participants must be at least 18 years of age to attend. It meets Monday, March 17 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

“Financial Aspects of Divorce” — Joseph Johnson, owner of Main Street Financial, will explain a broad range of monetary issues that individuals face when going through divorce. This workshop is designed to help individuals avoid costly mistakes, clarify expectations and begin planning for a “successful” divorce. It meets Tuesday, March 18 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

“Basic Budgeting Life-Skills Workshop” — Nancy Hawn, M.S., NJAPM, will explain the purpose and importance of having a budget, including how to create and use it as a monthly tool to stay on track to achieve financial goals. She will talk about fixed and variable spending and distinguish between essential and non-essential purchases. Short- and long-term savings needs will be explored as well as the use of credit. The workshop will wrap up with a general overview of the role insurance plays in protecting income and minimizing unexpected expenses. It meets Wednesday, March 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. This is sponsored by People in Transition and the Heart of Gloucester County.

“Mediate Your Divorce” — Nancy Hawn, M.S., APFM, will explain how a trained, neutral mediator can help married couples navigate all the decisions required in moving toward divorce. Mediators assist couples in resolving their differences and coming to an agreement, which saves significant time and money, and reduces everyone’s stress. It meets Thursday, March 20 from 6 to 8 p.m.

“Mobile Banking” — Tiffany W. Thurman, program manager of Financially HERS at Clarify, will share facts about mobile banking. Talking points include what mobile banking is, how to use the app and how to ensure one’s safety and privacy while doing so. It meets Monday, March 24 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

“Understanding Your Credit” — Phyllis Michanik, of Accounts Receivable Training Systems, will discuss the basics necessary to understanding credit. Topics range from credit scores and reports, to improving credit and preventing fraud. It meets Wednesday, March 26 from 6 to 9 p.m. To register, call 973-507-9700. This is sponsored by People in Transition and the Women’s Center for Entrepreneurship Corporation.

“Women and Entrepreneurship” — Throughout the last 14 years, the number of businesses owned by women increased 50 percent. As these businesses grow, female entrepreneurs are confronted with multiple financial issues to consider such as retirement, insurance and succession. Financial Advisor Monique Castillo will present the long-term issues that owners should keep in mind along with tips for growing and protecting their businesses. It meets Monday, March 31 from 7 to 9 p.m. To register, call 973-507-9700. This is sponsored by People in Transition and the Women’s Leadership Council of the United Way of Gloucester County.

Gloucester County College’s 250-acre campus is located on Tanyard Road in Deptford, just off Exit 56 of Route 55.