Contact:

Sara Lee

Junior League of Palo Alto-Mid Peninsula

408-828-7887

press@thejuniorleague.org

Junior League of Palo Alto-Mid Peninsula Announces “Shelter Network”

as “Done in a Year” Project

One Year Program to Support Homeless in the Search and Preparation for Employment

Menlo Park, Calif. – April 29, 2010 – The Junior League of Palo Alto-Mid Peninsula (JLPA-MP) today announced Shelter Network of San Mateo County as its “Done in a Year” community project for the 2010-2011 year.  Shelter Network provides housing and support services for homeless residents of the San Francisco Peninsula.  These services create opportunities for families and individuals to re-establish self-sufficiency, and encourage the return to permanent homes.

The JLPA-MP will support a series of Lifeskills Workshops throughout the year at the Shelter Network’s Menlo Park and San Mateo shelters.  These workshops assist homeless families and individuals in preparing for and gaining employment, and support those in transitional housing looking for a new or better-paying job.

“By partnering with the Junior League, we’re able to offer an even better level of support and preparation to those at Shelter Network as they begin job searches,” said Michele Jackson, Shelter Network. “Establishing employment is the first step in regaining self-sufficiency, and we are dedicated to helping our clients get back on their feet and on the road to success.”

Lifeskills Workshops take place concurrently at both the Menlo Park and San Mateo locations and are geared for groups of 8-10 clients.  The workshops provide training in areas such as resume development, interview skills, how to “sell yourself,” apartment hunting, money management, and applying for financial aid – all skills critical to ensure successful employment and housing searches and future independence. 

“The Junior League is privileged to partner with such an outstanding organization as the Shelter Network,” says JLPA-MP President Jan Woolsey. “We are excited to be able to provide support and encouragement to families and individuals looking to prepare for the workforce and re-establish self-sufficiency.”

For more information about the Shelter Network community project, please visit http://www.thejuniorleague.org/paloalto. For more information about Shelter Network, please visit http://www.shelternetwork.org.

About the Junior League of Palo Alto-Mid Peninsula

The Junior League of Palo Alto-Mid Peninsula, Inc. (JLPA-MP) focuses on developing the potential of families through its projects, community grants and public policy advocacy. The JLPA-MP focuses on training a diverse group of women volunteers, with a goal of serving those interested in developing their leadership potential, broadening their skills and effecting positive change in our community. The JLPA-MP serves the San Francisco Bay Area Peninsula. For more information please visit http://www.thejuniorleague.org/paloalto.

The JLPA-MP is a part of the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI), which consists of 294 Leagues and more than 170,000 members from the USA, Mexico, Canada and Great Britain. For more information, please go to AJLI’s website at www.ajli.org.

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