This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Director of Women's Opportunity Center Named to New Jersey Advisory Commission on the Status of Women

Cathi Rendfrey, director of the Women’s Opportunity Center (WOC) at the YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties and a tireless advocate for women’s rights, recently received confirmation on her nomination to the New Jersey Advisory Commission on the Status of Women (NJACSW).

The NJACSW acts as an advisor and advocate for New Jersey women of all races and creeds. Working with the New Jersey Division on Women, the 11-member commission is committed to addressing the critical concerns and issues confronting New Jersey women.  The NJACSW makes recommendations to the Division regarding policies and programs; provides technical assistance to county and municipal commissions on women; assists in the formation of commissions; and co-sponsors several events with the Division on Women.

Rendfrey was nominated to the NJACSW in March 2013 by Governor Chris Christie and was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee in January. 

Find out what's happening in Moorestownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“We are thrilled that Cathi is being honored by this appointment.  As a member of NJACS, Cathi will be able to provide a strong voice for women across New Jersey, just as she has done for women in  Burlington and Camden counties in her role at the Y for the past 23 years,” said Tim Kerrihard, President and CEO of the YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties.

The Women’s Opportunity Center, housed at the Burlington-Riverfront YMCA at 302 Commerce Square Blvd. in Burlington, assists women who have lost financial support due to separation, divorce, death or disability of a spouse. For the past 23 years, Rendfrey has implemented programs through the WOC to assist more than 3,000 displaced homemakers achieve economic self-sufficiency by providing computer classes, educational resources and life skills workshops.

Find out what's happening in Moorestownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Additionally, Rendfrey voluntarily serves as the legislative liaison for the Displaced Homemakers Network of New Jersey, Inc., which advocates for 15 centers statewide. In this role, she meets with legislators on an ongoing basis to educate them about displaced homemakers and their families.

About the Women’s Opportunity Center
The Women’s Opportunity Center is funded by a grant from the Division on Women, New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. The YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties is the Women’s Opportunity Center’s host agency. The center has workshops to help women improve self confidence, self esteem and assertiveness.  Other workshop topics include career development, financial planning and legal implications on separation and divorce and bankruptcy. Through the Women’s Opportunity Center’s network, volunteer attorneys donate their time to conduct legal workshops, providing information regarding the implications of separation and divorce. The Women’s Opportunity Center accepts monetary donations for purchase of food and clothing for families in need, and volunteer support.

About the Y
The YMCA of Burlington & Camden Counties is a cause-driven, community based, charitable nonprofit organization that strengthens community by building healthy, confident, connected and secure children, adults and families.   With a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y nurtures the potential of every youth and teen, improves the community's health and well-being and provides opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Throughout neighborhoods across the two counties and its 50+ sites, the Y makes accessible the support and opportunities that empower more than 30,000 people each year to learn, grow and thrive. Visit ymca-bc.org.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?