History
The Center for People in Transition (PIT) was begun by Gloucester County College (GCC) in 1981 to assist women returning to school. Since that time the Center has expanded its mission and has become a semi-independent social service agency dedicated to assisting displaced homemakers to become self-sufficient.
Vision
To provide services to displaced homemakers who are experiencing the three greatest stressors in life: divorce, death of spouse & loss of employment / unemployment to reach a new beginning of self worth and self sufficiency.
Mission
To assist Displaced Homemakers to become emotionally and economically self-sufficient through life skills training, education or vocational training, advocacy and supportive services.
People In Transition Strategic Plan for 2009 - 2014
MEET THE STAFF
Jeanne M. LaBuz, M.A., CWDP
- Director
Jeanne started working for People in Transition (PIT) at GCC in January 2002 as the Career/Placement Counselor. In July 2007, she was promoted to Director of the program. Prior to joining the staff of PIT, Jeanne worked at Burlington County College (BCC) for ten years as the Director of the Psychology Lab; Basic Skills/Academic Counselor; and Psychology & College Skills Instructor.
In between her career at BCC and GCC PIT, Jeanne was a stay at home mom who was very much involved in the activities of her two girls as well as church and community affairs. She understands the fears and trepidations associated with returning to the workforce after being a “Professional Mom”.
Jeanne has her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Stockton State College and her Master’s degree in School Psychology from Glassboro State College (Rowan University). She is certified in the administration and interpretation of the Myers Briggs Type Indicator and Strong Interest Inventory; is a Certified Workforce Development Professional and a Notary Public. Jeanne also serves as a GCC mentor, on GCC’s Experiential Equivalency Overview Committee, several search committees, and is Vice President of the Displaced Homemaker Network of NJ, Inc.
Jeanne understands that life has many unexpected twists and turns and often times, we are left in so much turmoil that it is hard to see any light at the end of the tunnel. She and her staff are passionate about providing assistance and guidance so each displaced homemaker can venture on a path leading to a new beginning with a different purpose, a higher self esteem and in time self sufficiency.
Nancy L. Hawn, M.S., APM -
Social Service & Legal Resource Assistant
Nancy is a trained mediator and has a master’s degree in Business Administration from Widener University. She worked as an accountant in the Business Office of Camden County College, has been an adjunct professor for nineteen years, and has a private divorce mediation business. Nancy has led workshops for People in Transition for eleven years and joined their staff on a part-time basis in February of 2008. She is available to displaced homemakers for information on the divorce process, what to expect in court, resources for domestic violence, and assistance in preparing their resumes. Nancy is the proud mother of two daughters, both of whom are teachers, and three grandchildren.
Susan Nevins, A.A. - Team Coordinator
Sue has been working for Gloucester County College for 22 years in several different positions throughout the college. She began working for People in Transition during the late 1980s and has been with us ever since, making her a familiar face to our clients. Prior to coming to New Jersey, Sue worked various secretarial jobs in New York City including working for The Society of Automotive Engineers and Kimberly Clark. Sue attended CCNY (Baruch College) in New York City and finished her Associates in Arts degree at Gloucester County College. Sue is the proud mother of four children and four grandchildren.
Workshop Facilitators
Jennie Mc Quaide, Ph.D.
Leads support group for divorced and bereaved
Deborah Makos-Trionfo
Leads new beginnings and self esteem workshops
Tina Chappelear
Teaches basic and advanced computer workshops
Lauri Kuder
Teaches basic and advanced computer workshops
Credit Worthy, Inc.
Wanda P. Hardy, MBA
Lawyers- Gloucester & Camden County Bar Association
Services Empowering Rights of Victims
Lawyers from South Jersey Legal Services
RE/MAX Millenium
New Jersey Association of Women Business Owners (NJAWBO)
Advisory Board
- Ms Peggy Van Natta Schoen - Chair
- Ms. Susan Allen
- Mr. Steve Awalt
- Ms. Christine Bork
- Ms. Lisa Charon
- Ms. Christine C. Cockerill
- Mr. Earl Divens
- Ms. Patricia Fletcher
- Ms. Sarah Hart
- Ms. Nancy L. Hawn
- Ms. Robbenmarie Insogno
- Ms. Jeanne M. LaBuz
- Ms. Susan Nevins
- Ms. Gina Ridge
- Ms. Barbara Turner
