CHOICES gives options in life

A parishioner of St. Patrick's Church in Ravena, Mrs. Bruno is coordinator of Career and Home Opportunities Integrated with Community, Education and Services, a multi-faceted program that provides everything from General Equivalency Diploma classes and job readiness programs to life skills workshops and meetings with food stamp representatives.

Now in its 10th year, CHOICES has given more than 400 people a chance to better themselves, and Mrs. Bruno is pleased with the program's success.

"Nobody would've thought we would have the success we've had," she said. "I have very high expectations, and I think these people can be contributing citizens in society."

Giving back

After Mrs. Bruno met with Albany County Cornell Cooperative Extension and the volunteers, a proposal was drafted to implement a new program that would provide comprehensive services in one location, and CHOICES began in 1989.

The program, run by a staff of seven, gives participants an opportunity to express their wants and needs instead of being told what services are offered. "It's a good thing to sit down and ask them what they want to do," Mrs. Bruno said. "You don't dictate to them."

Variety of choices

One reason CHOICES has made a difference in people's lives for the past 10 years is because of the volunteers who help with tutoring, child care or office support. For example, Rose Nunziato, a parishioner of St. Patrick's, helps by answering phones when there's a staff meeting. She used to tutor students in reading and was impressed with their progress.

"They seemed eager to learn, even though they had some difficulty," she said. "I enjoyed working with the students, and it was satisfying to be able to teach them to read."

Why they come

"It's a good program if you want to better your future. It can work if you make it work," she said.

Elizabeth Snyder has been coming for the past five months. She sends out resumes and looks for jobs. She's optimistic about her chances of finding work.

"I get to read the classifieds every day, use the computer and use my office skills that I already know," she said.

Referrals

There's open enrollment, so participants can join at any time by walking in and getting started. The paid and volunteer staff may be the teachers, but some of the most important lessons are the examples set by graduates of the program who have gone on and become successful.

"They're learning from each other. They're their own best teachers," Mrs. Bruno said.

(For more information about CHOICES, call 756-8650.)

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