Whether she’s cooking, writing, or spending quality time with her two young children, Donyelle Murray is always planning for the future, “what really brings me joy is when I accomplish something, whether it’s big or small.”
“I get so excited about it because it’s something I made happen and it’s something to not only benefit me but also benefit my boys and I know I’m possibly one step closer [to my goals].”
Donyelle, an alumna of the New Choices program of YWCA Lancaster, knows that sometimes the biggest and most important steps towards your goals are the smallest; it’s as small as continuing to ask questions, continuing to choose new opportunities, or keeping your long-term goals in the back of your mind.
And she’s not alone in that drive.
Enisha Sealy studying to become a chef at Lancaster County Career and Technology Center, is also a proud alumna of the New Choice program, “I faced a few challenges in my life, but New Choices showed me to never give up and to keep going… New Choices showed me that I have a voice and that my voice matters”.
For more than 35 years, New Choices has been helping residents of Lancaster, York, and Chester counties become economically stable and self-sufficient, benefiting hundreds over the years.
An initiative of the YWCA Lancaster, New Choices is a free, career development program for any PA resident which helps provide support to make decisions that can help individuals overcome personal, financial, emotional, or physical barriers to employment.
Beyond the necessities of job searches and resume improvement, New Choices offers PA residents a rare opportunity to develop deep relationships through coaching, workshops, and interviews, providing a platform for personal success that extends beyond the page or the screen.
“New Choices guided me and gave me support when I was in need not just financially, but a listening ear during hardships, successful moments and obstacles in life,” said Enisha.
The mission of YWCA Lancaster is to eliminate racism and empower women, and to do that, New Choices meets community members where they are through a wealth of organizational partnerships. One of its collaborating partners is Milagro House, a Lancaster-based nonprofit that removes the barriers to educational attainment women living in poverty often face. New Choices brings its program directly to Milagro House and tailors its approach to meet the specific needs of the women enrolled in the program. This adds a valuable layer of support that empowers the women of Milagro House and helps them gain confidence and success.
The key to success is flexibility and relationships. New Choices offers both of those vital resources, because no one’s path is the same, but everyone has a path forward.
As she reflects on the joy of dancing and playing with her children, Donyelle—who is a Milagro House alum as well—revels in the excitement of teaching them new things as they move through the world, because she knows that no one should have to do it alone. “New Choices has helped me with that because they have been by my side through my journey and are still with me. They are showing me the ropes and the roads and also helping me with lots of resources so I can be successful.”
And Enisha will soon get a chance to put her culinary skills to the test.
On March 25, New Choices is hosting A Taste of Success, a culinary showdown that pits teams of Lancaster Career and Technical Center students against each other in a one-of-a-kind experience to celebrate the extraordinary work of New Choices alumnus, as well as help crown the winning team of culinary and baking protégés.
For the first time ever, Enisha, a New Choices alumna will be among the teams competing. “What I enjoy the most is being able to learn a new set of skills in culinary school, it truly gives me purpose that against all odds I will pull through these next four months of school and accomplish what I always dreamed of accomplishing and what New Choices has made possible for me, I will finally become a chef.”
Whatever your career and personal goals, New Choices from the YWCA Lancaster is here to help you turn “I can’t,” to “I did.”
TASTE OF SUCCESS
MARCH 25, 2022 | 6 PM
MELHORN MANOR | 977 W Main Street, Mount Joy, PA 17552
Reserve your spot at bidpal.net/newchoices
About YWCA Lancaster
YWCA Lancaster is dedicated to the elimination of racism, the empowerment of women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Since 1889 we have served children and adults in Lancaster County through a variety of programs. Current offerings include: the Center for Racial and Gender Equity offering community engagement; education and training; research and advocacy; Kepler Hall residence, home to fifty adults and children; New Choices Career Development Program, a life-changing opportunity for Lancaster, York and Chester County’s individuals in transition to achieve economic self-sufficiency; YWonderful Kids providing child enrichment for ages six weeks to five years and before/after school care in a number of settings; Sexual Assault Prevention and Counseling Center with a 24 hour hotline and no-cost professional counseling for survivors of sexual assault and their significant others and Parent Empowerment Program for families in need of positive parenting support.
