Often times when a marriage ends or a spouse dies or becomes disabled, it’s difficult for the survivor to embark on the next phase of their life.

That’s where Olympic College Women’s Programs and College Success and the Washington State Displaced Homemaker Program are stepping in to provide a one-day workshop for homemakers in transition from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on June 5 in the Bremer Student Center’s North and South conference rooms at OC’s Bremerton campus.

A homemaker in transition is defined as “a person who has provided unpaid services in the home and who has relied on the economic support of another person or agency; but who now must become financially independent because of the death of a spouse, disability of a spouse, divorce, or separation,” explained Laurie Adamson, director of OC’s program.

The free event will feature presentations on goal-setting, educational resources, basic financial planning, how to access free legal resources, and Olympic College academic and professional/technical programs.

“Homemakers who have relied on income from government agencies but who no longer qualify may also participate as homemakers in transition,” Adamson said. “Homemakers in transition will want to attend this workshop to gain information that is necessary to enter an educational program and to prepare for the workforce.”

These workshops connect homemakers in transition with vital community and educational resources so that they are more aware of their options as they transition to school or the workforce and are offered several times a year, she said.

Although the majority of attendees are women, Adamson emphasized that men are welcome as well as they face many of the same challenges as their female counterparts.

“One of the major challenges is a lack of knowledge of the legal, financial, social, and educational assets in our community,” she said. “These resources are important for homemakers in transition.”

Labor-market information is also important so people can make wise career choices and obtain the kind of education and preparation that will lead to sustainable family-wage jobs, she said.

“Most people who will attend the Transition Times workshop will be surprised by the vast number of educational opportunities available as well as the means for funding their educational goals,” she said.

Although this event is offered at no cost to participants, pre-registration is required by June 2.

To register, contact Adamson at (360) 475-7478.