Displaced Homemakers Program of Ocean County

Displaced Homemakers

The Displaced Homemakers program at Ocean County College is an employment readiness initiative dedicated to empowering individuals impacted by the loss of their primary source of income.  Whether due to separation, divorce, widowhood, spousal disability, spousal military deployment, or domestic violence, our program supports those transitioning into the role of head of household.

Woman wearing hat hat and orange jacket working outdoors at an industrial construction site.

Funding is provided by a grant through Division of Children and Families (DCF), Department of Women (DOW) to support both women and men. 

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The generosity of foundations and private donors enhances activities and offers the potential to expand the number of clients we can serve.   

At Ocean County College, we recognize the unique challenges faced by our clients. We are committed to partnering with them to build meaningful educational and career goals that enhance employability and economic self-sufficiency through a comprehensive and holistic approach.

Services Include:

Participants will be provided with resources and workshops designed to equip them with the essential skills for todayโ€™s job market.

Participants will have the opportunity to engage in a collaborative process with advisors guiding them towards achieving their educational and career goals.  This can be through helping them understand the curriculum, develop meaningful educational plans, and connecting with relevant resources.

We believe that personal well-being is crucial for professional success.  Our program includes resources and workshops focused on self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-care.

Participants will be provided with resources and workshops to gain the skills crucial for personal, social, and professional success, such as problem solving, communication, decision making, critical thinking, resilience, emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and money management.

Clients will have access to a variety of training materials and assessment tools to help identify their strengths and areas for growth. 

For clients who meet the criteria and demonstrate readiness, we cover the cost of short-term certificates and training programs. 

Throughout the process, clients will participate in regular case management reviews to monitor progress, address barriers, and receive feedback.  This collaborative approach ensures that clients are supported every step of the way.

Participants will be provided with workshops, referrals, and guest speakers

We understand that some needs may extend beyond our programโ€™s offerings.  Therefore, we provide community referrals to clients who identify additional needs, ensuring they receive comprehensive support.  In addition, ongoing collaboration with community providers will be maintained, upon client consent, to facilitate a holistic and seamless support network. 

Check Your Eligibility – Complete the Self Screening Application Below:

DHP Self Screening

Name(Required)
May we contact you by phone?(Required)
May we contact you by email?(Required)
Have you lost your major source of financial support because of death, disability, divorce, or separation?(Required)
Are you emotionally or vocationally unprepared to enter the job market?(Required)
Do you need additional training or education?(Required)
Are you working but underemployed?(Required)
Are you unaware of community resources?(Required)
**If you answered yes to all of the questions, you might qualify for the program.

The information collected is intended solely for the use of the Displaced Homemakers Program of Ocean County. The information collected is confidential and will not be shared.

Discover Learning Opportunities

Financial Literacy Workshops

Ocean County Displaced Homemakers Program is thrilled to announce our August/September 2026 Financial Literacy Series, hosted in partnership with Flagstar Bank.
Reserve your spot now! Explore the series on the attached flyer, and register for one or more sessions.

Family Law Q & A

Our Displaced Homemaker Network Partner at Brookdale Community College has invited Ocean Displaced Homemakers participants to take part in a family law question and answer session on Wednesday August 12, 2026.  All questions should be submitted to jmurad@brookdalecc.edu by August 10, to ensure inclusion in the discussion.  For further information, click here to view the flyer!

Rising Together Peer Book Club

Exclusively for individuals navigating life transitions as displaced homemakers.
Click here to register and reserve your spot!


Empower to Care HealthCare Pathways

You have been building the essential skills for workplace success. Now see where those skills can take you.

The Displaced Homemakers Program (DHP) and Strengthening Community Colleges Grant (SCC5) invite you to an informational presentation about Health First New Jersey training opportunities at Ocean County College. Click here to register and reserve your spot!


Opportunities with the DHP

Need Assistance / Questions?

Contact: Stacy West, Program Coordinator

Displaced Homemakers Program
Student Services
Location: Library Bldg. #3 – Rm L025
Ph: 732-255-0400 ext. 2004
Email: swelch-west@ocean.edu

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We want to hear from you!

Please take a few minutes to let us know about your experiences with Displaced Homemakers, what we have done well, and how we can improve.    https://surveys.dcf.state.nj.us/surveys/?s=3K9HYEJLYJRXYJHE


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