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As the U.S. continues to see women exit the workforce at one of the fastest rates in history, YWCA Northern New Jersey is stepping up to help connect women with job-readiness resources, career coaches and potential employers.

The Coffee Café Conversations Open House aims to support unemployed and underemployed women on their path to economic stability and long-term career success. The event is scheduled for Dec. 18 at the organization’s office 1373 Broad St. in Clifton.

Set to run from 3 to 7 p.m., the free Open House will include:

• Dedicated networking circles
• Mini-sessions for vision boards
• LinkedIn and resume tips
• Workforce readiness insights
• Employer connections
• Coffee and light refreshments

For more information and to register, click here.

Starting the ‘Next Chapter’

According to YWCA Northern New Jersey, the upcoming open house is part of its Next Chapter Program. Through that initiative, women can receive job coaching, career counseling, case management support, and access to workforce specialists who can help set goals, build confidence and develop individualized plans.

The program offers ongoing guidance, accountability and access to resources that support each woman’s workforce journey. Additionally, it culminates in an annual Spring Career Expo that links participants with recruiters and real-time hiring opportunities.

YWCA Northern New Jersey also has several other offerings under its Women of the Workforce initiative. That program aims to support women at different stages of their employment and entrepreneurial journeys.

Barriers to success

In addition to women leaving the workforce due to factors such as rising child care costs and inflexible return-to-office mandates, companies have also pulled back on initiatives that support women’s advancement, according to McKinsey’s 2025 Women in the Workplace report.

YWCA Northern New Jersey CEO Helen Archontou said her organization hopes to counteract the barriers driving the national trends.

“We know that when women are empowered to take control of their careers, their families and communities thrive. Next Chapter provides the tools, coaching, and encouragement women need to move forward with confidence,” she said.