"The two young women I worked with were so enthusiastic about what I had accomplished in my life, and so supportive about my wish to use my experience in a meaningful way, that I blossomed."

The aims

Supporting and motivating women to return to or enter employment.

The story

The YMCA ReEntry employment programme in New York offers women an opportunity to gain the skills and knowledge they need to enter or re-enter the workforce, supporting themselves and their families.

Over a six-week period, participants attend workshops covering topics ranging from computer training to verbal and written business communication.

A group of 25 colleagues from Barclays Capital’s New York office acted as mentors to 12 women from the ReEntry programme in 2007.

Through weekly meetings, these volunteers helped the women build their confidence and prepare for job interviews. Following the programme, six of the ReEntry candidates secured employment.

And the Barclays Capital volunteers benefited from taking part too. One said: “The two young women I worked with were so enthusiastic about what I had accomplished in my life, and so supportive about my wish to use my experience in a meaningful way, that I blossomed.”

Results to date

Half the ReEntry candiates partnered by Barclays Capital volunteers found employment soon after the programme finished.