A part of our mission here at Volunteers of America is to promote self-sufficiency. That is why we are offering Life Skills Education courses to help people in the community to better manage their finances, households, employment, and reach their full potential.

Most of  Life Skills workshops are offered at our Wilson Building which houses the Everett Food Bank and Basic Needs Services. Workshops are offered monthly and are open to anyone interested in learning important life skills. While most courses are free of charge, some include a small fee.

Read our Life Skills Education Program Newsletter to learn more about our classes and programs!

Workshops include:

Smart Money I - Free!
Budgeting, Checking Accounts & Banking Services Discover practical ways to make the most of the money you have. Track monthly spending, balance your budget and set financial goals for now and the future. (Free calculator upon completion)                
*Please call (425) 259-3191 x13001 or see newsletter for schedule

Smart Money II - Free!                                                                                        
Consumer Rights, Credit Repair, Managing Personal Finances & Saving.  Take control of your finances! Determine your income and expenses, prioritize bill payments, set financial goals, discover resources to help you deal with credit card debt. (Free calculator upon completion)
*Pease call (425) 259-3191 x13001 or see newsletter for schedule

Parenting with Purpose -  $15
Explore the importance of a child’s early years as being their most important years in the area of brain development. Gain greater understanding of the ages and stages of a child’s growth and development from birth to adolescence and the impact stress and trauma can have upon this development. Discuss different styles of parenting and tips for using a positive, guidance approach to discipline.
*3rd Wednesday of the Month 10am-12pm

Managing Strong Emotions - Free!
Explore the role that anger plays in your life and how it can be an opportunity to learn more about yourself. Learn strategies to decrease unhelpful reactions to anger, experience ways to calm down, reflect and move into clear minded problem solving.
*Schedule TBA

I Am Woman - Free!
Take a closer look at the value and strength of a woman. Understand your personal communication style and the way that it affects your interactions with others. In an interactive group setting, gain more confidence in respecting yourself and others. Conquer your inner critic and limiting beliefs, find joy in the journey and creat an inspiring life plan.
*Last Monday of the month 3- 5 pm

Characters and Social Behaviors for Men - Free!
Being a man today presents challenges like never before. Take a closer look at different styles of communication, gain awareness of your own personal communication style and the way that it affects your interactions with others.  In an interactive, group setting you will explore the effects of your actions and the decisions you make in your life.
*2nd Saturday of month 5:30- 7:30pm

VOA’s Re-investing Energy towards Achieving Personal Power - $25
VOA’s R.E.A.P.P. is a research-based, interactive, self-discovery experience in values clarification. The program is designed to provide foundational pillars or building blocks to challenge the participant to make commitments to living their lives according to good character.
*This is a three part workshop held on the 2nd, 3rd & 4th Monday of each month 5:30- 7:00pm

Food Sense: Pyramid Power/ Meal Planning - Free!
This one hour class is an overview of nutrition basics. Make simple meals from basic foods you keep on hand. Learn shopping skills that will help stretch food dollars and provide good nutrition for the entire family. (Free samples included!)
*4th Wednesday of the month 1pm- 2pm.

Quick & Easy Cleaning - Free!
Learn the importance of keeping a clean, organized living environment. Benefit from practical advice on how to save money, better manage time and reduce stress. Have fun while you clean and involve the whole family! (Free calendar and cleaning supplies)
*2nd Wednesday 11:30am- 12:30pm & 2nd Saturday 10:30- 11:30am 

Ready to Work - Free!
This workshop provides the information, tools and training you need. Create a resume that will attract employer’s attention, learn how to successfully navigate today’s challenging job market and spend five days doing on the job training as a volunteer worker. ($20 clothing voucher upon completion)

*This course requires a weekly time commitment, professional dress & arrangements for childcare. Class dates: Every Friday 9- 10:30 @ VOA 1230 Broadway (Every 3rd Friday @ Everett WorkSource)        

Renter Certification
You are provided with customized training in Landlord/Tenant Law. Learn what landlords screen for in a tenant. Learn many soft skills on how to resolve conflict constructively and get a "tool box" of resources to help obtain housing!
*Call Dispute Resolution Center to register at: (425) 339-1335

Spring Seminars

3rd Annual For Women’s Sake & 3rd Annual For Men’s Sake

Mind, Body & Spirit 
Come enjoy a full day of inspiring and informative fellowship. Guest speakers will present topics ranging from women’s/men’s health and wellness to how to manage stress during these tough times. Seminars are open to the public and provided at free of cost. Just call to register.*Delicious lunch and free gifts provided!

For Women’s Sake: Monday May 10, 2010
For Men’s Sake: Monday June 21, 2010 
Time: 9:00am-3:00pm
Where: Volunteers of America
1230 Broadway Everett, WA 98201                                

For more information, or to register, please contact the Life Skills Education Program at: (425) 259-3191 x 13001 or email: info@voaww.org. Registration forms can be found online here. Please fill out and submit to the Life Skills Education Program.