LAPLACE — The message left on a Facebook page last year brought tears to Debra Rieder’s eyes.

Shortly after the non-profit group Assistance for Single Parents hosted its first Power Up for Successful Employment seminar in St. Charles Parish, one participant was motivated.

“I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the empowerment seminar,” the woman wrote. “As crazy at it seems, I actually applied for a job I would not normally have applied for and I am pleased to tell you I have an interview.”

Rieder said the note made her day. Now she hopes to spread even more empowerment, including St. John the Baptist Parish.

The AFSP will hold its second seminar, Reboot Your Power — Power Up for Successful Employment, from 8:30 a.m. to noon March 25 at Emily C. Watkins.

The free event is open to all single parents.

Childcare will be available for children 2-12 years old.

The goal of the event is to provide information and resources to help single parents achieve employment opportunities or job advancement, enhance job skills and job performance.

Information sessions will cover resume writing and interviews, dressing for success, conflict resolution and creating a positive environment, online resources and computer resources to aid in children’s academic achievement.

“We try to create opportunities,” said Rieder, executive director.

“If a single parent is looking for a chance in their life, we want to help them any way we can. We can’t give them a job but we can give them the tools they will need to get a job. We tell them what to say and what not to say in an interview, what to wear and not to wear, how to act and how not to act.”

In addition to the free seminar, free refurbished home computers will be given to the first 30 registered single parents who participate in and complete the entire seminar. Those who received computers at last year’s event are not eligible to receive another computer.

Rieder said the organization, though located in St. Charles Parish, has tried to reach more into St. John Parish over the last year.

The AFSP conducted a uniform and school supply giveaway in the fall.

“We’ve partnered with the St. John United Way, so we’re trying to help as many single parents as we can,” Rieder said.

To register for the event, visit assistanceforsingleparents.org.

For more information, call 985-233- 1173 or email AssistanceForSingleParents@gmail.com.