Group matches seniors, jobs

SANDPOINT — A federally-backed non-profit group with local ties is coming to Bonner County with the goal of helping area senior citizens learn relevant skills and find steady work.

Officials from Experience Works, which offers paid training and job placement for low-income seniors, are working with local churches, libraries and various non-profit agencies to place senior workers in a variety of fields.

Funded by federal, state and local dollars — including federal stimulus funds — Experience Works has had a presence in Kootenai County for years, but is now devoting more attention to Bonner County, said employment and training assistant JoAnne VanGorder.

VanGorder has spoken to scores of area non-profits about taking on senior workers, and she said most organizations are more than willing to participate.

“There has been a wonderful response,” she said. “I would say that 85 percent — if you want to do percentages — of the people we’ve talked to have been thrilled.”

Participating seniors will be offered training in an array of fields, including clerical, computer operation and maintenance work. Once placed, clients will work 18-20 hours per week, earning minimum wage while undergoing as much as a year of training.

The nation’s recession, combined with tanking financial markets, has meant dwindling retirement funds for many area retirees, which makes returning to work a necessity for some seniors.

“A lot of our seniors thought they had enough to get by with a little retirement and Social Security, but now that everything is coming down, economically, they’re realizing they might have to get back into the workforce,” VanGorder said.

In addition to the financial benefits, VanGorder said steady employment has a number of perks for senior citizens.

“It makes them feel productive and they feel like they’re offering a service to local organizations,” she said.

Only those who are currently unemployed, more than 55 years old and economically disadvantaged are eligible for the program. Call (208) 765-5191 or 1-877-429-8077 to find out if you meet eligibility requirements.