CLINTON —
For many senior citizens, returning to the work force is not a whim, but a necessity. And that’s where the Generations Area Agency on Aging wants to help.
Long known for providing services that help the elderly stay in their own homes, such as meals, family caregiver programs and support groups, Generations also advocates for older workers through its Senior Internship Program (SIP).
“We are the only AAA in the state of Iowa still involved in Senior Employment and one of the few nationwide honoring older workers,” said Catherine Pratscher-Woods, assistant Director of Generations.
“Our employment specialists are the heart and soul of the program as they work directly with the older workers (age 55 or better), looking for employment.
“We serve eight counties with our Senior Internship Program: Clinton, Jackson, Scott, Muscatine, Louisa, Henry, Lee and Des Moines.
“In those eight counties, anyone who is age 55-plus, unemployed, has a low yearly income and needs skills and encouragement to compete in the work force, we may be able to help.
“Individuals who are accepted into the program receive valuable paid on-the-job training and practical work experience in order for them to move to employment of their choice.
“Support services such as job counseling and resume writing may be provided.”
Short term job training assignments are usually in a public service organization.
“Even for those who do not qualify for the SIP program, our employment specialists may supply them with information regarding job openings and referrals for supportive services.”
The SIP brochure encourages employers to hire older workers, saying they have lower absenteeism rates, lower turnover rates, are generally more loyal employees, have fewer job injuries, bring a wealth of experience with them to work and serve as models for younger employees.
Non-profit organizations also can benefit, the brochure says.
While the host agency provides the training and direct supervision of the program’s older workers, SIP pays the wages of the participant (at minimum wage plus workers compensation.)
Training assignments may result in new or expanded services for the organization.
SIP can also help local businesses, as a SIP employment specialist screens and matches employers with mature and well-trained people who have the skills the business is looking for.
At Generations’ 25th annual Senior Employment Program Awards ceremony Nov. 8, special achievement awards were presented to staff members from Bettendorf, Davenport and Burlington; special recognition was given to the Davenport Community School District and Psychology Health Group of Davenport for hiring older workers, and community spirit awards went to volunteers from Fort Madison and Bettendorf.
Hy-Vee Store 4 received the older worker Employer of the Year Award and two women received the Older Worker of the Year Award. They were:
• Lois Van Maanen, Davenport, a Para-Educator in a Davenport elementary school for her continuing service while undergoing chemotherapy for cancer.
• Mary Lou Hinrichsen, DeWitt, for her continued employment as a staff writer for the Clinton Herald, Clinton, at age 86.
The Generations office in Clinton is located at 419 S. Second St., phone 243-6595.
To contact an employment specialist from Clinton or Jackson County, phone 1-800-892-9085, ext, 208.
Clinton
November 24, 2012
Generations: Job help for seniors
- Clinton
-
- Event to benefit cultural center CLINTON -- The third annual 5K run/walk to benefit the St. Irenaeus Cultural Center will be held Memorial Day. The "When the Saints Go Marchin' In" starts at 8 a.m. Monday outside of St. Irenaeus at 2811 N. Second St. Runners and walkers can register
-
Fitness club is expanding
CLINTON — Less than two years after opening, the Iron Horse Fitness Club is more than tripling their space by moving to the former Rodeo Saloon and Feedhouse. Owners Ashley and Brad Gendreau, 31, of Thomson, Ill., will move by August from the locatio
- Clinton avoids heavy storm CLINTON -- Jim Blaess, official weather observer for the National Weather Service, said Clinton County was lucky during Sunday's storms. "We dodged a bullet," said Blaess, adding that the county did not see any tornados. The county did not receive a
-
Clinton law enforcement honored
CLINTON — Members of the Clinton Police Department and Clinton County Sheriff's Office commemorated National Police Week with an awards ceremony and a memorial ceremony to honor those who protect the community.
-
2 finalists named for city administrator
CLINTON — Two finalists have been selected in the search for Clinton's next city administrator: Clinton Finance Director and interim City Administrator Jessica Kinser and Joliet, Ill., Assistant City Manager Benjamin Benson.
-
Students honored at ceremony
CLINTON -- Seventy-four students from Clinton High School's class of 2013 were honored Thursday during the 27th annual senior honors convocation. The class of 2013 has taken more Advanced Placement tests and has earned some of the highest scores on
-
Jail escapee pleads guilty
CLINTON -- A man who escaped from the Clinton County jail on April 6 will spend as much as 10 years in prison. Kendrell Keith, 18, pleaded guilty Thursday to the escape and the second-degree theft charge that put him in jail.
-
Council targets late bills
CLINTON - Business owners won't be able to dodge sewer bills while staying in operation under an ordinance amendment that was approved by City Council members Tuesday.
-
Group eyes bandshell improvement
CLINTON -- A group of Clinton volunteers wants to transform the Riverview bandshell from an unkempt structure to an attractive venue for community events. Members of Vision 8, a Clinton-based nonprofit organization working together to improve the ima
- Council explores new solid-waste system CLINTON -- City officials are considering paying the Minnesota firm that evaluated the solid waste system $17,000 to help in the search for a solid-waste service provider. The $17,000 would be paid to Springsted in order for the firm to assemble a r
- More Clinton Headlines
