Keeping Older People From Poverty (NAPSA)—Nearly six million older people are at or near the poverty level, and as the population of older people doubles by 2025, that numberis sure to grow dramatically. Encouragingly, lowincome older people are more determined than ever to stay independent financially and are looking for ways to do so. One resource for them is Experience Works, a non-profit organization, which assists seniors in returning to the workforce and trains them to learn new skills to start a new career. An example of an older person who has worked his way out of poverty is 66-year-old William, who had worked hardall his life at a variety of jobs and didn’t expect to end up homeless. He was desperate for work and willing to do anything, but did not think anyone would hire him because of his age and recent homelessness. Experience Works assigned him to a training assignment at a thrift store, and six monthslater he started a new job at a large horse racing facility, where he does everything from ticket sales to assisting with horse grooming. Another example of how Experience Works assists older job seekers is Terri, a 55-year-old woman who was divorced, living in an isolated rural area, and had no work experience outside the farm. Her first training assignment was as a forest ranger, but as her self-esteem and confidence grew, Terri decided that she really wanted to be a commercial truck driver. With Experience Works’ help, she received special funding Persons 65+ Reporting Income Under $5,000 $5,000 - $9,999 $10,000 - $14,999 $15,000 - $24,999 $25,000 -$34,999 $35,000 - $49,000 e $50,000 and over 7 0% 10% 20% 30% As reported hythe U.S. Departmentof Health and Human Services Administration on Aging @ A new wrinkle in helping older Americans return to the work- force is an organization that helps them learn newskills. to enroll in commercial driver’s license training, and six weeks later passed her skills test, and less than two months later, she washired as a truck driver. William and Terri are just two examples of job seekers 55 years and older who are receiving assistance at finding training and employment services from Experience Works. With over 40 years expertise, Experience Works provides thousands of low-income individuals age 55 and over with training, employment assistance and community service work experience. Information about your local Experience Works office and its services can be found at www.experienceworks.org. Or call 1-866-397-9757.
