The BACK TO WORK 50+: Women’s Economic Stability Initiative is making waves! Wave 8, that is – the program will bring in its eighth cohort this month. Included are free job search workshops, individual coaching, and tuition assistance for qualified candidates who want to return to the workforce, or who are underemployed.
Wendy Richards, one of the program’s many success stories, had an extensive work history in marketing and community development. Although she had several interviews for professional positions, she was not getting results, and she took a survival job as a cashier at Fresh Market. Meanwhile, she took online continuing education courses in Excel and in Grant-Writing. When she learned of an opening for a full-time grant writer at Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, a local nonprofit, she worked with her coach to update her resume with her new training. After a competitive hiring process, Wendy got the job. “I’m sure that my recent training in Grant Writing sealed the deal,” she told her coach. “I couldn’t have done it without WESI.”
BACK TO WORK 50+ partners with CareerSource, the Chamber of Commerce, and with local employers. To get involved, register for one of the 7 Smart Strategies for 50+ Jobseekers Workshops by calling the AARP Foundation at 1-855-850-2525. Workshop participants will learn about smart strategies for job searching after age 50 and have the opportunity to apply for the BACK TO WORK 50+ Coaching and Training program. Dates for Wave 8 are:
April 4: 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. @ Senior Recreation Center, 5701 NW 34th St, Gainesville
April 6: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. @ Santa Fe Blount Center, Downtown Gainesville
April 11: 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. @ Santa Fe NW Campus, Building I-49
For more information, contact project coordinator Carolyn Das at 352-395-5184 or carolyn.das@sfcollege.edu.