For Immediate Release:
May 20, 2009

Contact:
Kit Wagar
Office of Public Information
573-751-6062

Missouri Hosts First Job Fair for Older Workers

Job-seekers who are 55 and older will be matched with potential employers during the state’s first job fair for older workers Thursday, May 21.  The fair occurs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Kansas City’s Gilliam Plaza Building, 301 E. Armour St.

“Seniors are very concerned about their economic security,” says Margaret Donnelly, director of the Department of Health and Senior Services, a fair sponsor. “For many people, the economic downturn has turned even the best-laid plans upside down. We want to help seniors reenter the work force, change careers or supplement their income. We plan to co-host six more senior job fairs this year.”

About 12 employers will be on hand in Kansas City, eager to share job and training opportunities. The employers include Costco, Catholic Charities, Home Instead Senior Care and Westin Crown Center Hotel.

Those who attend the job fair will also learn about the Senior Community Service Employment Program. The program recruits and places individuals aged 55 and older into subsidized jobs that provide new skills and work experience. To qualify, individuals must have income no greater than 125 percent of the federal poverty level, or $18,212 for a family of two.  Since its inception, the program has helped over one million older adults enter the job market.

In Missouri, about 1,600 older workers will be employed through the program over the next 14 months. Donnelly said about 300 of those jobs stem from funding available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, commonly known as the federal stimulus package.

 “Once older workers are trained, employers will benefit from their strong work ethic and dependability,” Donnelly said.

The graying of America’s workforce is expected to continue, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.  By 2016, workers age 65 and over are expected to account for 6.1 percent of the total labor force, up sharply from their 2006 share of 3.6 percent.

Missouri’s first senior job fair is sponsored by the Senior Employment Program of AARP; Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Inc.; the Department of Health and Senior
Services; and the Department of Economic Development/Division of Workforce Development.