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Answers from 211's Senior Assistance Line
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Dear SAL,
I retired five years ago but am realizing that I need to return to work. I miss the social interaction and having a regular schedule. With my monthly expenses exceeding my income on a regular basis, I believe the best solution is to find a part-time job. But I don't even know where to start.
-Needs Work
First, congratulations on having assessed your needs, both social and financial, and for taking the first step toward your goal.
In increasing numbers, seniors are working beyond retirement age.
Many employers value older workers since they are likely to bring to the job a wealth of experience, highly developed skills, strong work ethic, loyalty, communication skills, and confidence. Additionally, older workers are generally less likely to face conflicting demands of job versus family responsibilities.
In Nevada County, the Grass Valley Business and Career Network (formerly the One-Stop Business & Career Center) is one of the federally-funded Job Centers of America, and offers free job search services to people of all ages. One of their partner programs is Experience Works, a national nonprofit organization, which operates the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), funded by the U.S. Department of Labor. Experience Works' mission is to improve the lives of older people through training, community service, and employment.
More information can be found on their website,
which provides this description of the program: "Through the
Senior Community Service Employment Program
, eligible individuals participate in paid community service assignments at local public and nonprofit organizations. These assignments are a stepping stone to employment. Typical assignments include performing clerical duties at nonprofit organizations, sorting donations at thrift stores or food pantries, keeping parks and buildings clean, assisting at recycling centers, preparing meals and providing recreation for older individuals at senior centers, assisting in classrooms and libraries, and much more."
In addition to the community service assignment, participants in the SCSEP get help accessing needed services, updating their employment skills, and developing a job search plan.
To be eligible for Experience Works, you must be:
- 55 or older
- Unemployed
- Living on a family income of no more than 125% of the federal poverty level
For more information on the Experience Works program,
call Karen McGuire at the Business and Career Network at 265-7088 or drop in to their offices in the Brighton Greens office complex at 988 McCourtney Road in Grass Valley.
I am certain your strong personal and financial motivations will serve you well in your job search. I wish you the best of luck!
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Ask SAL is a monthly column that gives our readers a chance to ask us questions about resources for seniors in Nevada County. If you have a question for SAL, email us at alicej@ns-pa.org.
The Senior Assistance Line is funded by:
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It's Spring Cleaning Time at 211!
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Help Us Tidy Up Our Database
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211 is only as good as the information we provide to our customers. Much of that information comes from you--the people who work in the local organizations that populate our database. In order to keep our database up-to-date, we are currently conducting our annual Resource Verification.
What is "resource verification," you might ask.
Well, basically it's a chance for all of our community partners to update their information in the 211 database. This ensures that we're giving out the correct information about your organization and its programs. Think of it as a big spring cleaning of information.
Next Steps
Those listed as the primary contact for organizations listed in our database will receive a verification email with a web link. This link will lead you to our verification page, where you can edit, update, or add information about your organization and programs. Please be patient with us in this process, as this is the first time we have used this system and we are still working out some of the bugs.
Please contact our Resource Specialist, Kristina McLean, by phone at 274-5601 or by
email if you have any questions or concerns. She would be happy to walk you through the process!
We would love to have updates back within two weeks.
Thank you to all of the organizations that have already submitted their updates. If you haven't received an email yet, please watch for it in your inbox in the next week!
We truly appreciate your collaboration and assistance!
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Disaster Preparedness Class
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Tools & Tips to Help You Plan for Disaster
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Disaster can strike at any time without warning, especially during fire season in the hot, dry West. Many of us know we should be prepared, but haven't taken the time to plan ahead. Being prepared is essential to protect both yourself and your property. But what does preparation mean? And how should you plan for different types of disasters?
The IHSS Public Authority is hosting a free Disaster Preparedness class on Tuesday, March 15th from 3:30 to 5 pm to help you answer these questions. The class will include an all-hazards approach to disaster for both home and office. Participants will review natural and man-made disasters and leave the class equipped with a response plan.
This class is free and open to the public. Please call Tammy Veralrud at 274-5601 to RSVP.
Details:
What: Disaster Preparedness Class
When: Tuesday, March 15th for 3:30 to 5:00 pm
Where: IHSS Public Authority office
466 Brunswick Road
Grass Valley, CA 95945
Cost:
Free!
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Connecting with Seniors is the Best Part of the Job: A Call Specialist's View
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By 211 Call Specialist Erica Glenn
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As a 211 call specialist, I talk to people of all ages every day, from many different backgrounds. Some calls are simple and straightforward, others require more time and creativity. I love helping someone connect to that perfect resource that meets their needs.
When we started our Senior Assistance Line (SAL) in July of 2015, I was given the opportunity to interact with the wonderful seniors in our community. Helping seniors has been an extremely gratifying experience! Many of the seniors I speak with share personal stories, insights, and experiences--they have a special wisdom that comes with living a long, and full life. I feel privileged to be called upon by seniors in our community for assistance and information. I imagine myself in their position and immediately feel compelled to help.
As part of our SAL program, we conduct follow-up calls, so I get to check in with callers to make sure the resources given worked out for them. These follow-up calls are definitely a highlight of my day at 211. Callers really appreciate this courtesy, and oftentimes 211 becomes their go-to number to connect to community resources. It is rewarding to know that we were able to meet callers' needs.
The Senior Assistance line gives me a chance to connect in a meaningful way. It really comes down to treating others as you would want to be treated.
Erica Glenn has worked as a 211 Nevada County call specialist since June of 2014. Between calls, Erica manages our
Facebook page and generally keeps us all on the ball.
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Have a great new community program or a big event coming up? Let us help you get the word out. Email your news to us and you may see it in the next newsletter!
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