New York Issue | June 2023

MaturityWorks is excited to announce that it has expanded its operations to Vermont. Following a competitive award process, MaturityWorks has been awarded the contract by HireAbility Vermont to administer the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) in the state.

We are pleased to introduce Janice Bruno, our new career counselor, who will work closely with the American Job Centers throughout the state, actively recruiting trainees and fostering relationships with local host agencies. 

With a proven track record of success, MaturityWorks has a rich history of operating SCSEP programs and assisting hundreds of older adults in securing meaningful employment. We are dedicated to aiding older adults in finding employment that not only holds significance for them but also allows them to make valuable contributions to society. 

Thanks to the generous support of M&T Bank, the TD Charitable Foundation, and the Ensworth Charitable Foundation, MaturityWorks has been able to implement Dynamic Works' tech skills training program across Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. This innovative online platform equips low-income or unemployed individuals over 55 with essential technology skills for today's workforce.

Older workers often face challenges in adapting to technology due to limited exposure and familiarity. However, with Dynamic Works, trainees engage in self-paced training, completing over 1,000 webinars focused on customer service, job readiness, and other relevant topics. This comprehensive approach enables them to acquire transferable skills, revamp their resumes, and excel in both online and in-person interviews. With this focused training, a network of support, and career development tools, these clients are now better positioned to compete in today's job market and are viewed by employers as qualified candidates.

Trainees who have enrolled and participated in the program so far have demonstrated increased knowledge, enhanced confidence in interviewing, and strategic job search strategies. They have also improved their proficiency with technology, communication skills and experienced increased motivation. By fostering inclusivity and promoting lifelong learning, this initiative ensures our trainees can thrive in the digital age and be confident in their careers.

Kathy Wang has always enjoyed working in her role as a recreational therapist. She worked at an inpatient psychiatric center on Staten Island for 14 years until budget cuts were made and her role was eliminated. For the first time in her adult life, Kathy was unemployed and found herself struggling with where to begin her job search and how best to apply for jobs. Looking for work and not getting responses affected Kathy's confidence. At her local job center, she heard about MaturityWorks and enrolled.

Kathy worked closely with her career counselor to identify skill-training opportunities. She began training as a food pantry worker at the Community Agency for Citizens, where she was able to utilize and improve her customer service skills. Later, Kathy began to take on administrative tasks, where she learned about data entry and providing administrative assistance. She also took advantage of the computer classes MaturityWorks offers through SUNY Attain Labs to update her skills. Upon completion, she received an MS Office Suite certification.

Kathy also completed a certificate program from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation and became a certified recreation specialist. Achieving this certification helped her stand out as a job candidate. Kathy says one of the best things about the program was her career counselor, Teresa San Roman, who was always ready with resume help, interviewing tips, and encouragement. “I always felt supported”. Kathy’s efforts paid off, and she landed a full-time job in the adult daycare program at Center Light Healthcare System on Staten Island. Working as a recreational therapist is rewarding, Kathy says, and “the MaturityWorks program helped prepare and get me here”.

The Sunset Park Older Adult Center in Brooklyn has been a MaturityWorks host agency since 2017. The center enables a multicultural group of active adults to connect, eat a daily meal, and engage in more than 30 activities each week. The center offers a range of comprehensive services and activities tailored specifically for older adults. These include ESL classes, immigration counseling, computer classes, health education, and exercise programs like yoga, Tai Chi, walking clubs, and Zumba. They also have lectures, discussion groups, concerts, and performances to engage with the local community.

The Sunset Park Older Adult Center has proven to be an exceptional host agency by providing valuable opportunities for our trainees and even hiring some of the trainees for permanent positions following their assignments. Over the years, the center has welcomed numerous trainees into its program, allowing them to get hands-on experience in various roles, including kitchen aides and maintenance workers, activities and exercise assistants, and office support staff.

In addition to practical training, the center has recognized the importance of equipping trainees with essential computer skills. They provide trainees with computer classes, allowing them to enhance their technical proficiency. They have also provided ESL classes to trainees who have a language barrier. The center's dedication to our trainees showcases their beliefs in the potential and value of older workers.