My Goodwill Story – Gary

Today, more senior workers in America remain employed longer and retire later than the once-standard age of 65. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of older workers aged 55 and older is growing at a rate that outpaces the overall growth of the labor force. In 2025, about one in five people aged 65 and older participated in the labor force by working or looking for work. 

At Goodwill®, we provide free career services, including digital skills training, résumé creation and interview preparation, to support older workers looking for employment. September 20-26 is National Employ Older Workers Week, so we want to take a chance to share a story of one individual who wanted to re-enter the workforce and came to Goodwill for assistance. 

Gary had retired until an identity theft situation meant he needed extra income to recover. He had previous experience as a factory worker and security guard, but he wanted to gain some other skills in order to find full-time employment. 

He came to Goodwill Kentucky (Louisville) to discuss his options. Gary expressed an interest in getting a food handler certificate but needed support paying the fees and buying shoes to wear on the job. Goodwill was able to provide that and connected him with a local employer through the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) after he earned his food handler certificate.  

Gary was exactly the kind of employee the company needed. He was always punctual and willing to perform his daily assignments.  

With that experience under his belt, Gary has been able to find a full-time job with higher wages and benefits than what he previously received. This meant he could supplement his social security benefits and help pay down some debt.  

Importantly, Gary also formed a network of friends and contacts while on the program and gained the confidence he needed to look for work. 

Gary says he would recommend the SCSEP program to other seniors because it helped lead him back to a full-time job and provided some extra income during a difficult time in his life. 

If you are looking for free career support like Gary, connect with your local Goodwill career center to get started.