It seems like everyone is getting married this summer. Or if not married, then engaged. For the past six months social media has been crowded with romantic posts of doting boyfriends down on one knee (including mine!), bachelorette squads taking over beaches and bars, and the sweet smiles of the couple’s first look on their special day.
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Older Americans Month is observed every May to celebrate older Americans and their many contributions to our communities, as well as to promote independent living, wellness, social engagement and employment among aging adults.
READ MORE from Recognizing the Contributions of Older Americans in May
Stan Nesby is an older worker who is adamant about immersing himself in his community and surrounding himself with people who are dedicated to bettering the world. Proud of the work he has done and the support he received along the way, he talks excitedly about now being able to help others.
The WIOA of 2022 passed along party lines 220-196. Four Republicans voted for the bill, along with every Democratic member. All Democratic and bipartisan amendments were approved on the floor, and amendments offered solely by Republicans were defeated.
READ MORE from Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Bill Passes House
As Stephen contemplates his next career move, he reflected on his time at Goodwill with fondness – realizing just how impactful Goodwill has been on his life. “It opened my eyes to a lot of things,” Stephen said. His journey to Goodwill began in high school when a teacher recognized Stephen’s interest in aviation and the ability Evergreen Goodwill’s Youth Aerospace Program could have in transforming a passion for flying and travel into a potential career.
There is strength in numbers, and this week included numerous opportunities for Goodwill Industries International to highlight some of our powerful partnerships and the good that can come when the public, private and nonprofit sectors work together.
Since August 2021, one such older worker named March has been helping visitors of the Warsaw Career Center discover career opportunities and resources. Beyond connecting participants to employment opportunities, she often finds herself lending a listening ear — something she recalls was offered to her during her time in the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) through Goodwill Industries of Michiana.
Morning-Glory’s senior year of high school was cut short due to the pandemic. Unsure of what to do next, a family member referred her to Goodwill Hawaii for help and Morning met with program coordinator Siniva to learn more about their services. Within a few days, she was able to start a job at Burger King, but eventually she reached out to Siniva and told her that she wanted to do something more.
Sandra Campbell, came to Goodwill Industries of Kentucky (Louisville) seeking employment opportunities. Sandra was born with a disability, and she both lives with and supports her aging mother. Sandra has been successful helping her mother live independently by maintaining the basic chores of their home and maintaining a structured environment. Over time, however, Sandra has continued to strive for her own independence and financial stability and found she needed assistance to earn employment.
Charles Doddridge is an older worker who can’t help but laugh when he talks about his past. He is not hesitant to share the mistake he’s made, and he is proud of the work he has done.
