Older workers honored in Georgetown

In honor of national 'Employ Older Workers' week, First State Community Action Agency hosted a luncheon to celebrate the successes of dozens of older workers who participated in the Senior Community Service Employment Program.

Mature workers, many of whom who had been out of work for an extended time, are offered training, resumé assistance and a direct link with the Department of Labor as they pursue gainful employment at nearly 40 participating nonprofits throughout Sussex County.

"We know as older workers, as mature workers, we take pride in what we do, and I know this because I am an older worker," First State Executive Director Bernice Edwards said, addressing the gathering. "We love you older workers, keep up the good work, keep up the dedication."

In all, more than 50 formerly unemployed older workers, participated in the program to update resumés, train and find jobs at community-service oriented sites throughout Sussex County.

One such worker was Susan Dunn, who was honored as outstanding older worker at the ceremony. Unemployed for more than two years before enrolling in the program last January, Dunn said she couldn't find work due to the gaps in her resumé and wasn't sure where to start.

"I was out of work for 2 1/2 years, and it's not that I didn't look, but I didn't have the training," Dunn said.

After she started the program, Dunn said she was trained for a new position, and within six months, she was back to work.

"They gave me the opportunity to get out there and really work," Dunn said. "It kind of gave me a jump start getting out there and building my resumé."

First State also honored Goodwill of Delaware in Bridgeville as Employer of the Year after many successes placing newly-trained, older workers.

Bridgeville Goodwill Branch Manager Tara Myers said the arrangement has been mutually beneficial.

"We would like to thank FSCAA for sending us workers that want to work," Myers said. "We hire for attitude and train for the job"

For more information about the program to employ older workers, call First State Community Action Agency at 302-856-7761.