Battling Unemployment in Senior Citizens, One Trainee at a Time
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
By: Carmel Delshad

February 12, 2014 | WMFE Orlando - While Florida's unemployment rate has been edging down in recent months, one group of job seekers is still finding it tough--people ages 55 and over. But a statewide nonprofit is seeking to change that through their training program, one person at a time.

Applications for the Experience Works training program sit at the Brannon Senior Center in New Smyrna Beach. The nonprofit is collecting applications until Thursday. Photo: Carmel Delshad | WMFE

Down the hall from a bingo game at the Brannon Senior Center in New Smyrna Beach, a nonprofit called Experience Works is recruiting seniors for an employment program.

Seniors ages 55 and older get training in essential job skills, like learning how to format a document, or using email.

Employment coordinator Judy Goff says some of the seniors who come in for help have to choose between paying their rent or buying medicine.

"People are getting desperate. And they need all the help they can get," Goff says.

Volusia County’s unemployment rate for those 55 and older is around 10 percent, which is higher than the state's overall unemployment rate.

It’s the same in Orange County, and just 2 percent less in Seminole County.

Goff says economic reasons are a big factor in sending seniors back into the work force. 

“Sometimes it’s just because they’re hungry, and food stamps aren’t enough. Or a lot of times, they can’t pay their rent, or they’re buying medicine instead of paying rent,” she says.

Applicants have to meet age and income criteria to join the program. There are roughly 12 centers statewide, which accept 80 to 90 trainees each.

Experience Works will hold another application day tomorrow in New Smyrna Beach.