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Older Americans are returning to work after retirement, or are wanting to try out a new career or job direction. The recent elimination of earnings limits for Social Security beneficiaries age 65-69 is another factor which will encourage older Americans to remain in or return to the work force.

If you are looking to upgrade your job skills, want information on career choices or are seeking full or part-time employment, check out these resources.

Supportive Services Corporation

Subsidized employment for persons age 55 and over, residents of Erie County, at/or below current federal poverty level. The Senior Community Service Employment Program assists mature job seekers and their communities by providing part-time community service assignments while supporting local non-profit and governmental agencies.

Phone: 881-6350

Web: http://www.supportiveservices.org

Senior Jobs Program

Free employment and training services for persons age 55 and over, residents of Erie County. Services include employment plan, resume preparation, job readiness workshop, training opportunities and job development/placement.

Phone: 881-6350

Buffalo and Erie County Workforce Development Program - Older Worker Program

Free employment and training services for persons age 55 and over, residents of Erie County. Services include all noted in SENIOR JOBS PROGRAM, as well a linkage to other employment and training service providers in Erie County.

Phone: 881-6350

Senior Companion Program

Enables the frail elderly and other adults with special needs to maintain their independence. Low-income individuals 55 years of age or older serve as companions to provide non-health-related services such as shopping, errands, light housekeeping, reading, writing letters, transportation to and from physician appointments, daily visits, meal preparation and respite. Volunteers are paid a modest hourly stipend for their services and receive reimbursement for travel to and from the client's home. Clients are linked with a trustworthy, trained, dependable helping hand. That extra assistance, which is free-of-charge to clients, fills a gap in care which, unfilled, would result in costly, unnecessary nursing home/residential care. Interested parties can contact the Senior Companion Program by calling 768-2381. Learn more by going to:  http://peopleinc.org/senior_services_home/senior_companion_program/index.html.

Foster Grandparenting

Volunteers over age of 55 who serve up to 40 hours per week. Some volunteers may qualify to earn a tax-free, hourly stipend. With Foster Grandparents, you’ll receive pre-service orientation, training from the organization where you serve, and supplemental accident and liability insurance while on duty.  Foster Grandparents act as a role model, a mentor, and a friend helping children learn to read, providing one-on-one tutoring, and guiding children at a critical time in their lives. Put simply, you give the kind of comfort and love that sets a child on the path toward a successful future.  And remember: When you volunteer, you’re not just helping others—you’re helping yourself. Volunteering leads to new discoveries and new friends. Plus, studies show that volunteering helps you live longer and promotes a positive outlook on life.  In Erie County, the program may be contacted through Catholic Charities of Buffalo, 128 Wilson St., Buffalo, NY 14212 - Dorothy Turchiarelli  Phone: (716) 896-6388 ext 216

Buffalo And Erie County Workforce Development Consortium, Inc.

A network of employment and training providers, educational institutions and community agencies work together to help every person reach his or her career and/or employment goals.

Full Service Centers:

Buffalo Employment and Training Center

77 Goodell Street

Buffalo, NY 14202

Phone: 851-2600

Web: http://www.workforcebuffalo.org

Erie Community College Employment and Training Center

3176 Abbott Road

Orchard Park, NY 14127

Phone: 270-4444

Web: https://www.ecc.edu/onestop/ and https://www.ecc.edu/crc/

Buffalo & Erie County Public Library

Services offered by the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library - provides information on career choices, job information, course work, literacy and continuing education. Access to computers, self-help audio cassettes and informational seminars to prepare you for the possibility of fulfilling and enriching experiences.

Phone: 858-8900

Jewish Family Service Of Buffalo And Erie County

The Career Services Department offers three primary programs to the unemployed and underemployed. Career Counseling integrates interest, personality and ability tests into a process designed to assist the individual with making informed career decisions and educational and career plans. Placement Counseling is a job search training and guidance service to provide the tools and techniques needed to conduct a productive job hunt. Job Club is a weekly, two-hour group for the unemployed and underemployed job seeker during which members share support and strategies. Variable fees depending on service.

Phone: 883-1914

Maryvale Community Education Adult Career Center, Cheektowaga, NY

Workshops to learn job hunting skills, career counseling, high school equivalency examination preparation, vocation interest testing, job search assistance and other employment related services. Variable fees depending on service.

Phone: 635-4666

Web: http://www.maryvaleufsd.org/continuing_education.cfm

New York State Department Of Labor

Multiple Locations offer job referrals/placement; job development; resource room; federal, state and county civil service listings, job search workshops; internet access to employment related training. Also information regarding unemployment insurance, and veteran services. Hours are generally 8:30-4:30 Mon-Fri. A specialist serving persons age 55 and over is available at 851-2750.

Web: http://www.labor.state.ny.us

NYS Dept of Labor Williamsville One-Stop

4175 Transitown Plaza, Williamsville, NY  14221   Phone:  634-9081

New York State Division Of Human Rights

Intake and investigation of notarized complaints alleging discrimination based on age, race, color, national origin, sex, creed, or disability.

Phone: 847-7632   Web:   http://www.dhr.ny.gov/

Buffalo State College Small Business Development Center

The center helps business people and those interested in starting a new business in Erie County enter a new market, develop a business plan and offers research information.

Phone: 878-4030

Social Security Administration

Pays monthly benefits to over 39 million people under the various programs it administers. A representative will answer questions about the effect of work on these benefits and how additional work may earn additional credit.

Phone: 1-800-772-1213

Other Resources

Many school districts Adult and/or Continuing Education programs and area colleges offer employment related classes.

Western New York Regional Information Network (RIN)

RIN located at SUNY at Buffalo lists various resources to assist the job seeker in locating employment opportunities in 9 counties of WNY.    Phone: 829-3777      

Eldercare has a brochure of tips for older adults who are looking to enter or re-enter the workforce, with suggestions for identifying job skills, finding job leads, filling out an application and preparing for an interview - http://www.eldercare.gov/ELDERCARE.NET/Public/Resources/Brochures/docs/Older_Jobseekers_Brochure.pdf

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