LOOKING FOR A MEANINGFUL OPPORTUNITY FOR CIVIC ENGAGEMENT? LOOK NO FURTHER! CHECK OUT THE VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP POSITIONS FOR NEXT CHAPTER -

Go to the Forum tab above and read our position posting for Communications manager/blogger in Chief, and Conversation Cafe events Impresario.

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MEANINGFUL WORK: WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR YOU?

One of our organization's founding members - Centerpoint Institute for Career Life Renewal - is hosting several upcoming events to assist you in connecting with your passion to achieve your dream career. Check out their offerings on the EVENTS listings on this website! And check out the re-launch of their website at www.centerpointseattle.org.

Of special interest is their Encore Career Passion Search for 55+. It just might be what you need to jumpstart your career shift to meaningful work. (What DOES that mean to you? - ADD YOUR THOUGHTS TO THE FORUM DISCUSSION ON THIS WEBSITE! )

August 2009: Grant to the Workforce Development Council
SEATTLE—Hundreds of workers over age 55 will be assisted with computer training, starting a new business and entering high-demand career fields, thanks to a $1 million grant to the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County.
The grant, announced July 30, is one of just ten awarded nationwide by the U.S. Department of Labor.

“In a time when the Recovery Act and ‘green jobs’ are the focus of most employment discussion, it is so important to us that we don’t forget certain groups of citizens in our city and county who need us now more than ever,” said Marléna Sessions, CEO of the Workforce Development Council.

Over three years, the $1 million will target three groups of older workers in King and Snohomish counties: those with limited English ability, previous convictions or disabilities. The funds provide staff who will work one-on-one with participants to support them and help them get short-term training with regional college partners, followed by jobs in health care, information technology and “green” jobs.

The grant will also build the capacity of local community and technical colleges and the WorkSource system by developing courses tailored to serve these vulnerable older workers in training related to computers, entrepreneurship and “bridging” to green jobs. In all, about 600 older workers will receive training in one of these areas.

The project—called Reinvesting in Older Workers—builds on the WDC’s work over the past few years to identify and meet the needs of older workers, including hosting the Mature Workers Alliance and deploying the Employ Experience website.

Economic development and workforce development agencies, private companies, foundations, government agencies and colleges from both King and Snohomish counties are among the grant partners. The partners are contributing almost $3 million in
public and private resources to support the project.

“All of our partners recognize the need to address both the needs of older workers and the needs of our economy in light of the aging of our workforce,” said Ms. Sessions. “This project will have a positive impact in both areas.”

The Department of Labor funded the ten grants nationwide as part of its Aging Workforce Initiative. By 2016, the number of 55+ workers is projected to increase by 36.5%.

The Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County (www.seakingwdc.org) is a nonprofit workforce “think tank” and grant-making organization that oversees employment-related programs for youth, the adult workforce and employers in King County, with the goal of a strong economy and self-sufficiency for every resident.

Our Workforce, Our Future