Experience Works is a national, charitable, community-based organization that helps older adults get the training they need to find good jobs in their communities. For more than 45 years we have devoted ourselves to helping people break out of poverty and reclaim their lives and dignity through work.
The Putting Experience to Work Program is operated in conjunction with Experience Works Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). Because federal budget cuts have decreased the number of people who can be helped through SCSEP, The Putting Experience to Work Program is critical to expanding services to older workers who are seeking employment services but have nowhere to turn for training and intensive job seeking services.
The Putting Experience to Work Program responds to the rapidly unfolding economic crisis, which threatens the self-determination and independence of increasing numbers of older people throughout the nation.
The 2011 Experience Works America's Outstanding Oldest Workers
In celebration of National Employ Older Workers Week, Experience Works announced on September 20 that Hedda Bolgar Bekker 102, and Mazerine Wingate 101, are America's Outstanding Oldest Workers for 2011.
Hedda Bolgar Bekker was born on August 19, 1909. In the 1970's she co-founded both the Wright Institute of Los Angeles, a nonprofit mental health training and service center and the Los Angeles Institute and Society for Psycholanalytic Studies. The Hedda Bolgar Psychotherapy Clinic offers affordable service to limited income people. With no plans to retire, Bolgar, age 102, sees patients from 16 to 20 hours a week and gives lectures, appears in videos and writes. Read the full bio.
Mazerine Wingate was born on September 20, 1910 in Lamar, S.C. When he began his new job as a custodian 40 years ago at the U. S. Post Office in Lexington Park, Maryland, he was at the age when most Americans are ready to retire. Today, at age 101, Mr. Wingate remains a very loyal and dedicated employee and believes that working keeps him going. He is in good heath and still drives to work, where he spends four hours a day, six days a week. Read the full bio.
Experience Works Takes Lead to Achieve Economic Security for
Experience Works, in partnership with Wider Opportunities for Women, is leading a statewide intitiative to ensure that South Dakota’s elders are able to age in place with dignity. Read more
Champion Awards
Experience Works is proud to recognize the 2011 Participant, Host Agency and Employer Champions. Participant champions have overcome a number of obstacles to begin new careers with the help of the SCSEP. Host Agency champions are exemplary partners in helping older workers overcome obstacles to employment while providing them with the opportunity to serve their communities. Employer champions are recognized for their leadership and commitlment to developing strong business partnerships with Experience Works and hiring older workers. Click here to see the 2011 Champions. New photos and information for each state will be added daily, so check back here if your state is not posted yet.
Overlooked and Underserved: The Crisis Facing America's Older Workers
Many older workers did not plan to be looking for work in their 60s, 70s and 80s, but a life event triggered their need to find employment. These triggering events include being laid off; the death of a spouse; and large medical bills due to a personal illness or illness of a spouse. Listen to four older workers tell their stories.
