The Juanita C. Grant Foundation (JCGF) is committing to long term efforts supporting the services and needs of the 50+ age group. JCGF is focusing on creating financial stability, healthy communities by advocating for the diverse needs of this group through advocacy, research, tailored 50+ educational workshops and our 50+ Workforce Initiative. The Foundation is working in the community to bring a voice to the 50+ residents who experience challenges of ageism, illness and forced retirement.
The 50+ age group faces unique challenges in becoming employed and staying employed. Today's seniors are out living their savings or a two person earning household becomes hampered if one spouse becomes ill. Chronic illness prevents many from maintaining full time work. Forced retirement in favor of younger staff often pushes out the older worker. Age discrimination is experienced in video interviewing, lack of computer skills and physical limitations.
The Foundation is implementing a series of year-round events to increase senior's access to employment opportunities, spark entrepreneurism, increase computer skills and showcase the value of the older worker as contributing to the health of the community. Some of these activities include 50+ Job Readiness Workshops, Annual Workforce Forum and Hiring Events, Computer training workshops and focus groups with employers. The Foundation is also conducting research for advocacy work.
Heighten awareness and appreciation of employers in hiring seniors. Redirection of local government funds to workforce readiness training for the 50+. Increased access of seniors to health care, proper housing and food with gainful and meaningful employment.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).