Goodwill of Manasota has kicked off a new program aimed at getting people who are 55 and older people back to work. It's called Possibilities. Administrators of the program say it's opening new doors for folks looking to earn a paycheck.
For Rich DeFuria, the job hunt has been anything but easy.
"You have to be careful and not judge yourself (by) saying, 'Well, I'm too old for this,' and just let people know that you have experience and you can do the job," DeFuria told ABC Action News.
Goodwill of Manasota's program is focused on getting older workers back in the game.
"It's not like the old days where you would go knocking on an employers doors or go down and meet with someone and fill out an application," said Margie Genter of Goodwill Manasota.
As part of the Possibilities program, seniors are getting much needed training.
"An older worker would be a very valuable hire for any employer. Getting the older worker in front of the employer is the hard part," Genter told ABC Action news.
Instructors assist with everything from helping with self-esteem for interviews, networking, even social media.
"We all just need different skills and tool sets, and this kind of helps us hone that," said participant Linda Roberts.
Program participants are confident the training and connections will lead them to their ultimate goal, which for many is full time employment.
"Every little bit of information that I get to go about doing this helps," said DeFuria.
Click here for more information on the program
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