Worthwhile Assets
Enid M. Rosario is the Program Director at ASSETS Senior Employment Opportunities Program in Oakland, California. Together with Dorothy Poston and Gwendolyn Morgan they run a program that is geared towards helping those 55 and older, who meet the state’s criteria for financial hardship, get reintegrated in the work force. Its focus is to help those most in need, who are being discriminated against due to their age, who are experiencing a sense of dislocation and who may feel embarrassed by their situation. At ASSETS the participant is enrolled in a training program that may take one to two years, while receiving a minimum wage compensation for their service to the community. The goal of ASSETS is to have the participants exit the program to full time employment. Working with 100 to 200 participants yearly, they have a success rate of 70%.
“Many people come to us depressed and afraid,” remarked Dorothy. “After working for 20 to 30 years, then having to start looking again, it is disheartening.” “Their level of self esteem has been impacted in a really big way,” sited Enid. At ASSETS participants are encouraged to think about their “transferable” skills. They are encouraged to evaluate what they did on a previous job that would work at a new job even though the job title is totally different. “The program is designed with a dual mission,” explains Enid, “to render community service and to learn skills.”
Rosario wants to raise the consciousness of employers by telling them “We can show you individuals that through no fault of their own were out of work. They come with skills and with strong work ethics, loyalty. Give them an opportunity. We are taking the time for training, so when you put them behind your desk, they are ready and experienced.”
Find out how the program gives its participants a competitive edge.
Meet three participants, Rosemary Stevenson, Lala Wallace and Gloria Pitts. See how their enrollment in the ASSETS program has impacted their lives.
