Organization seeks Missouri's Outstanding Older Worker

Nevada, Mo. --Experience Works, a national, nonprofit senior workforce organization is seeking nominations for Outstanding Older Worker.

Each year, Bill Thole of Experience Works' Clinton office, travels to Nevada to urge local residents to nominate a Vernon Countian for the award. Last year, local YMCA worker Betty McCord was nominated, but Thole said, "I know you have some people in this area who would be good candidates for this award. Betty certainly was," and although she wasn't selected for the state award she was still honored by the organization. "This is one of the most proactive communities I visit," Thole added.

The organization is currently seeking nominees for the 2008 Outstanding Older Worker. Last year's Missouri winner for the award was Javada Brown, Kansas City, who works for Cerner Corp.

"They have to work in the state, at least 20 hours per week, and they can't be part of the (Experience Works) program," Thole said.

Anyone can nominate a worker for the award, as long as that worker meets the age requirement of 65 years and works an average of 20 or more hours per week at a participating host agency.

To submit a nomination for this award, an entry form, available at the Missouri Career Center or www.experienceworks.org, along with an essay outlining the nominee's performance in the workplace and qualifications for the award, must be submitted to Missouri Older Worker Contest Division of Senior Disability Services, PO Box 570, Jefferson City, Mo. 65102-0570 by June 1, 2008.

Entry forms may also be faxed to (573) 751-8687, or e-mailed to sally.mckee

@dhss.mo.gov and must be signed by the nominee and the nominee's employer.

Experience Works is a national nonprofit organization that provides employment opportunities to qualified senior citizens.

Unemployed individuals 55 and older who meet specific income guidelines are qualified to enroll in a community service program paid for by the organization in which they would work an average of 20 hours a week, make minimum wage, and receive all training and supervision needed to become job-ready.

Prospective host agencies must have a 501c (3) IRS status and in return for providing the needed training and supervision to older workers, will benefit from the work that is completed and Experience Works will pay all of the participant's wages and worker's compensation coverage.

Experience Works is funded by federal grants and donations so as to be able to pay all participants' wages.