An older worker achieves success
By Catherine A. Doherty
While others celebrate the many contributions of seniors to the workplace during National Employ Older Workers Week in September, Fred Drobiak will be celebrating a more personal milestone.
“I came into Elder Services’ Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) in February 2007, because my friend, Marge Noble, suggested it. I had no idea what it was, or what it might bring me,” says Drobiak. He quickly learned the goals of the program: job matching, job training and job placement. Drobiak was matched to the Ralph J. Froio Senior Center in Pittsfield as a clerical assistant and began his on-the-job training. The Froio Center is one of 26 “host agencies” that agree to hire and train seniors who are looking for a satisfying job experience. In Drobiak’s case, it was a perfect match.
“Fred has always been so enthusiastic about our mission statement,” beams Froio Center Director Jean Beauchemin,. “He quickly learned the office routine and has been an enormous help as an office assistant. He is organized, calm and patient – three necessary attributes in this very busy office. The staff and patrons have all learned to depend upon his efficient assistance.”
During the past year, Drobiak completed several computer classes and never missed a day of work. Due to his diligence and the consistent help from Froio staff members, he completed his year of training and applied for a permanent position when one became available. Drobiak has officially been hired by the City of Pittsfield, and began work at the senior center on August 4, 2008. The SCSEP program prides itself on matching seniors to a host agency, moving them towards employment, and motivating them to accomplishing their goals.
Drobiak’s experience as a senior aide is proof positive that employing and training seniors is beneficial to everyone in our communities. It is never to too late to seek a new challenge, learn new skills, and gain meaningful employment. Elder Services believes that “The Fountain of Youth is work.”
For more information on the SCSEP program, call Elder Services at 499-0524, or toll free at 1-800-544-5242 - and ask for Sam Lagrotteria at extension 108.
Catherine A. Doherty is Elder Services Planner and Senior Community Service Employment Program Manager.
