Free Retirement Re-Employment Workshops for Metro Detroiters This Summer, Starting June 11

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A 75-year-old plumber looking for employment with less demanding physical work and an 80-year-old employee laid off after decades with a car company are just two of the many older adults who have recently reached out to Gesher Human Services, one of the largest human service agencies in metro Detroit, looking for career assistance. In response, the nonprofit organization will be holding a series of three free Retirement Reemployment workshops this summer on June 11, July 16 and August 13 from 2-3:30 p.m. The programs will be held in person at Gesher’s headquarters (29699 Southfield Road, Southfield) and will discuss the financial, social and emotional considerations of working as a mature adult; the pros and cons of returning to work; and provide attendees with a career decision action plan. Registration is at geshermi.org/events.

A report published in December 2023 by Pew Research

confirmed that the number of older workers in the US is growing and that there is a trend for older workers to earn higher wages. Key findings were that almost one in five Americans were employed in 2023, a figure nearly double compared to 35 years ago. In addition, the earning power of these older adults grew from approximately $22 per hour compared with $13 in 1987.

“We see increasing numbers of mature individuals who are not wanting to hang up on their working life. They might want to make a transition with some aspects of their employment, but they are people with many skills who are ready for new opportunities,” said Employment and Internship Specialist Gerard Baltrusaitis.

In some cases, metro Detroiters who retired several years ago, particularly those whose jobs were affected by COVID-19, are now finding that it makes financial sense to consider working again. “Some people in their early 60s were forced to step out of their work lives during the pandemic and now they are feeling caught by inflation and medical costs and feel that their retirement savings are a bit behind,” explained Baltrusaitis.

However mature workers might need professional guidance

to make the most appropriate and successful next steps. “One drawback they face is ageism. They might have the ambition, energy and ability to work, so we just want to make sure, through our workshops, that they present themselves in the best way possible and consider all their options,” said Baltrusaitis.

For more information contact Gerard Baltrusaitis gbaltrusaitis@geshermi.org or call 248-233-4288.

About Gesher Human Services

Gesher Human Services is a non-profit organization providing a bridge to hope and opportunity for people at work, at home and in the community. It is dedicated to helping people across metro Detroit lead more stable and fulfilling lives through workforce development, career mobility, behavioral health, inclusion programming and residential services that serve all metro Detroiters while meeting the needs of the Jewish community.

The organization works with job seekers, people with disabilities, older adults, and the community at large to provide skills, support, and equitable opportunities for people to succeed. Uniting two of metro Detroit’s most influential Jewish human services agencies, JVS Human Services and Kadima, Gesher brings over 110 years of combined experience facilitating equitable employment opportunities and better mental health outcomes for residents.

With a network of more than 400 employees and volunteers across 25 locations in southeast Michigan, Gesher delivers a continuum of services and support that directly impacts the lives of over 26,000 individuals and families annually. More information at www.geshermi.org.