As thousands of people looking for jobs in central Ohio, things could be looking up for seniors who want to head back to work.
Federal stimulus money has opened up 300 jobs through the American Association of Retired Persons, with an added benefit for non-profit agencies, 10TV's Tracy Townsend reported on Thursday.
Lillie Thomas has benefited from the program.
After retiring, Thomas wanted to go back to school while continuing to work. A program through the AARP has allowed her to do both as she now works at Carrie's Caf at the Lifecare Alliance.
"It's been working great for me," Thomas said. "I love this place. It's a wonderful place to work."
Through federal stimulus money, the AARP has added 300 positions through its Work Search program that trains, pays and places those 55 and over at non-profit organizations.
The program has expanded and is now available in Franklin, Delaware, Madison and Licking counties.
"It is taxpayer's money coming back to the community to help the unemployed older workers," said Robert Cole with the AARP. "There's so many of them out there hidden away that we don't often hear about."
Carol Pugh was another senior looking for work.
"With the economy today, one has to go back to work," she said. "It's hard finding a job for someone who's older."
Pugh said she heard about the Work Search program, met the income requirements and now works as a receptionist at Carrrie's Caf.
Representatives with the AARP said they still want to hear from seniors who want to work and give back to the community.
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