employment

Over 50? Ready to KICKSTART your own business?

October 4, 2021 by Marie Jobling

Did you know that people over 50 are almost twice as likely to found successful companies than those between 20 and 34? It’s true.

A study out of Northwestern University indicates that the prime age for innovation is between 55 and 64 years old. We become better innovators as we age.

What about you? Have you ever considered starting your own business?

If you are over 50 and live in San Francisco, your time is now.

Starting in January 2022, Blissen, a San Francisco startup, and SF Tech Council will offer a brand new “Kickstart Your Business at 50+” program online. The 10-week program is designed to guide aspiring older adult entrepreneurs through the step-by-step process of bringing their business ideas to life.

Key components of the “Kickstart” program include:

a cohort-based approach where participants develop meaningful relationships and learn from the experience of peers;
hands-on, practical assignments such as creating a business plan and building a website;
expert guidance and personalized advice from industry experts; and
tech clinics to get up-to-speed on the best online tools to manage a business efficiently.

Interested? Apply now at blissen.io

For more information, contact: karla@sftechcouncil.org or andrew@sftechcouncil.org

This program is funded through a grant from San Francisco’s Office of Economic & Workforce Development (Invest in Neighborhoods Program).

Finding Fulfilling Work with Community Organizations

March 8, 2021 by Deborah Finestone

Seniors continue to find ways to work safely, even a year into the pandemic. SF ReServe is here to help them continue to find fulfilling work and give back in a professional capacity.

The goal of SF ReServe is to create win-win-win opportunities:

Provide older adults and people with disabilities who want to work opportunities to work for great causes
Help local nonprofits and other community-based organizations find affordable and skilled help
Help our communities grow and thrive by matching these experienced individuals with nonprofit organizations.

Kathy Barr was one of many success stories who found work through the program.

“I was able to use my past work experience while I learned a lot, met some great folks, made some new friends and had fun,” she said. “And I felt useful and respected.”

“My experience working with the League of Women Voters of San Francisco has been outstanding. I became part of a community focused on local, state and national election issues — democracy, education, advocacy and voting rights.”

SF ReServe engages the skills of senior and disabled people, “finding us a meaningful way to participate in the City’s nonprofit workforce and be a part of the City’s social fabric,” Barr said.

If you’re looking for work and want to find out more about whether SF ReServe can help match you to a position, apply to be a ReServist.

‘One of the best jobs I’ve ever had’

Despite the pandemic, most of our dedicated ReServists continue working, often from home.

One of those is Rebecca Shotwell, who we connected with Sequoia Living. One of her jobs was greeting all the folks who came to the Aquatic Park Senior Center. She eventually transitioned to being part of their regular staff. That changed a year ago.

Now, one of her main jobs is making wellness calls to participants. That transition to working from home was a challenge, Shotwell said.

“The learning curve has been really steep and I’ve done it, developing all kinds of new skills along the way,” she said.

“This job continues to be one of the best jobs I’ve ever had. It’s not just a paycheck, but an opportunity to serve my community and to keep that community connected during the pandemic.”

“The staff at Sequoia Living are smart, funny, compassionate and dedicated to their profession, Shotwell continued. “I will forever be grateful to you for helping me work with such an astounding group of people.”

Interested or have questions?

If you are 60 years of age or older, or an adult of any age living with a disability and looking for work, please fill out our Job Inquiry Form.

If you’re a nonprofit or community-focused small business in need of a passionate, experienced person on your team, fill out the Partner Inquiry Form.

For any other questions, contact Jamie Goddard at sfreserve@sfcommunityliving.org or call 415-821-1003, ext. 110.

SF ReServe: Transferable Skills (Virtual)

January 20, 2021 by Cira Davis

Transferable skills are skills you’ve acquired through education, employment, volunteerism, and life experience that are valuable to an employer. Identifying your transferable skills and the skills that employers are looking for are only the first steps. Join Jamie Goddard, Director of SF ReServe, to explore the importance of transferable skills and how to make yourself stand out to employers in cover letters, resumes, and interviews.

HOW TO JOIN THE EVENT:

To join by phone, dial 888-475-4499 (toll-free) or 669-900-6833 (local). Enter Meeting ID: 865 6747 4200, then press # twice.
To join with video, click this link: https://zoom.us/j/86567474200 to register and join. Wait in the “waiting room” until the activity is ready to start.

To create a friendly environment and minimize interruptions, we will close the activity to new participants 15 minutes after the start time. The above link will work on your tablet or your computer. You’ll be prompted to download a Zoom app the first time you use Zoom. If you’re using a PC or Mac, you can join from your web browser without using the Zoom software.

How to Give a Great Interview by Telling Your Story (Virtual)

June 24, 2020 by Teresa Garcia

Giving a great interview is as easy as telling your own story, with the use of behavioral interview techniques! In this talk, you’ll learn how to share your past accomplishments in a way that helps an interviewer envision how your skills and experience would contribute to their organization. Join John Edmiston, Manager of Applicants and ReServists, and Jamie Goddard, Director of SF ReServe, to learn how to make a memorable impression when interviewing.

To join by phone, dial 888-475-4499 (toll free) or 669-900-6833 (local).
Enter Meeting ID: 865 6747 4200, then press # twice.

To join with video, click this link: https://zoom.us/j/86567474200 to register and join. Wait in the “waiting room” until the activity is ready to start.

To create a friendly environment and minimize interruptions, we will close the activity to new participants 15 minutes after the start time.

The above link will work on your tablet or your computer. You’ll be prompted to download a Zoom app the first time you use Zoom. If you’re using a PC or Mac, you can join from your web browser without using the Zoom software.

Staying Ready to Work! (Virtual)

April 30, 2020 by Cathy DeLuca

Join SF ReServe Director, Jamie Goddard, to learn what you can do now to prepare for and be ready to work during and after shelter-in-place. Find out about resources to support your job search.

To call in, dial 669-900-6833
You’ll be prompted to enter Meeting ID: 947 3509 0322, then press # and wait for the activity to start.

Click to join with video, click this link: https://zoom.us/j/94735090322 and wait in the “waiting room” until the activity is ready to start. To create a friendly environment and minimize interruptions, we will close the activity to new participants 15 minutes after the start time.

The above link will work on your tablet or on your computer. You’ll be prompted to download a Zoom app the first time you use Zoom. If you’re using a PC or Mac, you can join from your web browser without using the Zoom software.

SF Senior Beat Stories (Virtual)

April 30, 2020 by Cathy DeLuca

Join Editor Robin Evans for SF Senior Beat’s Talk-Listen session. Ask questions about SF Senior Beat (www.sfseniorbeat.com), a dynamic online news source written and edited by older adults. Hear about stories that are in the works as we smash aging stereotypes by sharing stories from San Francisco’s vibrant and diverse older population.

We also want to hear from you: How has the coronavirus impacted your life? Do you have an interesting story to share about how you or someone you know is coping, helping others, or shifting your ordinary lifestyle since the Shelter-in-Place order was issued? Please join us for our Zoom Talk-Listen sessions.

Senior Beat Conversations are held the fourth Wednesday of every month, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. The San Francisco Senior Beat is an online magazine profiling the experiences and sharing the voices of San Franciscans 50 and older.

To join by phone, dial 888-475-4499 (toll free) or 669-900-6833 (local). Enter the Meeting ID: 947 3509 0322, then press # twice.

To join with video, click this link: https://zoom.us/j/94735090322 and wait in the “waiting room” until the activity is ready to start. To create a friendly environment and minimize interruptions, we will close the activity to new participants 15 minutes after the start time.

SF Senior Beat Conversation: Coping with Crisis and Uncertainty (Virtual)

April 30, 2020 by Cathy DeLuca

San Francisco Senior Beat this month features a short presentation by Jamie Goddard, director of SF ReServe, a jobs for seniors program of the Community Living Campaign. Jamie will talk about how to change one’s perspectives to create more balance during these challenging times. Change can be difficult, even in the best of times. Coupled with crisis and uncertainty, it can be particularly stressful. But we also know that good things can emerge despite the difficulties. Taking care of yourself first is key.

To join by phone, dial 888-475-4499 (toll free) or 669-900-6833 (local). Enter the Meeting ID: 947 3509 0322, then press # twice.

Advocates rally for justice for the vulnerable in City budget

June 25, 2018 by Judy Goddess

SENIOR BEAT – June is budget negotiation time at City Hall. On June 18, after receiving a draft budget from the mayor, the Budget and Finance Committee of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors invited comments from the community. Activists making up the Budget Justice Coalition rallied on City Hall steps to highlight the need for increased funding for for the poor, the homeless, seniors and people with disabilities. The coalition is a broad based collaboration of more than 30 community-based and labor organizations serving impoverished people working towards a City budget that prioritizes poor communities in San Francisco. Inside City Hall, advocates were allowed one minute to plead their case. They testified on the need for increased funding for homeless services, rental subsidies for seniors and people with disabilities, and food programs. Funds were requested for employment programs for seniors, after-school programs, free summer school at City College, and pedestrian safety. After a representative for the senior community choirs program finished speaking, 30 choir members rose and serenaded the supervisors and audience. (Photos by Mary Hunt)

Speaking Out to Our Supervisors for Better Employment Opportunities

May 15, 2018 by Marie Jobling

Urgency came through in the voices of those who spoke at the May 9 Board of Supervisors hearing on employment. Seniors and adults with disabilities both spoke of the economic need in this increasingly expensive City. But more than that, they shared how they were seeking respect, purpose, and the ability to contribute their lifetime of experience to improve their communities.

Rebecca Shotwell, pictured left, shared that finding a job “saved her life.” A graphic artist in the days before Photoshop, Rebecca retired two years before the 2008 financial crisis. Two years ago, after she and her husband had almost depleted their savings, Rebecca started looking for a job, “but who was going to hire an old lady?” Through CLC’s SF ReServe program. Rebecca began working at Aquatic Park Senior Center. They were so thrilled with her skills and contribution, that when a position opened up, they hired her directly.

Increasing Focus on Senior and Disability Employment Challenges

Supervisor Norman Yee, who called for the hearing following CLC’s recent Work Matters! event, recruited Supervisor Sheehy, Rohan, Fewer and Kim as co-sponsors.

A presentation by SF City Departments introduced the set the stage for the testimony that followed, with data, program overviews and recommendations – linked here.

The hearing was broadcast on SFGov TV – if you missed, you can view the Employment Hearing there (the Employment Opportunities for Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities section starts at 1:23). Thanks to everyone who came and who spoke. We are hopeful that this will lead to more scrutiny and more funding to address this pressing issue.

Stay tuned!!

[Show slideshow]

Our ‘Work Matters!’ Event Helps Connect Seniors and People with Disabilities to Jobs

April 3, 2018 by Marie Jobling

Over 100 people gathered at the Unitarian Conference Center on March 22 to increase the pathways to meaningful employment for seniors and people with disabilities of all ages.

This second Work Matters! gathering comes as CLC’s SF Reserve marks its first year of successfully placing people in part-time and project-based work at non-profit organizations in San Francisco.

Working Together was the Order of the Day

The event included those looking for work as well as those engaged with SF ReServe, plus a large number of seniors employed by the Felton Institute’s Senior Community Services Employment Program. Shireen McSpadden, Executive Director of the Department of Aging and Adult Services, kicked off the day with a commitment of her support for efforts to put more seniors and adults with disabilities to work, followed by Jarlene Choy, Aide to Supervisor Norman Yee, who announced he will hold a Board of Supervisor’s hearing on the issue very soon.

San Francisco Senior Center Director and Reservist talked about how ReServe has made a difference in both of their lives. ReServist Judy Goddess shared her journey, which include 14 hours of retirement followed by 5 years of caregiving, and now the exciting opportunity to launch the Senior Beat Reporters though SF ReServe.

Telling Our Stories

Diane Krantz led a spirited conversation at tables at those present shared their experiences and ideas for the future, with report-outs to all present. After a delicious lunch prepared by CLC staff and the employment program Bakeworks, a panel offered diverse and energizing perspectives on the journey to meaningful work and engagement. Panelists included Jonathan Lyens, President of the FDR Democratic Club, Cathy Spensley from the Felton Institute, Michael Pappas, Executive Director of the Interfaith Council, and Hope Levy, Geronologist and trainer.

Resources for Everyone

The event also included organizations info resources. The occasion provided the opportunity to put together a couple of documents we can share on-line – an overview of the issue called Help Us Improve the Employment Picture and a detailed list Resources..

For more information about SF ReServe and other efforts to improve employment options for seniors and adults with Disabilties, contact Alicia Crawford at alicia@sfcommununityliving.org.