“The Sixty-Plus Center”: An employment center to Jerusalem residents aged 60 and over
Summary
In 2015, the municipality of Jerusalem together with the National Insurance Institute, the JDC (Joint Distribution Committee) and Shipur organization established an employment- assistance center for residents aged 60 and over to provide job-training workshops, job-search assistance after retirement and new technologies-skills workshops. These workshops provide the seniors with solo- as well as group assistance and guidance. The center aims to provide employment solutions to those who depend on small pensions and have been forced to re-enter the labor force in order to supplement their income as well as for seniors who are interested in developing new careers. The center is located in the community center at the junction between East and West Jerusalem. Since March 2015 the center accepted over 840 applicants, 50% of them were interviewed as part of the intake process. Over 250 people participated in the center’s workshops such as how to write a CV, learning about retirees’ rights, how and where to search for a job, how to search for a job in social networks, computer course, financial consulting and English courses. Among the participants 71% became employed. Our objective is to increase awareness among employers about the advantages of employees aged 60 and over, their pluses as experienced and skilled employees. Additionally, employment promotes healthy and active ageing for the elderly. On the background of the long life-span in Israel, the center’s efforts aim to prevent poverty and reduce ageism to better integrate and nurture the elderly in a productive and meaningful life.
Key facts
Main target group: Older people in general
Sector(s): Labor
Desired outcome for older people:
Learn, grow and make decisions
- Ageism
- Inequities
Other Issues: prevent poverty
Contact details
Name: mazuz, keren
Email address: kerenmaz@gmail.com
Preferred language(s): english and hebrew