Arapahoe/Douglas Works! has been awarded a $251,127 grant from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment to help older Denver metro area workers find and retain jobs. The 50+ and Fabulous program launches next Spring and is a collaboration between Arapahoe, Jefferson Tri-County and Adams county workforce centers to provide free job seeker resource centers, job fairs, job seeker workshops, life skills training, hiring events and employer seminars-all tailored to the older worker.

"The 50+ and Fabulous program will enable us to provide much needed assessment and training to the older workforce to help them achieve their employment goals," said Joseph M. Barela, Arapahoe/Douglas Works! Manager. "While they are more likely to have higher education levels than their younger counterparts they're less likely to have current skills needed to be competitive in the labor market, and we're thrilled to help them address those issues to become effective again in the workforce."

The counties' free resource centers will open in January and include access to computers, software tutorials and library materials, as well as provide various life balance and job search workshops, including money management, health and wellness, financial planning, resume writing, negotiating job offers, and gaining a competitive edge. A weekly support group also will include networking and job search discussions.

The program also will focus on educating employers on the value of the senior workforce, and how to recruit and retain older workers.

 "As baby boomers reach retirement age we're faced with a possible labor shortage, so it's important to help employers understand the value of hiring and retaining-or bringing back from retirement-the ageing workforce," added Barela.

For more information about 50+ and Fabulous, please contact Glennda Alcaraz at 303-636-1226.