New Experience Works coordinator named for Benton, White and Carroll counties

Experience Works has appointed Ruth Hooker as Employment & Training Coordinator (ETC) for Benton, White and Carroll counties. She will now be responsible for a ten-county area, also including Tippecanoe, Warren, Clinton, Howard, Tipton, Fountain, and Boone counties.

Her office is located in the Howarth Center at 615 N. 18th Street in Lafayette.

Experience Works, a national nonprofit organization, is focused on meeting the employment and training needs of low-income seniors age 55 and above. Working with local nonprofit organizations, Experience Works places individuals in paid training assignments where they can learn new marketable job skills or update old ones. Experience Works also offers assistance with resumes, online job searches and applications, and interview coaching to help participants find jobs in the private sector.

"Ruth is ready to hit the ground running in these counties," says Pam Fox, director. "She brings energy and enthusiasm to the program."

Ms. Hooker has been employed by Experience Works for four years. A graduate of Indiana State University, she has a long history of achievements in her working career. Serving as an advocate for older workers, Ms. Hooker has worked with Experience Works applicants to determine eligibility, and interviewed and assessed them to determine appropriate training plans, supportive services, and job placements.

More seniors than ever are finding it necessary to delay retirement or go back to work just to afford basic necessities in today's economy. "Seniors may have lost their retirement savings, lost equity in their homes, or been hit with costly healthcare expenses," says Ms. Hooker. "More and more seniors are coming to us for training to get back into the workforce."

Experience Works was established in 1965 is a national, charitable, community-based organization focused on meeting the training and employment needs of low-income seniors.

Those interested in finding out if they are eligible for the program, call (866) 976-5939. Employers or non-profit organizations looking for dependable, motivated, experienced workers may call (765) 447-8408 or visit the website, www.experienceworks. org.