Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

		Scott McCallum  Governor State of Wisconsin

MADISON—Gov. Scott McCallum today announced that the Milwaukee Community Employment Resource Center for Mature Workers was awarded February’s Governor’s Workforce Innovation Award (WIN), which recognizes individuals and organizations that create innovative approaches and outside-of-the-box solutions to develop and sustain Wisconsin’s workforce.

"In today’s tight labor market quality employees of all ages are becoming increasingly valuable," Gov. McCallum said. "This organization is an invaluable resource for potential workers among the aging community as well as employers."

The goal of the Center, which opened in April 2000, is to streamline the task of Milwaukee County older adults in their job search. Instead of individually contacting a variety of employment agencies with a variety of eligibility requirements, potential job applicants can meet with representatives from several employment agencies at one location.

The Center, which is administered by Interfaith Older Adult Programs and funded by the Milwaukee County Department on Aging, emphasizes consolidating the application process and sharing job leads. Partners include Goodwill Industries, 40+ of Southeastern Wisconsin, Hatch Staffing, Legal Aid Society, Manpower, Milwaukee Urban League, Social Development Commission Senior Opportunity, Quality Healthcare, Milwaukee Job Center South, and Milwaukee County Veterans Service.

Employers have played an active role in the success of the Resource Center by holding interviews at the Center and sharing job leads with several agencies at once. They are becoming more and more aware of the Resource Center as a convenient opportunity to recruit older workers. Meanwhile, older workers have a non-intimidating atmosphere in which to search for employment.

"Having a resource center that is devoted exclusively to the employment needs of older adults in Milwaukee County is a great asset to Wisconsin as we continue to modify and adapt our labor force to meet the demands of tomorrow and beyond," Gov. McCallum said.

The WIN award is presented each month to highlight innovative approaches and solutions to overcoming barriers to work, empowering individuals to move up the job ladder, and partnering with employers, educators and local government to do what works to build a stronger workforce.

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