Mers Goodwill: The Older Worker

Abstract

This paper explores the changing role of older, experienced employees in the workplace in terms of their own needs and opportunities for learning and in the context of changing organizational expectations. It draws on Lave and Wenger's (1991) theory of situated learning and the notion of 'learning as participation' as starting points for examining the types of learning opportunities experienced by older workers. The discussion relates the nature of such opportunities to the changing workplace contexts in which employees are located.

The basis for this paper comes from MERS Goodwill a not-for-profit agency that provides training and employment services for senior citizens. These groups of baby boomers are not ready to sit down and do nothing but want to continue to work for several reasons. One important reason is they want to remain worthy and vibrate. Older workers have a great deal of experience that they are willing to share and utilize.

MERS Goodwill Senior Employment Services has been great influence for older worker who want to continue working. The agency provides refresher training for employment placement. Their program allows older workers to enter back into the workforce. Since 2009 MERS Goodwill has placed 500 participants who are now permanent employees.

In response to a critical need to promote employment opportunities for individuals 55 years of age and older, Congress established the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). Networking with non-profit, such as MERS Goodwill, this valuable program provides senior participants with subsidized on-the-job training experiences to help them learn new job skills necessary in today's workplace. SCSEP'S goal is to equip older workers with skills to enable them transition onto unsubsidized employment and tap into their true potential.

Who is MERS Goodwill?

MERS incorporated in October 1940 as Jewish Employment & Vocational Service to help those in greatest need by providing desired employment and community services. Missouri Goodwill was established in 1918.

In 2001, Metropolitan Employment and Rehabilitation Service and Missouri Goodwill Industries merged to form MERS/Missouri Goodwill Industries. Combining resources and capitalizing on the strengths of both agencies resulted in decreased duplication of services and gained efficiencies in a number of areas and has provided an opportunity for growth and expansion in all three divisions.

MERS/MISSOURI GOODWILL INDUSTRIES MISSION STATEMENT

"To provide opportunities for persons with barriers to employment to work and live more independently in the community."

PROGRAMS

The primary focus and success of MERS/Goodwill's employment and rehabilitation programs is in the ability to prepare people for the world of work. MERS/Goodwill provides the opportunity to work toward the goals needed to achieve the maximum level of productivity for employment. Below is a list of services.

* Career Counseling * Deaf & Hard of Hearing * Developmental Disability

* Education & Literacy * Employment Services * Ex-Offender

* Senior Services * Skills Training * Veterans * Youth

These programs are open to any participant that needs these services in St. Louis City and County. Most of the participants have a disability whether deaf, developmental disability or mental or physical disability. The programs are geared to meet the needs of those with disabilities.

Under employment services there is a program called Supportive Employment. Supported employment is a competitive work in an integrated work setting with on-going support services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities for whom competitive employment either has never been possible or has been interrupted as a result of the disability.

Another employment program is the Summer Work Experience Program for youth who are developmentally disabled. This program is for low-income special education students ages 16 and older, who will be returning to school in the fall. This program will provide up to 30 hours per week for approximately 8 weeks of paid work experience to prepare these students for employment.

The ex-offender program provides skills training such as soft skills and computer training. Job development and job coaching is also offered for this program as well as other employment services programs.

Within all the employment services other services are included such as literacy, career counseling and educational resources. Funding for programs are from St. Louis Office for Mentally Retarded and Developmental Disabilities, United Way, Productive Living Board of St. Louis County, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, grants and donations. MERS Goodwill hires workers through their retail division. MERS Goodwill's strategic plan provides for continued expansion with a goal of reaching out to more communities with 50 retail locations and serving individuals across 54 counties.

Another service that helps to employ clients is the Contracted Business Services. The Custodial and Business Contracts Division offers dedicated, reliable and highly trained frontline workers, supervisors, administrators and management personnel. MERS Goodwill assist businesses in developing a customized service solution tailored to meet particular needs. They provide services that are an affordable alternative to businesses current temporary service solutions.

LEADERSHIP

MERS Goodwill is a not-for-profit that transformed itself under the leadership of Lewis Chartock, President/Chief Executive. Chartock was the change agent that led the organization through a very successful merger in 2001. In my opinion, Chartock displays both transactional and transformation leadership styles in this organization. MERS Goodwill employs over 200 employees.

He has helped the staff and board members identify what must be done to accomplish the desired results and ensures that employees have the resources needed to complete the job. According to the Vice President of Human Resources, he has motivated staff and board members to work toward goals instead of short term self-interest and for achievement and self-actualization instead of security; is able to express a clear vision and inspire others to strive to accomplish the vision.

It has been my experience that agencies that have been providing services for thirty