Job Club closes, but seniors looking for work have other options
National Able Network's Job Club, a group that helped teach job-seeking skills to people over 50, closed its doors in Arlington Heights and Evanston this month because of lack of funding.
It's never easy to be out of work, but the tough economy makes it especially difficult for unemployed seniors.
While older workers have lost one career counseling resource in the area, there are other options for them, and people of all ages, seeking help with job searches:
• National Able Network's Senior Community Service Employment Program provides temporary, part-time job placement to transition people back into the workforce. Clients must be 55 or older and meet certain income requirements. Call (312) 782-3335 to see if you qualify.
• Job Club at Schaumburg Township offers free networking and a support group for people 50 and older. Meets the fourth Tuesday of the month at 1 p.m. at the township offices, 1 Illinois Blvd., Hoffman Estates. One-on-one counseling is also available for residents of Schaumburg, Palatine and Wheeling townships. Call Valerie Profit at (847) 884-0030, ext. 2016.
• Barrington Career Center, 600 Hart Road, Suite 275, offers weekly sessions on job searches, networking and job-skill building. Fee is $50 per year. Info at barringtoncareercenter.com or (847) 304-4157.
• WorkNet sponsors free weekly sessions from 2 to 4 p.m. Mondays at Schaumburg Township District Library, 130 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg. Topics rotate weekly between interview skills, networking, resume and cover letter tips and job search basics. No reservation necessary. Call John Ericson at (847) 923-3334.
• Illinois workNet Center at 723 W. Algonquin Road in Arlington Heights, also offers weekly workshops at 2 p.m. Wednesdays. Call (847) 437-9663 to reserve a spot. Contact Dan Yokas at (847) 437-7902 with questions.