Program helps seniors get wiser
Photo
Karen Damico uses a computer to work through a reading program at the Janesville Job Center. Damico is taking part in a program for seniors and is working towards her GED.
JANESVILLE — Karen Damico spent years thinking she couldn't learn.
School was hard, and she couldn't retain information.
On top of that, life happened, including marriage, kids and one or two relationships with men who put her down and re-enforced her belief that she couldn't learn.
Things have changed.
Now, Damico, 56, is studying for her high school equivalency degree through the Wisconsin Senior Employment program at the Rock County Job Center, 1900 Center Ave., Janesville. She plans to take her first test in a month.
"I feel like I'm a sponge," Damico said. "I just absorb anything now. I always have a dictionary in my purse. I don't want to look like an idiot."
The senior employment program, administered by the Southwest Wisconsin Workforce Development Board, uses federal money to help people 55 or older who live on limited incomes find work and get job training.
More than 60 people participated in the program in the last year, and 80 percent of them found regular, unsubsidized employment, according to a news release from the job center.
Damico is an artist who works on canvas and does murals in Janesville and Lake Geneva. She did the 80-by-60-foot mural inside Amazon Station, the former arcade and entertainment center on Morse Street, Janesville.
Damico of Janesville has been thinking seriously about going back to school to get a degree in interior design—a creative step up from a career as a restaurant server.
But recently, she got a new job—not through the senior employment program—at Our House Assisted Living Center, 2516 Green Valley Drive, Janesville.
And Damico thinks she's found her heart.
She's been there two months now, although she didn't think she'd make it after the first couple days.
"Now that I've worked with the elderly, I can see this is where my heart is supposed to be," Damico said. "I might just do my art shows on weekends and such. They just got to my heart."
Damico is thrilled to see doors continue to open in her life.
"All my life, I really thought that I was stupid," Damico said. "I'm finally not a victim. I got the self-esteem to believe in myself and believe I wasn't stupid. I always wanted to take this step. Even if I don't go on to school, at least this will be an achievement to say, ‘Look! I did it.' I'm glad they have something like this that gives the older person something for self esteem."
MORE INFORMATION
The Wisconsin Senior Employment program helps adults 55 and older on limited incomes get job training and employment support. For more information, call Shannon Moe of the Southwest Wisconsin Workforce Development Board at the Rock County Job Center, 1900 Center Ave., Janesville, at (608) 741-3567 or e-mail s.moe@jobcenter.org.
Oct 27, 2008 at 11:08 a.m.
Suggest removal
When I was 55 had gone back to school to study computer information systems, back then, they called it; green thumb jobs where I come from. I had studied business so after having three over 55 govt. funded jobs, and working at Good will, I decided to apply for a manager's position opening up in a town not far from me. They laughed and said, why should anyone hire you when we can hire two or three like you, have the govt. pay their wages, and replace you without it costing us anything. When it came to going out into the job force at 55 thinking I would be treated with respect, forget it. They called it hitting the gray ceiling at the michigan works temporary jobs office. It is quite disalousining to get the education, get good grades, feel like you could actually get a position, and then with all that education, have a student turn around and laugh and say, what makes you think anyone would hire you? I have two degrees and years experience and I can not find a position you are thinking you should get. It feels so good when you are studying, getting good grades and thinking you will have a secured employment. Now that was ten years ago and I am living on social security and have had all this time on my hands after many many people telling me, I did not qualify when I knew I did. Good luck to any of you, but be prepared for the harsh reality of how important your efforts are to the work force.
Oct 23, 2008 at 4:19 p.m.
Suggest removal
I think this is a great idea to great her ready to enter the working world. Going to be rough though considering her age. Sad to see she is learning now so late in life that no one meets you half way in this world.
Oct 23, 2008 at 3:51 p.m.
Suggest removal
People familiar with the WI Senior Employment Program call it the WISE program--I think it was an attempt at a play on words...or entirely coincidental.
Oct 23, 2008 at 12:53 p.m.
Suggest removal
Nothing makes us old folks wiser,,, smarter maybe, but not wiser,,, and there is a difference,,,
Before you post a comment, consider this:
Note: GazetteXtra.com does not condone or review every comment. Read more in our User Policy AgreementPost Comment
Commenting requires registration.