The strategic planning grant will assist the West Hartford-based nonprofit continue its mission.

By Bernie Weiss

The Seniors Job Bank has received a grant from the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. Described as a Small Agency Grant, the funds are designated to aid with strategic planning by the 38-year-old organization that helps people over 50 find work.

Dennis Carrithers, Seniors Job Bank co-president, called the grant “great news for enhancing and sustaining SJB in the future.” As a non-profit, non-governmental community resource, the Seniors Job Bank depends on contributions from philanthropies and other donors for its financial support.

From its West Hartford headquarters, the Seniors Job Bank serves seven central Connecticut towns. Businesses, public agencies and households call upon SJB to fill openings in a wide variety of job categories. SJB maintains a database of approximately 500 service providers – men and women over age 50 – representing more than 300 occupational and professional skills, blue and white collar. All the service providers pass a background check before being registered.

Hank Boulton, SJB’s other co-president pointed out that while SJB’s service providers meet an age minimum, the clients for whom they work can be of any age. He added that, “all our service providers offer a career’s worth of experience, plus the traditional work ethic that’s not always easy to find these days.”

Clients with tasks to be done, ranging from one-time domestic chores to long-term commercial or government positions, call the Seniors Job Bank specifying their requirements. They receive contact information for several qualified candidates whom they may interview and consider. The client and selected service provider negotiate the terms of the project, including compensation. “Best of all,” said Carrithers, “there’s no charge to either party for the referral.”

The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving is a community foundation for Hartford and 28 surrounding communities. Made possible by the gifts of generous individuals, families, and organizations, the Foundation has awarded grants of more than $680 million since its founding in 1925. For more information about the Hartford Foundation, visit www.hfpg.org or call 860-548-1888.

To join the list of Seniors Job Bank service providers, or to request one to handle a job, call 860-521-3210, email [email protected], or visit www.sjbct.org.

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