Department on Aging's deadline is fast approaching to nominate outstanding older workers & employers in honor of National Employ the Older Worker Week

SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) Director Charles D. Johnson is reminding that the nominations for this year's National Employ the Older Worker Awards are due next Tuesday, August 31.  The award recognizes older employees for their outstanding service.  Organizations interested in nominating an older employee, as well as receiving information for the October 15 awards luncheon, may contact the Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966.  Nominations forms postmarked after August 31, 2010, will not be considered.

"I will be honored to salute these dedicated workers at the annual Older Workers Luncheon and Awards Ceremony in October," said Director Johnson.  "The award recognizes the vital role of older workers in the workforce and aims to increase awareness of this part of the labor force."

National Employ the Older Worker Week, which is the last full week of September (19-25), also showcases the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), which provides on-the-job skills training to individuals age 55 and older with limited financial resources.

IDoA will present the awards during the 26th Annual Older Workers Luncheon and Awards Ceremony on Friday, October 15 at the Northfield Center in Springfield.  Awardees will include older adult workers who are employed in both public and private sector jobs.  This also includes workers that are funded through Title V and the Older Americans Act, which assists low-income seniors who are looking and able to re-enter the workforce. Awards will also be presented to businesses and companies that regularly employ workers age 55 and older.

For more information about program services to assist older adults in Illinois and their caregivers, call the Department on Aging Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966, or for TTY (hearing impaired use only) call
1-888-206-1327.