The Older Worker has a vital role in today’s workforce. May is Older Workers Month: Celebrating the Power of Connection. Every worker brings a wealth of experience to the workforce at every age and enhances his or hers career. And older Americans stand as the cornerstone of our nation, having laid the foundation for the success of future generations. Older workers bring stability, confidence, communications skills and the knowledge of a network of established relationships within the community. Older workers also bring the flexibility of working full-time or part-time. Across diverse backgrounds and experiences, their perseverance and adaptability, serve as a beacon of inspiration bridging generational divides in our ever-evolving communities. Whether it’s a seasoned architect passing down his brick-and-mortar knowledge of the craft to younger counterparts, or a grandmother teaching her granddaughter how to cook a family traditional recipe. Older Americans have so much wisdom and value to share.

The Older Kansans Employment Program (OKEP) is a department of Southwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging which provides job opportunities to those who are 55 and older. This opportunity is available to area residents every Wednesday from 10-11 a.m., at the Great Bend Senior Center, 2005 Kansas Ave. or by appointment by calling 620-282-6188.