Windi Kapraun of Vienna speaks to representatives of MOVE Staffing during the March job fair organized by the Workforce Development Board at the Wood County Resiliency Center. The next fair that will recognize National Older Workers Week with two informational sessions for older workers will be held on Sept. 30 at the Resiliency Center. (File Photo)

PARKERSBURG — National Employ Older Workers Week will be recognized at the Fall Job and Resource Fair sponsored by the Workforce Development Board MOV and the American Job Center from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sept. 30 at the new Wood County Resiliency Center in Parkersburg.

The fair is free and open to the public and will feature employers actively hiring employees, resources and support services locally available and training and educational opportunities, said Cyndi Auth, executive director of the Development Board.

National Employ Older Workers Week will be recognized Sept. 22-26.

In recognition, two informational sessions will be presented at the fair and will be focused on senior workers 55 and older at 9 a.m. and at 11 a.m., she said. Among issues and topics are employment opportunities, training and resources tailored for older job seekers.

Recent budget changes on the federal level have impacted seniors participating in four programs, Auth said. Participating seniors receive stipends for training and working at local nonprofits and businesses in the program to supplement their fixed or limited incomes, however, because changes on the federal level, funds for the program were temporarily suspended, according to Auth.

Appropriations have been made, but have yet to be released, she said.

“We encourage everybody affected by those programs to attend,” Auth said.

The programs are the Senior Community Service Employment Program through the U.S. Department of Labor, the Foster Grandparents Program, Senior Companions and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program.

“All of these programs have gone on hiatus,” Auth said.

More than 350 older residents have been directly impacted, she said. Participants were contributing to their communities by supporting classrooms, caring for isolated seniors and helping nonprofits meet their critical needs, Auth said.

“We are calling on local employers to recognize the strength and value of older workers and to consider how hiring these individuals can benefit their businesses and communities,” Auth said. “Older workers bring unmatched experience, loyalty and professionalism. In today’s tight labor market, they are an untapped resource we cannot afford to overlook.”

The fair is open to all ages. Besides information on community-based resources, employers will be on hand looking to hire, she said.

“As we honor National Employ Older Worker Week, let us do more than just celebrate. We must advocate,” Auth said. “Advocate for the restoration of essential programs. Advocate for inclusive hiring practices. And advocate for a community where people of all ages are given the opportunity to succeed.”

Among participating employers are WV Laborers Union, Eagle Pointe Healthcare,

MOVE Staffing, Surge Staffing, Choices Child Care Resource and Referral, Belmont Healthcare Center, West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Dept. of Veteran Affairs, Itech Advanced Alarm Technologies, Westbrook Health Services, Roane County Economic Development Authority, Camden Clark Ambulance Service, Jobs & Hope WV, WV Rural Water Association, Genesis Healthcare and Wellpoint.

Jess Mancini can be reached at jmancini@newsandsentinel.com.