AARP to host local job fair

The American Association of Retired Persons’s Senior Community Service Employment Program is hosting a free job fair for the residents of Terrebonne Parish Thursday Dec. 18 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m at the Terrebonne Parish Main Library.

“It is an excellent way for the over 55 demographic to find work because it can be difficult for them to find something in the workforce,” Assistant Project Director Michael Taylor said.

The program is looking to fill 14 spots for employment. Employment opportunities consist of 12 jobs including childcare workers, computer operators and custodial services.

There are only three requirements to join the program:

• 55 years or older

• Terrebonne Parish residency

• Meet income requirements, which will be discussed at the job fair.

“We serve everyone from people who never completed fourth grade to people who have doctorate degrees,” Taylor said.

The jobs offered are temporary and vary in length. The program is designed to supplement existing employment.

“It is a charitable arm of AARP. They address the issues of hunger, income and isolation. That is our responsibilities. We help people find jobs. We pay them to look for work,” Taylor said. “They earn their pay by going to various non-profit governmental agencies and work 18 hours per week. They make minimum wage and do job searches every week as a condition of being on the program.”

While the program is designed to help, Taylor said the program is not designed for people who do not wish to work.

To contact Taylor, call 504-822-2671.