ABOUT FIFTY+ PROGRAM
Since its inception in 2000, the Fifty+ Employment Support Program has been serving hundreds of women in each year. Fifty+ provides a targeted mix of services and strategies to improve clients’ job readiness.
Our unique model provides best in class results for the women we serve.
Clients find a job on average in 28.5 weeks or less, as compared to the national average of 57 weeks for this demographic.
The average wage secured by clients is over $21/hr, more than double Marin’s minimum wage. In addition, almost half of clients see a wage gain in their first job after completing their Fifty+ training, while nationally two-thirds of older workers lose wages as they re-enter the workforce (Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers University).
OUR IMPACT
150+ PLACEMENT EACH YEAR
Best-in-class placement rate for graduates
Average Time to Job Placement
FiftyPlus Graduate
23 WEEKS
National Average
57 WEEKS
Source: John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development, Rutgers University
Average Hourly Wage
$9
$21.47
Marim
Minimun Wage
Fifty Plus
Graduate
Older workers who
take a pay cut in
their next job
FiftyPlus graduates
who earn more in
their next job
COMPENSANTION RATES
OUR TEAM
Gretchen Dean
Administrative Assistant
Gretchen joined our staff in October 2010 and is based at the YWCA Marin Center in San Rafael where she handles all administrative functions including office management and client intake. She has a Masters degree in psychology and enjoys working with and helping people. As a former 50 Plus participant, her direct experience with the job search process makes her an invaluable member of the Marin team. Her business background includes banking, financial services, publishing, and construction.
Nancy Richardson
Employment Specialist
Nancy joined the YWCA in June 2009. Her main focus is ensuring job placement success for our Fifty+ clients. She guides clients through their job search providing career coaching and other job readiness services and activities that lead to job placement. Nancy continues to provide support to clients after finding employment as well.
Nancy brings 20 years of corporate recruiting and human resources experience within various industries including financial services, high-tech and healthcare. Nancy’s experience from an employer hiring perspective is helpful as she assists job seekers to prepare for successfully find employment. Nancy’s passion is helping women find employment and realize their potential.
Bette Gundersheim
Business & Community Outreach Coordinator
Bette has had a long career in advertising as an Account Executive and Media Buyer and has a strong relationship with non-profits including working closely with local school districts and foundations.
Bette’s primary responsibilities are to drive new clients into the Fifty+ program and develop partnerships with local employers to hire our clients. She is committed to raising awareness of the value of the Fifty+ program throughout Marin County. Bette will work hand in hand with the Client Employment Specialist matching clients with job lead requirements.
OUR ADVOCACY WORK
Here at , we believe that all women should have access to economic stability through employment opportunities, and have a chance to earn a good wage for the work that they do. We work hard to empower the women we serve to find and keep great jobs here in the Bay Area.
However, we know that not all working women can get by on the wages they are paid, as Marin has one of the highest cost of living rates in the country. As of 2015, a FiftyPlus client had to work 70 hours a week at minimum wage in order to make ends meet.
And we’re not finished yet. For our communities and economy to thrive, we need jobs that support women and families with reliable work schedules and paid leave. When women can plan their schedules and household budgets, when they have paid sick days and leave to care for a loved one, our workplaces and our communities are stronger.
To learn more about our advocacy efforts or to join us in working to raise the minimum wage, visit
www.ywcasf-marin.org/advocacy or email us at advocacy@ywcasf-marin.org.
OUR PARTNERS
Our program collaborates with many of the wonderful nonprofits throughout Marin that make our community so vibrant.
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