PORT ANGELES — At 61 years old, Alana Collins of Forks had earned a master’s degree, but she couldn’t find work.
Collins, who earned a master’s in educational technology from the accredited online American InterContinental University, needed a job to supplement her retirement savings.
“I had the education, but I hadn’t worked in more than six years, so I didn’t have a single updated reference,” she said.
“I needed just a little extra income for my house and to live on.”
Her last job outside the home had been running a daycare center in LaPush.
“I tried all the schools because I’m qualified to help create online curriculum, but with the financial crisis, none of them were hiring,” Collins said.
“My problem was I was overqualified for so many things.
“It is pretty hard to get a job flipping burgers if you have a master’s.”
Goodwill employment
So when she found out about the Senior Community Service Employment Program through Goodwill Industries, she was grateful for the opportunity to get some on-the-job experience.
The Goodwill program helps seniors who are in need find jobs at nonprofit organizations or public entities and pays them minimum wages as they gain experience or training, said Matthew Erlich, spokesman for the Tacoma regional Goodwill, which includes the North Olympic Peninsula.
Collins is one of two workers in Clallam County, said Tina Grieve, program manager.
Participants also can receive training at community colleges or other areas while being employed through the program, Erlich said.
Out of 11 positions allocated for Clallam County, two have been filled. Out of two positions funded in Jefferson County, one has been filled.
The positions will be funded through a combination of funds from the federal Department of Labor and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Collins was placed at the Forks Clothing Bank where she is receiving managerial training.
“Goodwill opened the door for me,” Collins said. “I’ve been telling my friends, Goodwill can help.
“They have a very worthwhile program, and if you’re honestly intent on going back to work and it’s been awhile since you’ve had a job, then the program is what you need.”
Harvey Kortman, 65, of Port Angeles — the second Clallam County worker — said he couldn’t agree more.
“Anyone who can should definitely apply, because this program is amazing,” he said.
Income limited
After years in the timber and fishing industries — neither of which offered pensions and which for years did not take Social Security from his paycheck — Kortman said his income was severely limited.
Through the Goodwill program, he was placed as a handyman at the Clallam YMCA, where he helps paint and do other repairs.
Although he works only half-time, it is enough to make his life livable, he said.
Kortman, who suffered a stroke in 2000, said he is retraining himself to do tasks he once knew how to do.
“There are little things that you don’t think about,” he said. “For example, taking a measurement and recording it correctly. It seems like a little thing, but is very important in this kind of work.
“It’s been nine years, but a stroke is a funny thing, so I’m getting retrained now.”
He had planned to start his own business doing odd jobs.
“I was looking on the bulletin board for people who might have needed help around the house,” Kortman said.
That was when he saw the notice about the Goodwill program.
“I’m so thankful for this program,” he said. “I’ll stay in as long as they let me.”
Seniors interested in applying for the program and nonprofit representatives seeking workers can get more information at the Port Angeles YMCA, 302 S. Francis St., from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday.
For more information, phone Walter Schoenhofen, northern program coordinator for Tacoma Goodwill, at 360-456-0273 or e-mail wschoenhofen@tacomagoodwill.org.
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Reporter Paige Dickerson can be reached at 360-417-3535 or at paige.dickerson@peninsuladailynews.com.
