HUNDREDS FLOCK TO ADDABBO’S 50+ JOB FAIR

Kew Gardens, NY (June 3, 2014) – Over 700 seniors filed through the doors of the Queens Community House to partake in State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr.’s 50+ Job Fair. The line went out the door and down the block as hopefuls came to speak to representatives from more than 20 companies looking to hire.

“Taking the leap into or back into the workforce can be overwhelming. With this job fair, I wanted to create a one-stop-shop with employers from various fields who hire directly from the 50+ demographic,” Addabbo said. “I was pleased to see so many of my constituents and others from outside the district come and take full advantage.”

Representatives from AARP Manhattan, the Board of Elections,CVS/Caremark, Macy’s, New York Life Insurance Company and more participated in the Friday, May 30 event. Some were returning vendors, including CVS/Caremark and Macy’s, who both hired applicants directly from prior years’ job fairs.

The unemployment rate for Americans over 50 years old has doubled in the past four years, and those 55 and over who lose their jobs are out of work for an average of one year, according to AARP.

“It’s a tough job market for anyone, and sometimes the older generation gets overlooked, or they are deemed ‘too qualified.’ It’s an unfair disadvantage, and I want to continue to host these job fairs for anyone seeking help,” Addabbo said.

This September, Addabbo will be hosting a larger-scale Job Fair for all ages at the new YMCA in Arverne by the Sea in Rockaway at 207 Beach 73^rd Street. In the past, the senator’s annual Job Fair has attracted thousands, with dozens of vendors for attendees to speak with and learn from.

For more information, contact Frank Fazio in Addabbo’s Howard Beach office, 718-738-1111.