Page 24 - The Indian EYE 032026

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline MARCH 20, 2026 | The Indian Eye 24

NYC Aging Expands Job Opportunities

and Support for Caregivers Across the City

Agency hosts major hiring event for older workers while launching campaign to

assist 1.3 million family caregivers.

OUR BUREAU ing New York City’s estimated 1.3
million family caregivers. The cam-
New York, NY
paign, titled “You Care for Them, We
ew York City is stepping up Care for You,” seeks to inform care-
efforts to support older res- givers about services and resources
Nidents and the families who available through NYC Aging.
care for them, with the NYC Depart- Across the city, many residents
ment for the Aging (NYC Aging) provide daily care for parents, spous-
hosting a large employment event for es, grandchildren, neighbors, or
older jobseekers while also launching friends. These caregivers often bal-
a citywide campaign to help family ance jobs, family responsibilities, and
caregivers access support services. personal commitments while helping
loved ones remain safe and indepen-
On March 11, NYC Aging held dent at home.
However, officials say many peo-
its second annual Talent Con- ple performing these roles do not
identify themselves as caregivers and
nect Hiring Hall at the Brooklyn because of their age.” The Brooklyn Public Library, therefore may not realize they qualify
Public Library’s Central Branch Scott-McKenzie said the Hiring which hosted the event, emphasized for assistance.
in Brooklyn, bringing together Hall demonstrates the city’s com- its role as a key support hub for job- Starting this month, the cam-
mitment to turning that goal into seekers across the city. paign will appear across multiple
hundreds of older adults seek- concrete action by directly linking Linda E. Johnson, president and platforms including print and digital
chief executive officer of the Brook- media, television, radio, and subway
ing employment with compa- employers with older workers ready lyn Public Library, said libraries advertisements. The goal is to reach
to contribute their skills.
nies and organizations looking Age discrimination and employ- increasingly provide practical assis- caregivers in diverse communities
to hire experienced workers. ment barriers remain persistent chal- tance to people navigating employ- and languages throughout the five
lenges for many older adults across ment challenges. boroughs and encourage them to
the United States. Events like the “Brooklyn Public Library has be- seek information and support.
The event connected around Hiring Hall are designed to address come a critical resource for job seek- Deputy Mayor for Health and
800 older jobseekers with employers, those challenges by creating spaces ers across the city,” Johnson said. Human Services Dr. Helen Arteaga
workforce training providers, and where employers can meet candidates “We provide practical, hands-on sup- said caregivers frequently face emo-
community partners, providing op- face-to-face and better understand port—from interview preparation tional, financial, and physical pres-
portunities for on-the-spot interviews the value of experienced workers. and resume workshops to tax assis- sures while trying to support family
and career discussions. Participants The event also included an em- tance and job certification waivers.” members.
were able to speak directly with hir- ployer breakfast aimed at fostering She noted that the large turnout “Caregivers are stretching them-
ing managers, learn about different collaboration among workforce at the Hiring Hall reflected both the selves physically, emotionally, and
career pathways, and explore work- partners, businesses, and training demand for employment opportuni- financially,” Arteaga said. “Many
force training programs and support- organizations. Officials said these ties and the importance of accessible are cutting back on work, spending
ive services designed to help them partnerships are essential to building community institutions. down savings, and putting their own
reenter or remain in the workforce. sustainable pathways to employment “While the overwhelming turn- health last.”
Officials said the event reflects for older residents. out underscores the challenges many She said the campaign is de-
a growing focus on expanding op- City leaders highlighted the New Yorkers face, it also demon- signed to ensure that caregivers
portunities for older New Yorkers, broader economic and social bene- strates the vital role public libraries know help is available through the
who represent a significant and often fits of integrating older workers into play as trusted, accessible hubs of city’s programs.
underutilized segment of the city’s the labor market. support,” Johnson said. NYC Aging’s Caregiver Program
workforce. “Age should never limit opportu- While the Hiring Hall focused provides a range of services intend-
“New York City’s older adults nity or the ability to contribute,” said on expanding employment opportu- ed to reduce the burden on family
are a workforce to be tapped,” said Department of Citywide Administra- nities for older adults, NYC Aging caregivers. These include counseling,
NYC Aging Commissioner Dr. Lisa tive Services (DCAS) Commission- is also turning attention to another training, support groups, assistance
Scott-McKenzie. “The experience, er Yume Kitasei. “We are proud to growing challenge tied to the city’s applying for benefits and entitle-
resilience, and depth of knowledge work alongside NYC Aging to create aging population: supporting family ments, and respite services that offer
they bring to any employer is un- direct pathways to jobs for older New caregivers. temporary care for loved ones.
matched. Talent Connect exists to Yorkers, whose experience and inno- On March 12, the agency an- Such support can allow caregiv-
make sure that talent finds its match, vation have the power to revitalize nounced the launch of a citywide ers time to rest, maintain employment,
and that no one is sidelined simply our workforce and city.” awareness campaign aimed at reach- or address their own health needs.

www.TheIndianEYE.com