ReServe Elder Service, Inc.
ReServe connects older adults with skills and experience to nonprofit and public agencies in many areas including finance, administration, legal services, program services, and fundraising. Since its inception in 2005, ReServe has placed professionals age 55+ (ReServists) with valuable skills in part-time work at more than 380 organizations in New York City. ReServists work ten to twenty hours per week for an hourly stipend that heightens commitment on the part of ReServists and their employers.
Results
- The number of ReServists that worked at least 30 days increased from 454 in 2009 to 587 in 2010, and the total number of hours worked by ReServists rose from 217,000 to 234,000.
- Partner organizations were highly satisfied with their ReServists: 65% rated ReServists' work "excellent", and 30% rated their work "good”; and the number of partners who hired more than one ReServist increased to 184.
- ReServists overwhelmingly felt that their placement made good use of their professional skills (86%), provided social interaction (85%), and fulfilled their desire to give back to the community (88%).
Looking Ahead
ReServe is currently bringing its model to other cities and developing strategies for recruiting and training professionals 55+ with specific skill sets to work in areas where there is high need in the nonprofit sector; these include fund development, human resources, and college counseling.