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As an unemployed older worker, Penny Zangranis found it difficult to obtain employment on her own. For additional job search assistance, she began working with National Senior Network’s Senior Services in Massachusetts. Through the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), Penny trained to enhance her skills and strengthen her job search techniques. Although it was challenging at times, Penny worked diligently with the staff at National Senior Network to find a fulfilling career. Her training and perseverance paid off as Penny recently started her new full-time career a few weeks ago!

Read more about Penny’s career journey in her own words:

I want to take you on a journey of the last two years and how I have exceeded even my own goals to find a new position doing what I love.  Anything is possible if you never give up!

I was determined to find the job that would give me everything I was looking for.  If I saw a place that was hiring, I dropped off my resume.  I would do that even if they were not hiring but it was a place I wanted to work.  I followed every lead that came before me.  I would go and introduce myself, let them see who I was.  The one thing I found hardest was overcoming the age barrier.  It did not matter to me that I was going to turn 68 on my next birthday; I had the energy and stamina of an 18 year old and the experience and the work ethic of 45 years in a variety of area.

I am confident about my work. I give 150% to any job I have ever had.  My work is a reflection of who I am, where I have come from and the things I have learned about people and the world around me.  I needed to let the employer see that and talk to me to show them how much I had to offer.

I came into the SCSEP program and I was going to take advantage of it and learn everything I could possibly learn. Remember, when one person says no, just keep going. There is someone who will say yes.

We are so proud of Penny for achieving her career goal! She is an inspiration to her fellow Senior Community Service Employment Program participants as well as all of us here at Able!

If you’re an older worker who’s interested in entering the workforce, National Able Network can help! Click here or call 855-994-8300 for more information.