Work & Leisure Resources

AARP (Nationwide): AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization for people age 50 and over.  AARP is dedicated to enhancing quality of life for all as we age. We lead positive social change and deliver value to members through information, advocacy and service.  AARP also provides a wide range of unique benefits, special products, and services for our members.  These benefits include AARP Web site at www.aarp.org, "AARP The Magazine," the monthly "AARP Bulletin," and a Spanish-language newspaper, "Segunda Juventud."   Active in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP celebrates the attitude that age is just a number and life is what you make it.

Academy for Lifelong Learning (North-Miami, FL): Our mission remains to promote opportunities for adults to expand their knowledge through non-credit personal enrichment programming - both day and evening - in an environment conducive to social and cultural interaction. The Academy continues to offer academic courses in the liberal arts that stimulate and educate our students.

Academy of Senior Professionals at Eckerd College (St. Petersburg, FL): Lewis House the home of The Academy of Senior Professionals is located on the campus of Eckerd college. It serves the Academy's 300+ members who are elected on the basis of successful business, professional, academic and governmental careers. Members, mainly retirees, are dedicated to continued learning and sharing their knowledge and experience with the students of Eckerd College, the faculty, the community and each other. Daily Interest Groups, led by member "experts", range from Art, Politics and Philosphy to Boat building and Computer Science. Social gatherings encourage the sense of "family"", especially important for new members from distant areas of the country.

Awakenings: Simple Solutions for Life's Problems (Web Resource Only): An "awakening" is a moment of clarity in which a new insight or understanding is gained. With this new awareness the experience of life is seen differently, and new possibilities are opened. Changes in patterns of thought, emotions, and behavior occur. An awakening allows the possibility of growth to new levels of psychological and spiritual maturity.

Charity Channel (Web Resource Only): Our Goal: To create a place where nonprofit professionals can connect, learn from each other, share information and work together to advance the cause of philanthropy.  The CharityChannel community is comprised of nonprofit sector professionals from around the world who volunteer their time, advice, information, tips and articles for the benefit of the community.  CharityChannel directs (or "channels") this information through our vast network, approves, edits and/or packages it up, and directs it back out to you by way of: Forum discussion lists, enewsletters, updated news links, book reviews, interviews, job postings, consultants listings and product/service listings.

Chicago Department on Aging (Chicago, IL): The Chicago Department on Aging is creating options for an aging society.  We do this by: supporting older persons to live independently in their own communities and homes for as long as possible; ensuring that those who reside in institutions are treated with dignity and care; and ensuring that older persons have access to full and accurate information to participate in public policy.

Chicago Park District (Chicago, IL): If you have ever watched a movie in the park, taken part in a fishing or camping program or marveled at the beautiful artwork created by youth in our parks, then you are already familiar with some of the responsibilities of the Department of Environment, Culture and Special Events (ECSE).  We create and implement the District's outdoor and environmental education programs, coordinates programs for the District’s twelve cultural centers, provides leadership in the development of after-school, youth employment and summer programs and produces special events and activities for the whole family.

Chicago Public Library (Chicago, IL): We serve our patrons by: Developing and providing access to in-depth and specialized collections and information sources in all formats; Supporting a knowledgeable staff, including subject specialists, to provide patron assistance and education; Facilitating access to the Virtual Library and the Internet by  maintaining the Chicago Public Library website; Sharing our collections systemwide and acting as a major referral resource for branches; Providing the services of a neighborhood library to the downtown community; Presenting a wide range of programs and exhibits; Providing access to specialized services and facilities, such as the Talking Book Center, the Language Laboratory, and the Music Listening/Viewing Center; Meeting the information needs of the government of the City of Chicago; and Collaborating with educational, cultural, and social agencies and the business community to enhance services for our patrons.

Faith in Action (Evanston, IL): At a time when our need to reach out to each other is greatest, FAITH IN ACTION EVANSTON, an interfaith volunteer program, stands ready to help in the Greater Evanston, Illinois community. Our trained volunteers provide free supportive services to frail, chronically ill, disabled, and lonely individuals of any age or economic status.   The mission of FAITH IN ACTION EVANSTON is to recruit, train, and support volunteers who provide supportive services to Evanston area residents facing ongoing challenges with health or aging issues. 

Florida Center for Creative Aging (Tampa, FL): Recognizing the contributions elders have made in the arts to the State of Florida from the legendary personalities of Hemingway and Rauschenberg to the local museum docents and board members, the cultural community attracts talented retirees from around the world creating a vibrant quality of life for all. The Florida Center for Creative Aging reflects the mission of the National Center for Creative Aging that is dedicated to fostering an understanding of the vital relationship between creative expression and healthy aging; and to developing programs that build upon this understanding. The arts can serve as a powerful way to engage elders in a creative and healing process of self-expression and life review, enabling them to create works that honor their life history and transmit their legacy. 

Generations on Line (Nationwide): Aimed at the large population of older Americans who cannot afford or choose not to enroll in computer training or Internet training, Generations on Line is both a service for access and product for learning. We provide specially programmed self-training software to senior centers, libraries, retirement homes and other locations where older people congregate. These are free to elders. The cost to the centers is $350 with a small annual maintenance fee. Generations on Line is a national nonprofit 501 (c) (3) corporation, headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. 

Gray Hair Management (Deerfield, IL): Gray Hair Management's mission is to help executives find new positions. As part of their networking and career counseling activities, Gray Hair Management also identifies and works to provide solutions to current issues facing executives in transition. They've done just that with an innovative healthcare solution. 

Illinois Civic Engagement Project (Illinois-wide): It is a research and citizen action project:a research project to measure and describe the level and forms of civic engagement of the citizens of Illinois, and a citizen action project to help Illinoisans learn how to enhance and sustain civic engagement for the betterment of our communities. 

Lifespan: Take It On! (Rochester, NY): Lifespan is a non-profit agency dedicated to providing information, guidance and services that help older adults take on both the challenges and opportunities of the second half of life.  We provide many direct services, we advocate and we guide. We also provide community and professional education.

Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly (Chicago, IL): A volunteer-based organization (with affiliates in Boston, Minneapolis, Houghton, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Cincinnati, Miami and Omaha) that reaches out to elderly over the age of 70 who are growing old without the support of family and friends. Programs to relieve the elders' isolation and loneliness include visiting, social activities and direct service. Varied and flexible volunteer opportunities abound ranging from year round one-on-one visiting relationships with individual elders in their homes or nursing homes, to driving and delivering meals on holidays.  

Mather LifeWays (Evanston, IL): Mather LifeWays' Community Initiatives is dedicated to encouraging a sense of community and belonging, affirming the strengths and gifts of each person, and supporting the growth potential of individuals throughout their lifespan.  Mather LifeWays' works within selected communities to help neighborhoods become better places for seniors to live, work, learn, contribute and play.  To do this-we hope to bring innovative services and community-based programs that will promote lifelong vitality and successful aging. This website will describe specific programs ranging from Caregiver programs to Cafés to Information and Assistance. 

National Able Network (Chicago, IL): Each year the National Able Network serves more than 40,000 clients seeking employment counseling, training, and immediate job placement.  Our clients include workers from entry-level to mid-level professionals, teens, and people over age 55, as well as persons with disabilities. 

National Center for Creative Aging (Nationwide): The National Center for Creative Aging (NCCA) is dedicated to fostering an understanding of the vital relationship between creative expression and the quality of life of older people. Creative expression is important for older people of all cultures and ethnic backgrounds, regardless of economic status, age, or level of physical, emotional, or cognitive functioning.

The Night Ministry (Chicago, IL): The Night Ministry serves homeless and runaway youth, working poor adults, uninsured and underinsured individuals seeking medical assistance, children who are unsupervised and need a place to gather in safety, and others who have "fallen through the cracks" of our social service systems. Through our core programs - Open Door Youth Shelter, Outreach and Health Ministry, Youth Shelter Network, and Community & Congregational Relations - staff members and volunteers continue to build supportive relationships that empower thousands of individuals to recognize their own self-worth and ability to meet their own needs.

Points of Light Volunteer center national network.

Positive Aging Resource Center (Web Resource Only):  Check out positiveaging.org for helpful information on maintaining emotional health, enjoying a healthy lifestyle, staying connected, making life changes, and caregiving. 

The RetireRight Center (Chicago, IL): The RetireRight Center is a non-profit organization devoted to training individuals in the “Art of Retirement.” For this purpose we provide a centralized set of services including workshops, individualized retirement coaching, and networking and support groups. We also provide linkages to resources for sourcing paid and volunteer work opportunities, housing options, medical and fitness planning and financial experts. Our focus is on the non-financial aspects of retirement, mainly the personal and relationship challenges that older adults face in planning for a successful and meaningful retirement. Co-Founders: Shirley Brussell and Dee Burman. 332 S. Michigan Avenue, Suite 500, Chicago, IL  60604-4394, 312-673-3812 or 312-673-3842.

Senior Web Solutions (Web Resource Only): Senior Web Solutions is in the business of keeping people connected. Our mission is to enhance the lives of the 60-plus population through the use of technology, in particular e-mail and the Internet.

SeniorNet (Nationwide): SeniorNet is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization of computer-using adults, age 50 and older. SeniorNet's mission is to provide older adults education for and access to computer technologies to enhance their lives and enable them to share their knowledge and wisdom.

Seniors Connect (Cleveland, OH): North Coast SeniorsConnect isn't just a web site! Staff at the Cleveland Public Library are dedicated to helping you access information and connect to the tools and services that can enrich your lives.  If you have any questions, comments or suggestions regarding the web site or simply need assistance finding what you are looking for, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Senior Job Bank Provides links for older workers, business owners and homeowners to create income and job opportunities.

Seniors.Gov Resources for travel, leisure, work and other interests.

Senior Web Solutions (Web Resource Only): Senior Web Solutions is in the business of keeping people connected. Our mission is to enhance the lives of the 60-plus population through the use of technology, in particular e-mail and the Internet.

Support Team Network (Nationwide): The Support Team Network is a training and resource center for the development of volunteer Support Teams for persons with health concerns or other special needs.

Time Slips (Nationwide): Developed by Anne Basting (PhD) in 1998, the TimeSlips Project has generated hundreds of stories, produced plays and art exhibits, and rekindled the hope for human connection among people struggling with Alzheimer's Disease and related dementia.

The Transition Network (New York, NY and Nationwide): In the last few decades, women have had the advantage of vastly greater career opportunities. Many of us, in fact, were pioneers in professions considered off limits to women. We are now reaching the age when we think about transitioning into the next phase of life, eager to make it financially secure, healthy, gratifying and productive. But many of us find the traditional models of retirement wanting. The Transition Network (TTN), recognized the dearth of alternatives and was formed to create new models to help women transition from the career and/or family phase to eagerly embrace the next stage.

Vounteer Match Listing of volunteer opportunities.

White Crane Wellness (Chicago, IL): White Crane Wellness Center is an independent, non-profit organization whose objectives are to offer health and wellness services to older adults seeking ways to improve their health, and to serve as model for a new approach to health and aging.

Winter Park Lifelong Learning Institute (Winter Park, FL): The Lifelong Learning Institute at the Winter Park Public Library is the adult education arm of the Library.  We provide seminars, workshops and programs that support continuous learning for adults beyond the classroom.  Institute programs include offerings in “Arts & Entertainment”, “Health & Wellness”, “History & Current Events”, “How To …”, and “Sage-ing”.  In addition to general adult education, we also offer Sage-ing programs.  Following the teaching s of Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, Sage-ing offers purposeful life planning for adults with at least 50 years of living experience.  Sage-ing also puts forward a new way of looking at maturing – eldering versus growing older – and encourages continued learning and growth.  The Institute also provides Spellbinders training.  Spellbinders develops skills in reading, creativity and imagination.  “Children’s early storytelling abilities are predictive of their mathematical ability two years later.  Storytelling is equally beneficial to the tellers, giving them a personally rewarding arts avocation and the opportunity for meaningful service in their communities.”

Woman Sage (Orange County, CA and Nationwide): WomanSage is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering, educating and fostering mentoring relationships among midlife women with a news-based Web site, a quarterly journal, annual conferences, monthly salons and small special interest groups.

YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago (Chicago, IL): The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is one of Chicago and the nation's largest human service organizations. The Association's annual $84 million budget advances a range of assistance at 21 fitness/community centers, six human service centers, and four resident camps.  More than 100,000 members and a half a million Chicago area residents rely on the YMCA to anchor their community and nurture their residents' growth and well being. Whether teaching children to swim, training adults for the workplace, providing technological access for lower-income neighborhoods, or homemaker services to keep seniors living independently in their homes, YMCA programs and services are an integral part of the community.