Why Encore?
Because experienced adults represent what public policy analyst Marc Freedman calls "our only increasing natural resource."
Consider...
- The number of workers age 55 and older is growing dramatically, with the aging of the baby boomers.
- These "leading edge" baby boomers are healthier, more educated and better off financially than any previous generation.
- They are inclined to work in the so-called "retirement years."
- Large numbers of them want to transition into personally satisfying work that helps them improve the quality of life in their communities.
But research has found...
- There are few pathways for experienced adults seeking their encore work.
- There are not enough meaningful opportunities for experienced adults to put their passion to work in their encore years.
- Traditional "volunteer" opportunities too often lack the flexibility and autonomy experienced adults require.
Grand Rapids Community Foundation's Encore is spurring the community to increase opportunities for experienced adults to help create a better community for all. To learn more about how we are doing this, go to about us.
