Since its inception in 2000, the Fifty+ Employment Support Program has been serving hundreds of women in each year. Fifty+ provides a targeted mix of services and strategies to improve clients’ job readiness.

Our unique model provides best in class results for the women we serve.

Clients find a job on average in 28.5 weeks or less, as compared to the national average of 57 weeks for this demographic. The average wage secured by clients is over $21/hr, more than double Marin’s minimum wage. In addition, almost half of clients see a wage gain in their first job after completing their Fifty+ training, while nationally two-thirds of older workers lose wages as they re-enter the workforce (Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers University).

Source: John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development, Rutgers University

Source: U.S. Department of Labor

Source: AARP

Here at YWCA, we believe that all women should have access to economic stability through employment opportunities, and have a chance to earn a good wage for the work that they do. We work hard to empower the women we serve to find and keep great jobs here in the Bay Area.

However, we know that not all working women can get by on the wages they are paid, as Marin has one of the highest cost of living rates in the country. As of 2015, a FiftyPlus client had to work 70 hours a week at minimum wage in order to make ends meet.

And we’re not finished yet. For our communities and economy to thrive, we need jobs that support women and families with reliable work schedules and paid leave. When women can plan their schedules and household budgets, when they have paid sick days and leave to care for a loved one, our workplaces and our communities are stronger.

Our program collaborates with many of the wonderful nonprofits throughout Marin that make our community so vibrant.

YWCA of Golden Gate Silicon Valley is part of a worldwide movement dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

Established in 1878, our association is one of the oldest and most respected women’s organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area. Our program priorities focus on providing (1) safe, clean, and healthy affordable housing for seniors and disabled persons, (2) economic empowerment for women and girls, and (3) community understanding about racial justice and women’s issues.

To learn more, visit us at yourywca.org