Seniors urged to put their skills ‘back to work’

HOPEWELL JUNCTION – Employers and volunteer groups gathered at the John Jay High School gymnasium Thursday to meet adults 55 and older with opportunities available to them.

This is the second year Dutchess County has sponsored “Putting Your Skills Back to Work,” for older adults at which about 50 businesses, non-profits and other organizations could find volunteers or paid workers. A similar event in 2025 drew about 500 people.

“It’s an opportunity to get people that have abilities and skills into the community,” said Gregg Pulver, Dutchess County’s deputy executive.

“Some people want to volunteer; some people want an actual paycheck. So, it kind of fits the meeting of the minds there.”

Laurence Helpern was seeking volunteers for BluePath Services Dogs to help raise dogs to serve adults and especially children diagnosed with autism.

“You can be a puppy raiser, you can be a foster (guardian), you can be a dog sitter, you can be a socializer because there’s a huge need at this point for autism service dogs,” said Helpern.

It takes about 10 months to train a dog, which is matched with a client for safety and personal needs.

“Once they are trained, they are matched up with a family who has a child with autism,” said Helpern, “and they provide safety, independence and emotional support for the family and the child.”