The future of Irving’s senior citizens

By: Rachel Hawkins, NDG Staff Writer

Seniors in Irving need jobs, not seminars, to ensure a secure foundation.

“Why is there so much focus placed on financial coaching seminars and workshops,” Emma West, an Irving resident, asked city council members. “The number one need is jobs. That will help seniors so that they will not consistently need assistance, food, and shelter.”

During the April 4, Irving City Council meeting, West voiced her opinion on the needs for seniors over 55.

“Now after attending many job fairs in Irving, for this being offered is not the best match for the skills seniors have. Not minimal wage jobs or standing on their feet,” West said. “One of the job programs I attended was at Irving Cares called Invest In Yourself.”

West stated at the program did not feature employers with available jobs. Instead, the information they shared focused on financial coaching, and announcements regarding upcoming job fairs.

“Irving Cares is only open 14 total hours a week,” West stated. “Seniors need more than informational coaching. They need immediate help with payments of utilities and housing. We have many non-profits focusing on different needs, but not one of the needs are focused on senior needs.”

According to Irving Cares’ website, their mission is to provide “focused assistance for Irving residents to address a financial crisis.” Seniors are welcome, but the nonprofit’s focus is not specifically to serve seniors only. They offer Irving residents a variety of services which include food pantries, rental, mortgage, and utility assistance, and money management classes.

West also stated she contacted Senior Source about the programs and possibility of having a job fair in Irving. They directed West to contact Irving Heritage, who informed West the challenge is their events are typically planned one year in advance.

“Programs should not be about ‘we have a program,’ but programs should be about addressing a real need of your citizens right now,” West stated. “Everyone seems to have a reason on why they cannot adopt new procedures for the needs senior citizens have now, and not after they are homeless.”