In a time when many of our elders are seeking ways to remain active, engaged, and financially stable, the Caddo Nation is proud to partner with AARP to offer an exciting employment program. This initiative provides our tribal members aged 55 and older with the opportunity to work part-time within various departments of the tribe, all while maintaining their retirement benefits and social security income.
A Chance to Stay Active and Contribute
The AARP program is designed to help our elders transition smoothly into their golden years without fully disconnecting from the workforce. By offering positions for up to 20 hours per week at minimum wage, the program creates a perfect balance between retirement and continued professional engagement.
"This program is a wonderful opportunity for our elders to stay active, social, and continue contributing to our community," says Genevieve [Last Name], the tribal representative overseeing the AARP program. "It's not just about the extra income; it's about maintaining a sense of purpose and connection to our tribe."
Diverse Opportunities Across Tribal Departments
One of the most exciting aspects of this program is the variety of positions available. Elders can work in any department within the tribe, from administration to cultural preservation. This flexibility allows participants to either utilize their existing skills or explore entirely new areas of interest.
For example, Philip [Last Name], a recent participant in the program, found a position that allowed him to share his wealth of traditional knowledge with younger tribal members. Meanwhile, Charlotte [Last Name] took on a role as a transporter, helping fellow tribe members attend important appointments.
Learning New Skills
The AARP program isn't just about work; it's also an opportunity for personal growth. Many participants have found themselves learning new skills, particularly in areas like technology and social media. This not only keeps our elders mentally sharp but also helps bridge the generational gap within our community.
Leslie Halfmoon, another tribal representative, expressed excitement about the program's potential: "There's plenty of people who would love to get training on things like social media. This program provides that opportunity."
No Impact on Retirement Benefits
One of the most significant advantages of this program is that it does not affect participants' Social Security or other retirement benefits. This means our elders can earn additional income without fear of losing their existing financial support.
"The tribe is not responsible for any payment," explains our AARP program coordinator. "Participants have a timesheet that we fill out and send back to AARP, who then pay them directly. There's no impact on tribal finances or the individual's benefits."
How to Get Involved
For tribal members interested in participating in the AARP program, the process is straightforward. Interested elders can contact Genevieve directly or speak with any tribal office for assistance in navigating the application process.
The positions are part-time, with hours potentially varying based on the number of participants and available roles. However, the program aims to provide up to 20 hours of work per week for each participant.
A Win-Win for Elders and the Tribe
This partnership between the Caddo Nation and AARP represents a win-win situation. Our elders gain the opportunity to remain active, socialize, learn new skills, and earn additional income. At the same time, our tribal departments benefit from the wealth of experience and wisdom that our elders bring to their roles.
As we continue to navigate the challenges of modern life while honoring our traditions, programs like this serve as a bridge between generations. They allow us to care for our elders while also benefiting from their continued contributions to our community.
We encourage all eligible tribal members to consider this opportunity. Whether you're looking to stay active, earn extra income, or simply remain connected to your community, the AARP program offers a path to achieve these goals.
For more information about the AARP program and how to apply, please contact Genevieve [Last Name] at [contact information]. Let's work together to ensure our elders remain valued, active members of the Caddo Nation for years to come.
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