Only two issues will keep a senior citizen from finding work through the local AARP Community Service Employment Program.

The first concern is an income limit, says John Phillips, Cincinnati project director of the 25-year-old federally funded effort to find work for retirees who want to return to a job.

"A single adult cannot earn more than $11,637 and a two-person household cannot earn more than $15,612," Phillips said.

The second criterion is a little broader: applicants must have a desire to work and be willing to accept a community service assignment of 20 hours a week at a nonprofit or government agency.

Retirees employed at an agency through the Community Service Employment Program must be willing to work 20 hours a week at minimum wage. Often, the agency will hire them to a permanent position.

"On average, five to six enrollees a month gain permanent employment every month," Phillips said.

Among the agencies employing formerly retired workers are the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, the Cincinnati Black Theater Co., the Civic Garden Center and the Contact Center.

Most of the applicants find permanent work with agencies rather than private companies.

"When seniors find a job that suits them, they plan to stay there. They are frequently more dependable than the younger worker. They value that job."

John Eckberg