Unemployed Over 50: An American Crisis

Since I created this research repository two years ago, the U.S. economy has done little more than simmer on the same back burner.  Unlike my subject matter, thankfully, I’ve achieved what I set out to do.  In December of 2012 I submitted my thesis and gave my oral defense; in March of 2013 I was awarded my Master of Arts in Social Policy from SUNY Empire State College.  In January I was offered and accepted a new full time position with the non-profit organization, the Outreach Project. I still serve on Manhattan’s Community Board 2 in New York City and continue to volunteer as a legislative advocate for the national intellectual and developmental disabilities advocacy group VOR.  Life after school did not slow down or ease up – it got busier.

That said, the expedition here has been a profound personal and professional eye opener for me on many levels.  Despite the fact that my own academic work here is done so to speak, I’m still wedded to this page and the problems and people it encompasses.  Therefore, I’ll continue to post relevant articles to keep it current for those who may stop by to gather data.

Thanks to all of you who wrote to me and visited the page.  Our journey continues with much work left to be done.  Deepest gratitude to all of you who continue to fight for the underserved and the most vulnerable among us.  Your work continues to inspire and fuel my own efforts. See you in the trenches!

Cristy Dwyer, MA, CASAC

April 7, 2013