Lynn C. Woolsey: “most of my colleagues would think that Green Thumb would be a garden club or an environmental group. But if they know…”

“most of my colleagues would think that Green Thumb would be a garden club or an environmental group. But if they know someone whose life has been changed through Green Thumb, they know that it is a unique employment training program for low-income seniors. In fact, this chart shows the typical participant. There is a Green Thumb program in my hometown of Petaluma, CA, and one woman in my county whose life has been changed by Green Thumb is Lynn Gibbs. Lynn Gibbs is a 62-year-old graduate. A few years back, Lynn lost her successful business and was left living on an income below the poverty level. Thanks to Green Thumb and the training and job placement assistance program, Lynn is now working at a local boys' and girls' club. I will bet that almost every one of my colleagues knows someone who has worked hard, played by the rules, but who found they needed a helping hand in their older years. Last year, Green Thumb placed more than 19,000 seniors in jobs and community service projects.”