$TAND BY ME 50+ COMMUNITY KICKOFF AND CELEBRATION OF "EMPLOY OLDER WORKERS WEEK"

Wilmington - $tand By Me is partnering with the Wilmington Senior Center and others focused on the aging population to help Delawareans map out a financial strategy for retirement. The launch of $tand By Me 50+ will be on Tuesday, September 24, 2013 from 9:00am - 11:30am at the Waterfall Banquet and Conference Center, 3416 Philadelphia Pike in Claymont.

Financial empowerment is a priority of Gov. Jack Markell , who embraces economic security for all Delawareans as a core element of his economic development strategy. With his support, the state and United Way of Delaware joined forces to create a statewide financial empowerment program called $tand By Me. Since it started in 2011, $tand By Me has served more than 2,000 Delawareans. Through this new partnership with the Wilmington Senior Center, $tand By Me will focus on older Delawareans to help them navigate the financial issues related to retirement.

According to a report issued by the Deloitte Center for Financial Services, 58 percent of pre-retirees do not have a retirement plan. To help Delawareans maintain their quality of life post-employment, $tand By Me will offer customized program content to help with retirement planning as well as managing finances on a fixed income. Program services include:

• Personal Financial Coaching
• Workshops & Seminars
• Interactive website
• Lunch & Learns

Rita Landgraf, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), and Michael Clancy, a certified financial planner, will speak at the launch event. Topics will include preparing for retirement, cutting costs, and managing on a fixed income. These presentations will provide attendees with a snapshot of the resources, information, and services that will be available throughout the year. Participants also will have an opportunity to sign up for an economic check-up.

In addition to the State and United Way of Delaware, program partners for this initiative include the Wilmington Senior Center, DHSS' Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities, the Delaware Aging Network, and the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College.

$tand By Me 50+ is funded by Bank of America, the Delaware Division of Services for Aging and People with Physical Disabilities, and the United Way of Delaware.

To register, contact the Wilmington Senior Center at 302-651-3460 or info@wilmingtonseniorcenter.org To learn more about $tand By Me, go to www.standbymede.org

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.