Established in 1963, Older Americans Month (OAM) is celebrated every May. Led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), OAM is a time to recognize older Americans’ contributions, highlight aging trends and reaffirm commitments to serving the older adults in our communities.
Goodwill Industries of Kentucky services this population through its Senior Community Service and Employment Program (SCSEP). SCSEP is designed to link low-income older workers to on-the-job training that can help them move into paid employment. Through SCSEP, Goodwill matches eligible individuals ages 55 and older with nonprofits or public agencies for on-the-job training in a professional work environment, paid for by the SCSEP program. The program gives preference to seniors who have physical or mental disabilities, are veterans or spouses of veterans or who need job training.
Teena Harper of Edmonton, Kentucky, was eager to get back into the workforce after moving to the area six months ago. But she had outdated work experience and physical limitations, so no one would hire her. After a referral from her local senior center, Teena enrolled in SCSEP and was assigned to a thrift shop and senior center. She trained as a food service assistant and retail associate.
After just over a year of training, Teena has obtained gainful employment in a lucrative field where she is able to be financially secure.
For more information about OAM, visit the official OAM website. For more information about Goodwill’s SCSEP, contact Senior Program Manager Sonya Johnson at (859) 806-7957 or sonya.johnson@goodwillky.org.