Betsy Pickler, SCSEP Coordinator
(731)983-3687 Bpickler@swhra.org
SOUTHWEST HUMAN RESOURCE AGENCY
AWARDED $292,626 GRANT
Older adults to work and receive training in local agencies serving the community
Henderson, TN. (August 25, 2014) – The Southwest Human Resource Agency announced today that it has received a grant of $292,626 from Senior Service America, Inc. Almost 90 percent of this funding–originally from the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL)—will pay wages and benefits to at least 50 low-income older adults living in Decatur, Haywood, Henderson, or Madison Counties to work in temporary, part-time jobs through June 30, 2015. These older adults will participate in the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), established by the Older Americans Act more than 40 years ago. Administered by USDOL, SCSEP is the only federal government program mandated to assist unemployed older adults seeking to rejoin the workforce.
This is the second consecutive year that the Southwest Human Resource Agency has received a grant from Senior Service America, one of 15 national organizations funded by the U.S. Department of Labor to operate SCSEP. In 2013, Senior Service America selected SWHRA to receive its first grant after a competitive application and review process.
While employed as SCSEP participants, the older workers will be assigned to more than 20 local nonprofit and government agencies, including the Boys & Girls Club of Jackson, RIFA, County Senior Centers, and Henderson County Adult Education. The older workers also will receive on-the-job training to enhance their opportunities in the local job market.
“Far too many low-income older adults are among the long-term unemployed,” says Tony Sarmiento, Senior Service America Executive Director. “This program provides them with skills and renewed hope as they serve their community.”
About Southwest Human Resource Agency
SWHRA is an Agency that continues to establish and maintain an outstanding reputation for quality human services to West and Central Tennessee communities. Our growth and success is due to our desire and commitment to serving our customer’s needs, whether that be Community Outreach services, providing Head Start for 3 and 4 year old children, providing public transportation, offering assistance for energy needs, lending a helping hand for youth, dislocated, and adult workers, or assisting our senior population with basic needs.
About Senior Service America, Inc.
Senior Service America, Inc. (SSAI) is a national nonprofit organization that provides civic engagement and employment opportunities to low-income older adults. As one of 15 national SCSEP grantees of the U.S. Department of Labor, SSAI is based in Silver Spring, Maryland, and provides more than $40 million annually to a diverse network of 81 local partner organizations in 16 states. For more information, go to www.seniorserviceamerica.org, call (301) 578-8826, or email tsarmiento@ssa-i.org.