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SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICE EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

Success Stories!

December 1998
Sheridan, WY: In 1997, Karen relocated to Wyoming to begin a new life. She had worked extensively in education but was having difficulty finding a new job. At age 65, "I did not feel that I had joined the ranks of the 'elderly' as yet," she said. "as I filled out applications and spoke to prospective employers, I realized the my age was part of the equation and received a negative rather then positive weight. By December, I was getting depressed." Fortunately, Karen learned about the AARP Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) through her Senior Center and enrolled in the program in January 1998. She was assigned to a community collage -- "the perfect host agency for me," she said. During this assignment, she developed a retrieval system for student tutors to quickly find resources in the Tutoring Center and she filled in, ass needed, as a math tutor and receptionist/clerk. "I was treated with respect, enjoyed the work and met many new colleagues," she said. Her hard work paid off. In June 1998, Karen left the program to accept a permanent, part time position with the college as a Tutor and Math Instructor. She was also hired to tutor high school students in a job-training in the area. "The Senior Community Employment Program is a positive and successful program for those who are seen as unemployable because we are 'older,'" she said. "This program proves that we can still be successful and useful in society."

 

Greenville, SC: At age 60, Constance came to AARP SCSEP for help in finding employment. Although she had a college degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice and had worked in medical facilities, law enforcement, and retail, Constance had difficulty finding permanent employment. "It is extremely difficult for a person my age to obtain gainful employment, regardless of education or experience in a given field," She said. Once enrolled in the program, Constance was assigned to a hospital as a greeter. After five months, she was hired as a permanent employee by the hospital and later transferred into its business office. Constance enjoy using her administrative skills while still having contact with patients and employs drawing upon her counseling experience, as well. She said, "AARP SCSEP is an excellent program... I recommend and believe in this program."

 

Waco, TX: Richard was determined to find a job -- despite tremors so severe he couldn't hold a pencil to write his name.  He had worked with the Employment Service doing temporary jobs involving manual labor.  Now, he was committed to finding a full-time job to get out of debt and to pay off the mortgage on his home.  Once enrolled in AARP SCSEP, Richard was assigned to the Salvation Army to help in its warehouse.  As fate would have it, the host agency called the next day looking to hire someone to run a clothes baler.  As a result, Richard was referred for the job because he had several years of experience.  He was accepted on a two week trial period under AARP  SCSEP's 502e job training component.  This arrangement gave Richard a chance to prove that he could do the job and he was hired by the host agency to work 35 hours each week.  According to his employer, Richard has had some great ideas for improvements,  is energetic, and puts out the work.   Adds Richard, "SCSEP gave me the opportunity to prove myself even though I'm shaking all the time and that people with disabilities can work, contribute to society, and improve their lives."

 

Cuyahoga County, Ohio: Elizabeth had faced a number of set-backs - company closings, downsizings, and family concerns -- while searching for permanent employment.  "Not finding employment left both my husband and myself becoming discouraged and insecure," she said.  Eventually, Elizabeth was referred to AARP SCSEP where she sought to upgrade her work skills, gain work experience, and find suitable employment.  Once assigned to the AARP SCSEP project office, Elizabeth took on duties successfully and skillfully.  She conducted intake of program enrollees and took on receptionist/clerical duties.  "This gave me the opportunity to use the skills learned during 3 years of college studies in Business Administration and Accounting and other classes upgrading computer and office techniques," she said.  At age 63 and armed with greater skills and work experience, Elizabeth has moved onto an unsubsidized job.  "I am now working for a law firm as a receptionist/clerical using the skills learned at AARP SCSEP.  I would recommend this program for developing new skills and obtaining unsubsidized employment outside this program," she said.

 

Harrisburg, PA: Irene came to AARP SCSEP, after undergoing heart surgery. She wanted help in finding a clerical position. Once enrolled, she spent six weeks in the project office researching office skills and attending job development workshops. Irene progresses nicely as she transitioned into a host agency assignment. Just as quickly, Irene was on her way to an unsubsidized job. Irene attended the site's first job fair and to everyone's delight was hired immediately for a job in the private sector.