National Council on Aging Celebrates 45th Anniversary of Senior Community Service Employment Program

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Sep 21, 2010, 10:36 ET

In Face of Continuing Economic Challenges, Program Trains and Provides Job Opportunities for Adults Aged 55+

WASHINGTON, Sept. 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is proud to support the 45th anniversary of the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). NCOA has been a partner to SCSEP since 1968 and currently manages 27 SCSEP offices throughout the U.S.

Along with other collaborating organizations, NCOA will help mark the anniversary at a reception at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Sept. 22 from 8:30 – 11 a.m. All other national SCSEP partners have been invited to attend.

"The recent economic downturn continues to highlight the critical role SCSEP plays in helping seniors find work to remain active and economically secure," said Sandra Nathan, senior vice president, senior economic security, at NCOA. "With additional federal stimulus funding last year, our SCSEP program was able to serve an extra 729 participants, who provided 87,460 community service hours. This program is a critical mechanism for helping older adults make their way back into the workforce and improve their financial security."

Funded through the U.S. Department of Labor, SCSEP matches eligible older adults with training and part-time jobs for community service organizations. In 2009, NCOA's SCSEP program served nearly 5,000 participants who provided 2.8 million hours of community service. More than 720 participants found permanent employment.

SCSEP participants build skills and self-confidence, while earning a modest income. For many, their SCSEP experience leads to permanent employment as child care providers, customer service representatives, teachers' aides, computer technicians, building maintenance workers, and health care workers.

For more information, including stories and video from SCSEP participants, please visit http://www.ncoa.org/enhancing-economic-security/mature-workers/senior-community-service-employment-program-scsep/.

About NCOA

The National Council on Aging is a non-profit service and advocacy organization headquartered in Washington, DC. NCOA is a national voice for older Americans - especially those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged - and the community organizations that serve them. It brings together non-profit organizations, businesses and government to develop creative solutions that improve the lives of all older adults. NCOA works with thousands of organizations across the country to help seniors find jobs and benefits, improve their health, live independently, and remain active in their communities. For more information, please visit www.NCOA.org.

SOURCE National Council on Aging