Chattanooga Goodwill Industries, Inc. announced Tuesday that it was awarded a grant of $643,250 from Senior Service America, Inc. Almost 90 percent of this grant – originally from the U.S. Department of Labor – will pay wages and benefits to at least 125 low-income older adults living in Bradley, Hamilton, McMinn, Meigs, Polk and Rhea Counties.
These older adults will participate in the Senior Community Service Employment Program, a major program of the Older Americans Act which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Administered by USDOL, SCSEP is the only federal government program mandated to assist unemployed older adults seeking to rejoin the workforce.
“We are very pleased to continue our support of Chattanooga Goodwill for the second consecutive year,” said Tony Sarmiento, Senior Service America executive Director. Chattanooga Goodwill has received this annual SCSEP grant since 2013.
"Chattanooga Goodwill Industries is honored and grateful to be a partner in the SCSEP program," said Dennis Brice, president and CEO of Chattanooga Goodwill. "Through this grant we are able to positively impact the lives of our older adults who wish to re-enter the workforce. SCSEP and Goodwill are changing lives in our community through the power of work."
While employed as SCSEP participants, the older workers are assigned to more than 40 local community, faith-based, and public agencies, including SE TN Development District – Title III and American Job Centers, Cleveland Bradley County Public Library, Etowah and McMinn Senior Centers, and TN Department of Safety and Homeland Security. The older workers receive on-the-job training to enhance their opportunities in the local job market.
“The SCSEP Program is a win-win," said Holly Currier, executive director, McMinn County Senior Citizens, Inc. ' We benefit greatly from the support that we receive from our participants as they fill gaps in our programs and services, and in return they gain work experience, training, and references to build their resume for submission for gainful employment in the future."
“Many low-income older adults want and need paid work," says Tony Sarmiento, Senior Service America executive director. “By serving their community, older workers receive renewed skills as well as renewed hope. Older Tennesseeans are fortunate to be given the opportunity through SCSEP and the dedicated staff of Chattanooga Goodwill.”