SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICE EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

Back to ACoA Annual Report

Nine Star Enterprises SCSEP trainees at the Anchorage Job Center monitor the front desk and direct clients and visitors. Back row (L to R): Christina Calloni, Trainee, Cris Potter, Resource Room Job Center Supervisor, Ray Nuipok, Trainee, Niki Williams, Front Desk Job Center Supervisor. Front row (L to R): Carole Quam, Trainee, Henrietta Culton, Trainee, Theresa Niezgoda, Trainee.
(Photo by Nine Star Enterprises Staff)

The Alaska Commission on Aging is proud to operate the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) which provides training and employment opportunities to low-income, older Alaskans. The SCSEP allows individuals to remain productive and independent by contributing their talents and services to their communities while earning a modest income. Participating seniors find fulfillment, update and enhance their skills, and develop the self-confidence needed to secure private employment.

SCSEP is our nation's oldest employment, training, and community service program for disadvantaged mature adults. The program is designed to accomplish these four objectives:

• Foster and promote useful part-time community service opportunities for economically disadvantaged Alaskans aged 55+.
• Enhance participants' employment abilities, skills, and aptitudes to increase their opportunities to obtain jobs offering improved income and benefits.
• Change negative attitudes and stereotypes about older individuals through public education and demonstrated success.
• Conduct projects that promote innovative work alternatives, second career training, and the placement of enrollees into unsubsidized employment.

While receiving training or updating their existing skills, participants provide valuable service to their communities, in roles as varied as teachers' aides, receptionists, providing services in senior centers, and providing assistance to job seekers in the Alaska Job Centers.

By using their talents, skills, and abilities, SCSEP's participants help change stereotypes about aging and older people. They demonstrate the value of seniors by participating in our State's workforce, which will increasingly depend on the senior population to fill its labor needs. Through their positive example, SCSEP's participants open doors for other seniors who want to continue working and receive training.

With the implementation of the United States Department of Labor's Workforce Investment Act (WIA), the Senior Community Service Employment Program has become more visible in the employment and training community. The SCSEP is an active partner in the Alaska Job Center Network. Partners are working toward common job applications and orientations, and non-duplication of services. A goal of the WIA is to provide seamless services to both job seekers and employers.

During FY02 the SCSEP program helped 64 participants find unsubsidized work within their respective communities. The program served 126% of its allotted 213 positions, allowing 269 enrollees to benefit from the program.

Two "New Model" subgrantees, one each in Anchorage and Fairbanks, have proven to be a success during FY02 with recruiting, placing into community service positions, and helping to move enrollees to unsubsidized employment. These subgrantees oversee the SCSEP program in their respective communities and are professional training/employment agencies. Both subgrantees have become increasingly interested and involved in the senior employment arena because of their involvement in the program.

Next Section: Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority Projects
Back to ACoA Annual Report