For nearly 25 years, Indianapolis resident Samuel Manning worked in the construction industry, building commercial retail buildings as well as a number of health care facilities. But when the bottom began to fall out of the economy and the local health care landscape was shrouded in uncertainty, Manning was laid off. He struggled for the next two years, watching savings dwindle and his economic situation become more dire.

But Manning continued his outreach ministry volunteer work. One day, while taking one of his young charges to Goodwill to apply for a program, a brochure caught his eye. He filled out an application to become a participant in the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). Much to his surprise, they called him. “I didn’t really have any idea what was in store for me,” the native of Mississippi who grew up in Detroit chuckles. “But it has been a wonderful, wonderful experience.”

Through the program, Goodwill provides individuals age 55 and older part-time employment and training at central Indiana community service organizations; the ultimate goal is for the participants to find full-time, unsubsidized employment and earn a livable wage. Manning actually works with Terry Allen in the community relations area of Goodwill, visiting host agencies of the SCSEP program and meeting with fellow participants to ensure safety standards are being met and chatting with them about what else the agency can do to make them more marketable.

“It’s allowed me to take those skills I had in my previous job – overseeing safety standards – and redirecting them to a social service agency,” explains Manning.

Since he joined the program in January, 2009, SCSEP has not only provided part-time employment for Manning, but has afforded him the opportunity to go to IUPUI  taking classes in areas like conflict resolution and active listening  as well as earning his Microsoft Certificate.  While the employment itself doesn’t cover all of Manning’s living expenses, he says it allows him to maintain. Most importantly, the program has provided hope.

“I have received a level of training that is second-to-none. They have been meticulous in the way they have advised me to present myself, and I am so appreciative.  I have the confidence, interviewing skills and updated resume that has prepared me to meet the challenge,” says Manning. “I feel like if I can get my foot in the door, I can stand toe-to-toe with anyone.”
The program: Senior Community Service Employment Program

The following Central Indiana counties are included in the program:

• Bartholomew County Johnson County
• Hancock County Marion County
• Hamilton County Morgan County
• Hendricks County Shelby County

Benefits for older workers:

• Paid on-the-job training
• A part-time job customized to fit individual career goals
• Employability training
• Help overcoming barriers to employment
• Assistance finding a permanent full- or part-time job

Benefits for employers

• Trained and prepared employees
• Lower turnover rates
• No recruitment cost
• Employees who are mature and have a strong work ethic
• Retention services provided by Goodwill

Qualifications: To participate, individuals must meet the following requirements:

• Age 55 or older
• Low-income
• Currently unemployed
• Access to reliable transportation
• Eligible to work in the United States

Details

Each SCSEP position is part-time with a community service organization (including government and educational facilities). Participants are matched with positions that fit their unique skill set, preferred schedule, physical requirements, desired location and training needs. While participating in the program, individuals will actively pursue, with the help of Goodwill staff, full- or part-time permanent employment.

SCSEP is the only federal workforce program targeted to low-income older workers. The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration through grant agreements with the state and eligible organizations such as Goodwill Industries of Central Indiana, Inc.

For more information

If you are interested in participating in SCSEP or hiring a SCSEP participant, please call (317) 524-4360, (866) 505-0556 or (317) 524-4369 for more information.

Red more about resources for job seekers.