Belleville, Ill. (May 13, 2020) – May is Older Americans Month (OAM), a time to celebrate the many ways in which older adults make a difference in our communities. The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) at Caritas Family Solutions will recognize more than 60 participants in the program at a special virtual celebration on Wednesday, May 20, 2020, beginning at 10:00 a.m. While the event cannot be celebrated as usual, individuals and communities are encouraged to reflect on the countless contributions that older adults make to the nation.
Gary A. Officer, President and CEO of Senior Service America will be a guest speaker at the gathering. Belleville Mayor Mark Eckert will address the group and read a proclamation for OAM at approximately 10:45 a.m.
Caritas Family Solutions, in partnership with Senior Service America, offers employment-training through SCSEP for those age 55 and older. SCSEP is the only federal program targeted to help older workers and provides experience and training that leads to permanent employment. To date, Senior Service America has placed 12,610 older workers into permanent employment through the SCSEP program.
This year, Older Americans Month is taking place as both the national and local economies reach near-record heights. With increasing discussion on how to maintain a competitive advantage in this marketplace, one universal theme from both policymakers and CEOs is the need for skilled talent to sustain economic growth.
Workers 55 and over are projected to make up over 25 percent of the civilian labor force by the year 2022. This happens as the number of younger workers in America is set to decrease within a few years. Older workers are a mature, skilled group of talent, and research shows a multi-generational workforce makes better business decisions together.
The theme for Older Americans Month 2020 is “Make Your Mark,” highlighting the difference everyone can make – in the lives of older adults, in support of caregivers, and to strengthen communities.
In 1974, Senior Service America, Inc. (SSAI) partnered with Catholic Social Service to begin providing SCSEP services. In 2014, the organization changed its’ name to Caritas Family Solutions; and in January of 2017, was awarded the bi-state counties of St. Clair and Madison. In addition, Caritas Family Solutions provides SCSEP services to Nine (9) rural Southern Illinois Counties. Caritas SCSEP has provided employment opportunities for over 800 program participants since its inception. For additional information, visit www.caritasfamilysolutions.org.
Senior Service America, Inc. (SSAI) is committed to making it possible for low-income and other disadvantaged older adults to participate fully in determining their own future and the future of their communities. For over 50 years, the organization has operated the federal Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) through a network of local sub-grantee organizations. For more information, please visit www.seniorserviceamerica.org
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