09/08/2020

National Employ Older Workers Week 2020

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, “National Employ Older Workers Week recognizes the vital role of older workers in the workforce and aims to increase awareness of this labor segment and develop innovative strategies to tap it.”

Here at ACCA, that is exactly what we are doing through our Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), which provides useful part-time community service assignments to individuals age 55 or older with limited financial resources. By becoming a trainee, individuals are able to develop and increase marketable job-seeking skills, educational opportunities and have assistance with obtaining employment through job training services.

“The average U.S. employee is getting older,” according to Forbes.com, “and the labor force will continue to age, with the average annual growth rate of the 55-years-and-older group projected to be 1.8% (more than three times the rate of growth of the overall labor force). These days, 55-year-olds aren’t necessarily starting to think about retirement. We’re seeing a significant increase in the percentage of people in their 60s, 70s and even 80s who are continuing to work, both on a full-time and part-time basis.”

With many older adults continuing to work, it’s vital that programs like SCSEP, the only program that does not overlap with any other similar programs, exists. SCSEP is not only a great program, but you can see the benefits trickle down from the participant into the community. From helping organizations find and maintain experienced employees to helping older adults find and maintain gainful employment, it’s a win-win for everyone.

Over the past year, the SCSEP program has helped 109 individuals find and maintain training opportunities resulting in 63,818 community service hours and 6,847 training hours. It’s programs like SCSEP that keep our community’s older adults thriving, active and engaged throughout the community.