Senior Aides Recognized by Illinois Congressman
During Older Americans Month

Photo Gallery

Cong. Lane Evans (D-Illinois) and Remus Burchette at the OAM Luncheon on May 26.

After retiring as a lab tech for the Chicago Medical School, Remus Burchette moved to the Rock Island, Ill. area to be a pastor in a small church. Money was tight, and Burchette needed to supplement his income with a part time job. A visit to the unemployment office led him to the Senior AIDES Program, and within a year of enrolling and learning skills through on-the-job training, Burchette had found a permanent job as a bus driver for Head Start in Silvis.

"The Senior AIDES Program supported me every step of the way," says Burchette. "Because of the program, I'm working on my GED and I got help getting my license to drive the bus and with the other requirements I needed to get my job. They were a constant source of encouragement. I'm really thankful to be working not just for the extra income but because I want to stay active. I love this job; it's always interesting and I love the kids."

On May 26th , Burchette and other Senior Aides were honored at an Older Americans Month Award Luncheon held at ProjectNOW in Rock Island , IL. In addition to recognizing Senior Aides, the event also recognized host agencies and local businesses who support the Senior AIDES Program. Riverbend Food Bank, Intouch Adult Day Service and MetroLINK all received "Outstanding Host Agency" awards for providing Senior Aides with on-the-job training, while "Outstanding Employer" awards went to Trinity Medical Center, Moline Wal-Mart SuperCenter and Mansur Wood Living Center for hiring Aides as permanent employees.

Congressman Lane Evans (D-Illinois) also received an award for his ongoing support of senior citizens. "I salute these local agencies and companies for providing jobs for seniors," said Congressman Evans. "All of you inspire me by what you do, and I sincerely appreciate the work that is done to aid the elderly in getting and keeping jobs."