25 Years Of Helping Older Workers Find Jobs

For Immediate Release Dec. 9, 2002
Contact: Karen Lorge (715) 261-7740 or Tony Sarmiento (301) 578-8469

WASHINGTON–Renewed U.S. Department of Labor grants are giving a much-needed boost to low-income senior citizens looking to lift themselves up with good jobs that provide community service throughout Wisconsin.

Local government agencies and non-profit organizations are among the beneficiaries of approximately $2.3 million in funds awarded in Wisconsin this year by Senior Service America Inc. through Title V of the Older Americans Act. Senior Service America is one of 13 national organizations that receive Title V funding,but the only one that sub-grants the awards to community organizations across the country.

“We’re very proud to be able to fund agencies serving seniors throughout Wisconsin, so they can provide real assistance to people in need,” said Tony Sarmiento, executive director of Senior Service America. “We’re helping seniors find good jobs that really matter to the community.”

The Marathon County Department of Employment and Training is celebrating its 25th year of involvement with the Senior AIDES project. Anniversary activities are planned for Dec. 10, in Wausau, said Karen Lorge, Senior AIDES project director for the Marathon County Department of Employment and Training.

“For the past 25 years, we have served an elderly population of Wisconsin citizens, many of whom would have little chance of getting employment without our help,” said Lorge. “Thanks to the foresight of people like Congressman (David) Obey, we’ve been able to make this federal program work for the people of Wisconsin.”

Obey (D-Wis.), who was instrumental in establishing the Senior AIDES program in Wausau and other localities in the state, said it is an example of how the federal, state and local governments can work together to help seniors. “Seniors can offer constructive skills and services to the workplace,” he said. “All they need is opportunity, and this longstanding partnership between Senior Service America and Marathon County provides that opportunity.”

Pat Flom found that opportunity as a Senior Aide. With previous clerical experience as a bookkeeper, the 66-year-old Flom was able to learn how to use computers when she was hired through a Title V grant at Forest Park Village, a senior housing complex in Wausau. “You really need to understand computers to do anything these days,” she said. “I felt awkward at first, but I learned quite fast.”

Flom did so well, in fact, that Amy Forst, director of operations at Forest Park, hired her to a permanent position as an administrative assistant. “I really believe in what this program provides,” says Forst. “It gives seniors a place to provide assistance and service to the community.”

In recent years, seniors have found it increasingly difficult to find independent employment, even as many have fallen victim to downsizing or have chosen to re-enter the job market after retirement. Through the Senior AIDES program, many have been able to reestablish themselves as valuable employees.

“I find that Senior Aides complement what our organization is trying to do,” says Michael Malone director of Crossroads Mental Health Services in Wausau, who has hired three Senior Aides permanently after they were hired under the subsidized Title V program. “They bring us a lot of character and knowledge,” he said.

“I’ve been very happy with the seniors we’ve hired through the Senior AIDES program,” says George Tepping, director of the Wausau Conservatory of Music. “They are dependable and they do their jobs well. Employers would be foolish not to take advantage of this program.”

Other recipients of the grants include the Social Development Commission in Milwaukee, N.E.W. Curative Rehabilitation, Inc. in Green Bay, Senior Citizens Employment and Training, Inc. in Eau Claire, and Senior Community Services of Southeastern Wisconsin, Inc. in Kenosha. The Wisconsin grants are part of $65 million awarded to Senior AIDES Programs in 27 states and the District of Columbia.

The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) of Senior Service America is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. SCSEP is an equal opportunity program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.