Nationwide Program To Honor Older Workers
Silver and Gold Ribbons Highlight Experience, Value to Communities

For Immediate Release April 30, 2003
Contact: Sue Carroll 301-578-8868

Silver Spring, Md.—Senior Service America Inc., a non-profit organization that awards grants under a Department of Labor program to help seniors find work in their communities, is celebrating Older Americans Month this May by launching a nationwide campaign to honor older workers and call attention to the vital community services they provide.

Echoing this year’s theme designated by the Administration on Aging, “What we do makes a difference,” Senior Service America is distributing silver and gold lapel ribbons to all older workers, their colleagues and supporters through its community-based employment program, Senior AIDES, and through corporate and non-profit sponsors. The ribbons are intended to celebrate the valuable contributions of older workers and remind communities of seniors’ work.

“Older Americans Month is a time when many communities reflect upon the value of older Americans to our nation,” says Anthony Sarmiento, executive director of Senior Service America. “We hope that the silver and gold ribbon becomes a permanent symbol for the good work of older Americans, as exemplified by those seniors who have entered or re-entered the job market through DOL’s Senior Community Service Employment Program.”

The ribbon’s silver color represents the physical appearance of aging, while the gold represents the milestone of 50-plus years. “Together,” says Sarmiento, “the colors represent the value of experience, particularly as it is applied through the senior’s service in the community.”

The concept for the campaign originated with Arlene Ridgell, a Senior AIDES project director who has installed the symbol in her work at North Carolina Central University.

The U.S. Department of Labor currently funds Senior Service America to operate the Senior Community Service Employment Program in 27 states and the District of Columbia. By giving grants to more than 140 local non-profit, community and government agencies, thousands of older Americans are employed each year through the program.

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.