Low-income seniors qualify for training

Jasper County now offers low-income seniors aged 55 and older the opportunity for training and counseling in the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP).

The SCSEP program objectives for economically disadvantaged seniors are: : to foster and promote useful part-time community service opportunities : to enhance their abilities, skills and aptitudes : to change negative attitudes and stereotypes about older people : to promote innovative work alternatives and second career training : to help them gain valuable new skills and experience toward securing meaningful employment

The program was established in 1965 by Lady Bird Johnson (then called Green Thumb) and is now a national nonprofit organization funded by state and local grants.

Senior participants are placed with eligible host agencies where they work an average of 20 hours per week for minimum wage.

To qualify, a person must be at least 55, a resident of the state where they enroll, and eligible to work in the United States. They must also be currently unemployed and meet income eligibility.

For more information call Louise Orr at 384-6829 ext. 245 or Sandy Smith at 936-566-4797.