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Recent federal budget changes for 2011 have created a 46% financial cut for the Senior Community Service Employment Program. KSMU’s Rebekah Clark reports on how this is trickling down to the Ozarks
The U.S. Department of Labor started the program in 1965. It was set up to provide subsidized, part-time, work-based training for low-income senior citizens. Using this program, national organizations like Experience Works connect those senior citizens with training in their communities. Diane Chambers, Missouri State Director for Experience Works, explains how the practical skills learned through this program teach its participants how to work in the modern day workforce.
“They would be learning to do data entry. They would be learning how to answer their phone on a new up-to-date phone system. They would be learning all the things that they would need to go into any office and be able to compete. So they are able to update their skills that way.”
Chamber stressed that this program differs from other government funded programs by growing “up” its participants through providing them the chance to give back to the community and be a part of a capitalist economy. Applicants stay active, gain skills, and get jobs rather than use limited public assistance.
The threat against this program is the federal cuts approved by Congress this year. The program sustained a 46% cut in the budget, resulting in about 38 million fewer hours of community service.
Beverly Sevy is working in her training assignment at the Northview Senior Center in Springfield after she was able to enroll with Experience Works. The recent cuts have affected her and the business she works for.
“When I first started, I worked 24 hours a week, and then they raised it up to 26, and that’s at minimum wage, which isn’t a lot, but it does help. And then they cut it down to 18 because of federal funding cuts, and that’s really not enough.”
Northview Senior Center has also felt the trickle down effect from the budget cuts. Because participants of the Senior Community Service Employment Program are no longer assigned to its functions, the center’s services are being cut or eliminated.
“They really need help here. We need volunteers here, and most of our deliveries are made by volunteers.”
In a release from Experience Works, the organization says that in order to continue high quality services to older Americans and their communities, the federal funding for the program must be restored from $450 million to $600 million nationally. In lieu of the scarcity of funds, Experience Works in Missouri is currently in a hiring freeze, although local senior citizens suffering from unemployment are still encouraged to apply. Experience Works’ toll free number is 1-800-368-7569, or you can call them locally at 345-2797.
For KSMU News, I’m Rebekah Clark
