In 2015, James Hayes was diagnosed with a vision impairment called low-vision, caused by glaucoma and other deficiencies. At the onset of this diagnosis, James was employed by Indianapolis Public Schools but left due to the disease’s progression.

As his vision continued to diminish, James learned to adapt to his new circumstance as best he could by working with other not-for-profit organizations that assisted those with vision impairments. One of those agencies referred him to the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) at Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana. 

What does a program like the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) mean for its participants? For James Maxey (“Maxey”), it means having less stress about money. 

Goodwill’s Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is a community service and work-based job training program for adults who are age 55 and older. In January 2020, Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana was serving over 250 SCSEP participants who were earning money while learning new skills, mastering job search techniques and building work experience to obtain employment, all with the support of a SCSEP Guide. 

This fall, Goodwill TalentSource® hosted a job fair for Nurse-Family Partnership® participants and their families. TalentSource helps individuals advance their skills through training, coaching and certifications, as well as prepares candidates for placement in fields such as healthcare, manufacturing and IT. Nurse-Family Partnership pairs first-time, low-income mothers with a registered nurse to support a healthy pregnancy and beyond.

It is never too late to pursue a dream. Many seniors are proving this statement to be true by participating in Goodwill’s Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). SCSEP is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor. Goodwill and many other organizations participate in the program to help seniors gain valuable work experience. SCSEP provides opportunities for seniors to take part in paid job training at a variety of host agencies. The job training helps reintroduce Hoosiers age 55 and up into the workforce while opening doors for potential careers.

Older workers are a growing part of the 21st century labor force, and they bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and maturity to the workplace. To celebrate their contributions, Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana is observing National Employ Older Workers Week from September 24-28, 2018.

Ella Morris is 63 years old, a mother of four and a grandmother of five. Throughout her life, she has valued education and dreamed of becoming a college graduate. Being a 2017 McClelland Scholar will bring her that much closer to achieving her goal.

Benjamin Westley learned about Goodwill’s Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) in 2013. A serious car accident, caused by a diabetic blackout, left him unable to return to his janitorial duties at the St. Vincent Heart Center.

Paula Buford was a Qualified Medication Aide for 25 years, working primarily in nursing homes. In 2000, she was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a disorder resulting in varying degrees of paralysis. She went from working in a nursing home to living in one for seven months, receiving intense physical and speech therapy.

Wanda Moran’s story does not have a great beginning. She found herself in a terrible situation, and she didn’t have much hope to improve.