First State celebrates National Employ Older Workers Week

National Employ Older Workers Week was observed Sept. 22-28,and employers nationwide showed their appreciation to a rising workforce of industrious babyboomers and the still active, not-so-silent generation. In Sussex County, First State Community Action Agency recognized older workers for their service and contributions to the community as part of an annual tribute held every year in September.

On Sept. 25, First State’s Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), also known as the Senior Employment Program, hosted an older workers celebration event in Georgetown.  The agency acknowledged 95 older workers, training sites and project staff of the senior employment program, and gave special honor to 83-year-old Melvin Snowden, the oldest SCSEP participant; Sarah E. Mann, outstanding older worker; and the Nanticoke Senior Center, outstanding employer.

"We wanted to take the time to acknowledge the contributions and benefits of older workers,” said Roy Hazzard, program manager of the senior employment program at First State.  “Older workers are a talented pool of people, oftentimes overlooked; but their strong work ethic, dependability and experience is what makes them valuable employees.”