First State Community Action Agency celebrates older workers

First State Community Action Agency in Georgetown held a ceremony Sept. 28 to recognize the Senior Community Service Employment Program, this year’s Outstanding Older Workers, and all of the host sites, training centers and employers who have made this all possible during National Employ Older Workers Week.

“It has been my pleasure to be able to work with such great people in the community. We want to recognize the vital contributions of older workers in the workforce, and also serve as a rallying point for older workers who may feel helpless or constrained by economic hardships. The SCSEP helps provide on-the-job paid training to people 55 years and older, and since the program’s inception has helped over 1 million Americans enter the workforce. Despite age, they are seasoned workers, and a major asset to the community and the immediate employers that help contribute to the economy. Today is about all involved, and we will continue to strive to provide the best training available with the help of our host sites and training centers to streamline a goal-oriented plan to learn essential job skills,” said Program Manager Fran Burnham.

The SCSEP grants each state an allowance of money to fund on-the-job training for older workers. Delaware receives $1.7 million currently to split among three counties. Grants are also obtained in Delaware to contribute to the funding of this important aspect of growing the older workforce.

“These types of programs help participants achieve self-sufficiency and learn essential skills that will be vital to reducing the barriers to employment faced by the older generation in an ever-changing work and technological environment. It is important to help promote meaningful activities as well, such as helping people become more independent, increase their communication skills, gain confidence and broaden their horizons. Older workers are such a huge part of the economy, contributing about $7.6 trillion per year, which is a clear indicator that age does not matter,” said Delaware SCSEP Grant Administrator Max A. Amoako.

“Sell yourself and your values of being reliable, dependable, ready to work and committed to your craft. Don’t use your age as a disability, but rather an ability. We are committed to helping those who have barriers, and who feel like they fell through through the cracks,” he said.

Two Sussex County older workers were recognized at the ceremony, Richard W. Butner and Charles H. Savage Jr., as Outstanding Older Workers.

Butner, 68, of Greenwood enrolled in the program in 2016, setting goals for himself and committing to gaining a position in the private sector. He received additional job training at A.C.E. Resource Center where he obtained a position following the completion of the program. “The people in this program had faith in me, and became a vital lifeline to me. All of those who I have the honor of meeting and working with truly care and are interested in helping. I am so grateful and look forward to continuing my journey toward excelling in the workforce at A.C.E.,” said Butner.

Savage, 72, of Georgetown worked at Mountaire Farms for 40 years but wanted to continue to work while expanding his knowledge of different technical and work-related fields. He trained at First State Community Action Agency where he completed his goals and obtained a job at Easter Seals. “I am so happy and proud to be a part of this ceremony, and I am honored to be recognized by such a caring group of individuals. The love you feel and the training you receive at First State is unmatched, and I felt blessed from the moment I walked in those doors to take a step toward a new career. If you stay true to yourself and the program, you will have nothing but success. I honestly feel like I can do it all and was more than ready to face the realities of the workforce,” said Savage.
Both A.C.E. Resource Center and Easter Seals were honored at the event for being Outstanding Employers.

With an endless list of host agencies and training sites, a caring staff, committed participants and great local employers, the SCSEP and First State Community Action Agency are able to make a positive change in the older community both at home and on the job. This is just one of the many services that is offered through First State to the immediate community, and the door is always open for those looking for direction.