SCSEP
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What is SCSEP?
SCSEP is the acronym for Senior Community Service Employment Program, but what it
really stands for is “hope.” This program places low-income seniors in part-time community service
positions, and then helps them with the transition to unsubsidized employment. These community
service positions could encompass anything from social, health and welfare to library, recreational or
beautification projects. They can better the community, strengthen economic development or enhance
environmental quality. Because of SCSEP, everyone benefits. Seniors gain economic self- sufficiency
while the community benefits in an area that will help it thrive.
How was it formed?
The SCSEP program (now Title V of the Older Americans Act) grew out of the older workers
component of Operation Mainstream, a pilot project that was established in 1965, under Title II of the
Economic Opportunity Act.
In 2003, SER-Jobs for Progress National, Inc. (SER National) was granted $26 million by the U.S.
Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration, Department of Older Worker Programs
to implement SCSEP in 16 states. SER, founded in 1964, stands for Service, Employment and
Redevelopment, and operates in more than 200 offices located in 19 states, Puerto Rico and the
District of Columbia. SER’s specialty is addressing the needs of the hard-to-serve individuals, and
has been recognized by the Department of Labor as one of the most cost-effective national
employment and training programs.
SER has the proven track record to effectively recruit, train and place low-income individuals in fulfilling
and valuable positions.
Who is eligible?
To qualify for SCSEP, participants must:
• Be at least 55 years of age;
• Be a resident of the state and county in which the project is authorized; and
• Meet the Federal Poverty Income Guide lines
How do we select host sites and community services?
SER works directly with non-profit organizations and public institutions to create viable community
service work assignments, and outline specific job responsibilities and duties. This process ensures
a meaningful work experience and optimum training opportunities for participants — so they can gain
valuable, marketable skills that further their quest for financial independence.
What’s our goal?
The goal—and the mission—of SCSEP is to train and place eligible seniors in unsubsidized
employment. This opportunity gives them new purpose, new hope and helps them on their way to
economic self-sufficiency. Every effort is made to provide the seniors with supportive services in order
to remove any barriers to employment opportunities. Seniors are responsible, mature and have an
abundance of wisdom and experience to share with the working world.
Age is not a limitation, but a qualification.
The result?
More vibrant seniors.
More vibrant communities.
A better future for all of us.
SER National partnered with Milwaukee SER Jobs for Progress, Inc. to administer the SCSEP
Program in the Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, Kenosha and Walworth communities.
The main objective of the SCSEP program in Milwaukee is to foster and promote useful part- time
opportunities in community service activities for unemployed low-income persons who are fifty-five
years of age or older and who have poor employment prospects. Further, to increase participants’
economic self-sufficiency and increase the number of persons who may benefit from unsubsidized
employment.
Senior citizens interested in additional information about the SCSEP program and nonprofit
organizations interested in serving as training sites are encouraged to call one of the designated
contact persons. Enrollees in the program receive a training stipend equal to the area’s minimum
wage while being trained at a host site. The program provides assessments that include plans for
addressing participants’ individual skills and talents, needed supportive services, and physical
capabilities.
Employers requesting additional information about the program or with job openings and desiring
referrals of mature adult workers now or in the future should contact:
Phone (414) 649-2640
FAX (414) 649-2644
Racine SCSEP Office Kenosha SCSEP Office Waukesha County SCSEP Office
Darlene Pauna Darlene Saxon Judy Ewell
1717 Taylor Ave. 8600 Sheridan Rd. 410 Arcadian Ave.
Racine, WI 53403 Kenosha, WI 53143 Waukesha, WI 53186
(262) 638-6670 (262) 697-4617 (262) 832-1513
Darlene.Pauna@goRacine.org DSaxon@co.kenosha.wi.us
