WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – Over 90 temporary jobs will be created for low-income, older residents of southeastern N.C. from a $571,802 grant to United Way of the Cape Fear Area, according to an announcement Tuesday, July 16.

“Almost 90 percent of this grant – originally from the U.S. Department of Labor – will provide temporary employment to no less than 94 low-income older North Carolinians living in Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover, Onslow, and Pender counties,” United Way states. “These older adults will participate in the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), a cornerstone program of the Older Americans Act and the only federal job training program targeted exclusively to low-income, older job seekers.”

United Way of the Cape Fear’s CEO, Tommy Taylor, says they are the only United Way that receives this grant year after year.

“We are the only United Way that manages this program, so it stands out in our region that we were selected and continue to perform in a way that guarantees next year’s funding,” Taylor said.

The program hires older adults to work 20 hours a week for local nonprofits and government offices. United Way uses the grant to pay the participant a salary that the nonprofit wouldn’t typically be able to afford.

It also helps older adults combat loneliness and feeling lost after retirement.

“I think it’s very important for people to stay plugged in no matter what your situation,” Taylor said. “I think most retirees here would agree with me that it’s great at first, but you really need that social interaction and really want to be out in the community doing something, and what better way than to be working somewhere that is actively supporting and helping other people. To me, it’s a win-win-win all around.”

No one understands that feeling better than the current director of the SCSEP program. Steve Moore began as a participant in the program himself, working at the New Hanover County Senior Resource Center before being hired at United Way.

“I was 56 years old and I had been out of work for an extended period of time,” Moore said. “It reduces their [older adults] sense of isolation, gives them an opportunity to give back to their community while they’re gaining some job skills and earning some money. It’s often a very life-changing program for them.”

Moore also said the benefit to the nonprofits can’t be overlooked.

“Particularly for the nonprofits that are struggling with small staffs and small budgets, it’s a way for them to get additional help and increase their resources,” Moore said.

Taylor says United Way of the Cape Fear partners with more than 80 host agencies and works to help the participants find one that matches their interests and skill sets.

Right now, the program is under-enrolled. Moore says they are looking both for participants and new host agencies. If people are interested, they can apply online or call Moore at 910-798-3900. There is no deadline to apply.

Per United Way, the program seeks to promote personal dignity and self-sufficiency.

“The training attained through SCSEP provides in-demand skills for older, unemployed, low-income Americans. The Center, a top-tier U.S. Department of Labor National Grantee of SCSEP, works through a network of local partners delivering career training programs for eligible 55-plus-year-old workers across the United States,” the release adds.

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