The National Association for Hispanic Elderly (NAFHE) offers a remarkable opportunity for older workers to engage meaningfully with their communities while enhancing their job prospects. NAFHE provides a supportive environment where individuals can develop valuable job skills and gain relevant work experience, regardless of their previous employment history. These initiatives serve as a vital pathway to securing permanent employment beyond the program, empowering participants to thrive in their professional journeys. NAFHE embraces diversity and inclusivity, welcoming individuals who speak any language—whether it’s their native tongue or English—ensuring that everyone has the chance to contribute and succeed. By participating in this program, older workers not only enrich their own lives but also make a lasting impact on the community around them.

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

Funded by the US Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration, the NAFHE administers one of SCSEP’s national grants. The SCSEP is funded through Title V of the Older Americans Act. It has become the preeminent model for the successful placement of low-income older workers 55+ in community service jobs. NAFHE serves over 1200 older workers per year. With over 76% of our older workers representing minority groups, including Hispanics, African Americans, Asians and Native Americans. Many of our SCSEP participants speak only their native language, and for many, SCSEP is their only source of income; for most, it is a means to dignity and fulfillment in their mature years.

Some SCSEP participants work for agencies that serve senior citizens, others serve the general community. Both public and private organizations serve as job placement sites for the SCSEP. In all cases, the SCSEP strives to find meaningful jobs that are comparable to work situations in the regular job market. Many seniors are helped to find permanent employment outside the SCSEP umbrella. In spite of the difficult obstacles facing older minority workers, NAFHE and our SCSEP participants have consistently met or exceeded the Department of Labor’s job placement goals.

The SCSEP’s success is proof that the pressing needs of thousands of low-income older workers can be met, in ways that capture for the community the full benefit of their wisdom and experience.

To participate in the SCSEP, an older work must be:

• Age 55 or older;
• Legally eligible to work in the United States;
• Living in a household with income no more than 125% of the federal poverty level;
• Unemployed at the time of enrollment (and previous 7 days);

SCSEP participants are paid a minimum wage, while they gain marketable job skills working part-time in non-profit and public agencies, including senior centers, schools, libraries, community health centers, meals on wheels, day care centers and other community service projects. While providing community service, the SCSEP participants develop their own job skills, self-confidence and a restored sense of self-worth.

NAFHE’s SCSEP serves over 400 work sites in four States.

This NAFHE/ANPPM project received $12,843,943.00 from a grant awarded under the Senior Community Services Employment Program (SCSEP), as implemented by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. $485,214 (add additional amount that’s considered leveraged resources from non-federal funds) of the project is financed by non-governmental sources.

If you are interested in joining the program, you’re welcome to visit one of our locations to determine your eligibility.