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Press Release Date: |
Thursday, April 30, 2009 |
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Contact Information: |
Jay Blanton |
Stimulus funds create jobs for older Kentuckians
Stimulus funds directed to Senior Community Service Employment Program
FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 30, 2009) – Kentucky has received federal stimulus funds that will create jobs and increase training opportunities for senior citizens to re-enter the workforce, Gov. Steve Beshear announced today.
The state received $451,164 through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for the Kentucky Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) which provides training and part-time employment opportunities to low-income people 55 and older. SCSEP is part of the Department for Aging and Independent Living (DAIL) in the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS).
“Job creation is one of the most important steps we can take at this time to help stimulate our economy,” said Beshear. “These funds will have a direct effect on Kentucky’s economy as they will create job and service opportunities for some of our older Kentuckians who need or want to re-enter the workforce but are unsure how to get started.”
Funding will be distributed to five Area Agencies on Aging and Independent Living (AAA), two community action agencies and one national provider of SCSEP services. The federal dollars are expected to create up to 47 new jobs for Kentucky seniors.
SCSEP participants work an average of 20 hours a week, and are paid the highest of federal, state or local minimum wage or the prevailing wage. They are placed in a variety of community service activities at non-profit and public facilities, including day-care centers, senior centers, schools and hospitals. It is intended that these community service experiences serve as a bridge to other employment positions that are not supported with federal funds.
“Kentuckians who live on a fixed income are often hit hardest in times of economic distress,” said CHFS Secretary Janie Miller. “It is imperative that our state’s businesses continue to support the state’s older workers whose lifetime and prior work experiences make a positive impact on services. SCSEP is an excellent program that acts as a bridge to other employment opportunities for people who want to remain in the workforce.”
Federal funds were broken down and distributed by DAIL by need throughout the program. Priority was given to areas determined to be underserved by the program. Funds for SCSEP will be distributed as follows:
Purchase AAA – $71,586 will fund eight new positions.
Pennyrile AAA – $94,396 will fund 10 new positions.
Audubon Area Community Services – $60,181 will fund six new positions.
Experience Works – $35,793 will fund four new positions.
Licking Valley Community Action Agency – $47,198 will fund five new positions.
Kentucky River AAA– $57,026 will fund three new positions
Cumberland Valley AAA – $24,388 will fund six new positions.
Bluegrass AAA – $47,198 will fund five new positions.
The distribution of funds and the creation of jobs for seniors will occur in fiscal years 2009 and 2010.
SCSEP currently serves more than 1,700 Kentucky seniors each year. For more information about the program, contact Juanita Shackelford in DAIL at (502) 564-6930, ext. 4055.
