WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin, Barbara A. Mikulski and U.S. Congressmen Chris Van Hollen (all D-MD) today announced two grants totaling more than $46 million from the U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) to two national charitable organizations headquartered in Maryland, Goodwill Industries in Rockville and Senior Service America in Silver Spring.
The grants were awarded through the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). SCSEP is a community-service and work-based training program for older workers — providing subsidized, part-time, community-service training for unemployed, low-income Americans 55 or older who may have poor employment prospects.
“This grant will provide hands-on training for older Americans who might not have the skills that are need in today’s job market. This is about jobs and about helping individuals acquire the skills and training they need to succeed. I’m proud that two national organizations that are located in Maryland will be helping to strengthen communities across the nation and getting older individuals back to work,” said Senator Cardin.
“Everyone who wants a job should be able to get a job. That includes adults over 55,” Senator Mikulski said. “Our seniors are living longer, healthier lives and we have to do whatever we can to help them be as independent and active as possible. This federal funding will help Maryland’s adults over age 55 get the skills they need to remain an active part of the workforce.”
“This grant will give older job-seekers the opportunity to acquire skills that will allow them to succeed in today’s job market. As our economy continues to recover, it is vital that we give all Americans the resources that they need to get back to work. This program will also give employers the benefit of an expanded pool of experienced and dependable workers in their communities. It is a win-win for our community and our country,” said Congressman Van Hollen.
Senior Service, Inc. will receive a DoL grant of $37.6 million and Goodwill Industries International will receive a grant of $8.4 million. Both organizations will train and employ participants in trades that offer supplemental income and participate in community-service programs. The total of $46 million in grants to the two Maryland organizations are part of a larger $260 million, multi-state effort by the DoL to increase job training and community service in communities across the United States.
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