WS Chronicle

In honor of Older Americans Month, the Winston-Salem Urban League recognized several senior citizens who have made valuable contributions to the community through the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) and other nonprofit agencies in the area.

SCSEP is the largest federally funded program that specifically targets older adults seeking employment and job training assistance. The SCSEP program serves over 200 people in 18 counties across the state.

During the celebration last Friday afternoon held at First Baptist Church on West Fifth Street, City Council Member Denise Adams presented the Urban League with a proclamation officially declaring May as Older Americans Month in Winston-Salem.

“SCSEP is such an invaluable program in Winston as well as other communities. Thank you for giving us people over 55 an opportunity to continue to live,” continued Adams. “Work gives you the ability to be engaged every day. When the baby boomer generation begins to retire like we’ve been doing, we’re not ready to go home and watch TV. We’re the generation that still loves to run, jump and play.” 

Current and former SCSEP participants honored in the ceremony were: Timothy Carter, Phillip Cohen, Brenda Huff, Robert William, Majorie Stone, and Vivian Patterson. After accepting his award from SCSEP Director Patricia Sadler, Carter, a 55-year-old Navy veteran said since joining SCSEP he has advanced his computer skills and improved his job searching skills. He said the program also gave him added confidence, which has made him more marketable when speaking with employers.

“This is a great program that needs to continue so we can build on the skills that we’ve learned,” Carter said.

City native Brenda Huff said the SCSEP program gave her a new lease on life. She said, “This program is the best thing to happen to me since I retired.”