Celebrating Success: Three SCSEP Participants Secure Unsubsidized Employment in August 2024
At WorkOne Northern Indiana, we are grateful to share the success stories of three individuals from the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) who transitioned to unsubsidized employment in August 2024. Their dedication, growth, and perseverance serve as inspiring examples of how SCSEP can transform lives and help job seekers develop the skills they need to succeed.
Jean Anderson’s Journey to Success
Jean Anderson joined SCSEP in 2022, where she took on the role of SCSEP Participant Staff. Her responsibilities included interviewing and enrolling new SCSEP job seekers, completing reassessments, and managing payroll invoices. Jean became an invaluable asset to the program, even helping recruit new applicants.
Through her role, Jean had the opportunity to fine-tune her existing skills while also developing new ones. Her hard work paid off when she secured employment directly related to the skills she had honed through SCSEP. Jean’s new position comes with a significant financial reward, as she now earns $5.25 more per hour than she did in the program. We are incredibly proud of Jean’s accomplishments and wish her continued success in her new role!
"Thanks for making my journey the best experience here with you!" Jean Anderson included in her appreciation letter to SCSEP Director Latisha Marsh.
Lawrence’s Path to Negotiating Better Employment Terms
Lawrence also joined SCSEP in 2022 and was assigned to a local non-profit organization, where he worked as a Facilities Team Member, focusing on maintenance and building repairs. His excellent performance did not go unnoticed, as the Host Agency frequently praised his contributions and even offered him full-time employment on two occasions. However, Lawrence had to decline these offers due to the potential loss of other critical income-related services. Despite these challenges, Lawrence remained determined. After careful negotiation, he was able to secure suitable employment terms.
Today, Lawrence works fewer hours than he did on SCSEP, but with the added benefit of doubling his hourly wage! He even penned a heartfelt exit letter expressing his gratitude for the opportunities SCSEP provided. We commend Lawrence for his resilience and negotiation skills.
Lawerence left our SCSEP Program Director, Latisha Marsh, a note as he progressed into his new position.
"It has been a pleasure working with you and I truly appreciate you sending me to Hope Ministries that has made this job opportunity possible. Thank you so much for all your support during the past two years."
Chrislyn Austin: A Fast-Tracked Success
Chrislyn Austin joined SCSEP on August 13, 2024, after facing long-term unemployment. She hoped that SCSEP would provide the opportunity to update her skills and get her career back on track. Initially, she was set to begin her assignment at South Bend WorkOne. However, an exciting opportunity arose when she was encouraged to apply for a position with JobWorks.
Thanks to her quick interview process, by August 23rd, Chrislyn had received an offer from JobWorks. She is now a proud member of the JobWorks/WorkOne Northern Indiana team, a position that perfectly aligns with her talents and aspirations. Chrislyn’s swift journey to employment showcases the power of persistence and the value of staying open to new possibilities.
The Impact of SCSEP
These stories highlight the impact SCSEP has on the lives of older job seekers. SCSEP not only provides valuable work experience but also helps participants build confidence, learn new skills, and secure meaningful employment. We are incredibly proud of Jean, Lawrence, and Chrislyn for their achievements and look forward to seeing what the future holds for them!
If you or someone you know is eligible for SCSEP and looking to reenter the workforce, we encourage you to reach out to WorkOne Northern Indiana for more information on how to get started.
Let’s continue celebrating the success of our community and supporting one another in the journey toward employment!
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