FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Columbus, OH (March 19, 2021) – VANTAGE Aging’s Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) has linked to Ohio’s Office of Opportunities for New Americans’ network to better reach Ohio’s immigrant and refugee populations. VANTAGE connected with entities that help new and current immigrants reduce and eliminate barriers that impede immigrants’ integration into society and economic success.
SCSEP Project Directors and VANTAGE Aging leadership completed trauma informed care training offered by the Franklin County Family and Children First Council. This training is especially beneficial for the SCSEP team, who serve individuals age 55+ preparing to re-enter the workforce. One barrier to employment for some SCSEP participants and for some New Americans may be past traumas.
“Although we can’t know all of the life experiences of any individual, we do know certain experiences can stand in the way of progress and pursuing new opportunities. As a result, we invite people to utilize a ‘universal care’ model that acknowledges the role trauma may play in an individual’s life – including pursuing employment,” said Director of Franklin County Family and Children First Council Jane E Whyde.
“VANTAGE SCSEP partners with people, data, and, most importantly, the brain,” said Kate Harkin, Director of SCSEP. “As the wondrous functions of the brain become more and more available and understandable, we utilize this new knowledge to improve what we do and how to guide our participants to achieve their goals and aspirations.”
The initiative is one more example of how VANTAGE Aging provides high-quality programs to empower the economic, social, physical, and mental well-being of adults as they age.
For more information about SCSEP, contact Kate Harkin at 614-586-1975.
About VANTAGE Aging
VANTAGE Aging provides high-quality programs to empower the economic, social, physical, and mental well-being of adults as they age. Non-medical in-home care is provided by Home Wellness Solutions. Job training for low-income adults age 55 and older is offered through the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). Evidenced-based volunteering to meet local and national needs is provided by RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) volunteers. Meals on Wheels of Northeast Ohio provides home-delivered and congregate meals to provide nutritional support to the homebound and disabled. Behavioral health services administered by the Blick Center. Overall, VANTAGE’s programs come together to offer a path for positive aging. Founded in 1975 as a senior citizen program, VANTAGE has since become an independent, nationally respected organization with offices throughout the state. For more information, call 330-253-4597 or visit www.vantageaging.org.
Amina Hall, Director of Community Engagement
VANTAGE Aging
330-253-4597 x160