Juanita C. Grant Foundation Becomes Newest SCSEP Host Agency

The Village Connector Experience (VCE) will continue to provide workforce training and initiatives to combat social isolation among older adults.

Capitol Heights, MD, August 9, 2021: On August 16, 2021, the Juanita C. Grant Foundation (JCGF), will become a Chattanooga Goodwill Industries Host Agency in the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). Born under Title V of the Older Americans Act in 1965, SCSEP was created specifically to provide on-the-job training experiences for low-income adults over 55. The Chattanooga Goodwill Industries SCSEP program is funded through the Center for Workforce Inclusion (Center) as part of a multi-state $46.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. For nearly 60 years, the Center has empowered older, low-income job seekers to attain in-demand skills, overcome barriers to employment, and secure employment.

In November 2020, JCGF partnered with the Chattanooga Goodwill Industries in Tennessee for the Village Connector Experience (VCE), providing an opportunity for adults enrolled in the SCSEP to gain work-based job training while conducting outreach to members of the community who are socially isolated and in need of human interaction. Three members of the Greater Chattanooga Area SCSEP were placed in the VCE Ambassador Certification Program at the height of the pandemic last year, where they assisted with the program’s structured outreach calls to affected members of the aging population.

JCGF President and CEO S. Orlene Grant is quite pleased with the progress the VCE has made since its inception, stating, “It has been a mutually beneficial experience to work with the SCSEP and we are looking forward to expanding the roles of our current job trainees within the organization.” JCGF hopes for continued success as it strives to create effective solutions to the issues that affect older adult population.

About the Juanita C. Grant Foundation 

The Juanita C. Grant Foundation (JCGF) provides education and training, advocacy and research addressing economic insecurity, workforce development and quality of life challenges for the 50+ community. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for the 50+ through economic workforce development, education, and training.

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