BEAUMONT, Texas — Officials are hoping more older Americans apply to a federal program that provides approved applicants with paid work-based training.
Those aged 55 and older who want to get back into the workforce are encouraged to look into SER Jobs for Progress National. This is a federal program that helps those who qualify to train with non-profit organizations to learn new skills.
The goal is to give older adults the chance to better their lives.
“It's various opportunities for the seniors that have worked in the past and have not worked in a while that want to get back into the working field,” Larry Mercado, Texas Senior Community Service Employment Program coordinator, said.
Those who are accepted into the program can work three days out of the week and will earn $12 per hour. Anyone wanting to join has to be older than 54 and must meet other requirements.
“You have to have a valid driver's license social security or an I.D. card,” Mercado said. “You must bring in your income, your revenue income for 2022 and 2023 because that's how we do the calculations to see if you're eligible for the program."
To be eligible for the program applicants must also reside within the counties that SER Jobs serves. Joining the program will not impact a person's benefits and supportive services will be available.
Wilhela Johnson is 61 and a SER Jobs for Progress National participant. She had to retire from her salon job six years ago due to dialysis.
“I didn't need to just sit at home, so I got out and I found SER,” Johnson said.
Johnson joined SER four years ago. Over the years, she has learned a multitude of useful skills.
“I learned how to fax,” Johnson said. “I learned how to look up things on the computer, which I was not computer savvy at first, but they show you a lot of different skills"
She has almost completed the program and used the money she received from the paid training to buy a new car.
“It's helped with the cost of living and gas is high, so I have to do what I have to do,” Johnson said.
Johnson is just one of 40 program participants that have learned skills from non-profit organizations such as Treasure House, Janiyah's Love and Legacy Clinic.
“Mrs. Johnson is great to work with," Letitte Buxie, founder of Janiyah's Love, said. "She is very nice.
Johnson hopes to find a full-time job once she has completed the program. For now, she believes the work she is currently doing with SER Jobs is helping her stay healthy.
“I'm not going to let it take over me," Johnson said. "I'm going to run over it. I'm enjoying working. I enjoy being around people."
Just as they assisted Johnson, coordinators will help those who qualify for the program find something they are interested in.
Mercado said the program is looking to have at least 30 more participants, to have more non-profits join the program, and to find more employers who are looking and willing to hire those who complete SER Jobs for Progress National.