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Goodwill Industries International Receives National Grant to Give Jobs to Older Workers

The U.S. Department of Labor recognizes Goodwill for its work to give job training, work experience and job placement to low-income workers age 55 and older.

August 4, 2006

Rockville, MD – The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has awarded Goodwill Industries International a national grant to provide job training, work experience and job placement to low-income workers age 55 and older.  Goodwill Industries was selected as one of 18 grantees to operate the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). 

“Today, many older Americans have to work longer to earn enough money to support themselves.  This circumstance creates challenges for seniors who have to not only upgrade their skills, but also learn new ones in order to remain competitive in the workplace," says George W. Kessinger, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries International.  “Goodwill recognizes that older workers are a valuable addition to the workforce, bringing years of life experience to the workplace.”

The total SCSEP grant to Goodwill is approximately $9.12 million, with a total of $8.1 million – or 89 percent – provided by DOL.  Goodwill will fund the remaining balance of program costs.  Goodwill Industries International will distribute the award to six local Goodwill agencies to help more than 2,000 older workers learn new skills and go to work.  The agencies are Goodwill Industries of New Mexico (Albuquerque); Goodwill Industries Keystone Area (Harrisburg, PA); Goodwill Industries of Central Indiana (Indianapolis); Goodwill Industries of Central Arizona (Phoenix); Goodwill of the Valleys (Roanoke, VA); and Tacoma Goodwill Industries (WA).

In 2005, Goodwill provided job training and placement services to more than 846,000 people.  Of those, more than 14,000 were seniors, representing a 38 percent increase in employment services to this population from the previous year.  Goodwill prepares people for jobs through education and career services, as well as job placement and post-employment support. 

SCSEP is the only federal workforce program that targets low-income older workers.  The $260 million grant, awarded to 18 organizations including Goodwill Industries International, will help subsidize part-time employment and training in community service positions so that older workers can gain relevant work experience and move to unsubsidized, private sector jobs.