SSAI is one of 18 national sponsors of the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) and one of six national sponsors of the Senior Environmental Employment (SEE) Program.

Senior Community Service Employment Program

The Senior Community Service Employment Program began as part of the War on Poverty 40 years ago and was so successful that it became a national program under the Older Americans Act in 1973. It is referred to by its acronym – SCSEP (pronounced SEE-sep) – and operates in nearly every county in the nation. To participate in SCSEP, a person must be:

* Age 55 or older;
* Legally eligible to work in the United States;
* Living in a household with income no more than 125 percent of the federal poverty level.

By law, SCSEP gives special attention to those who are any of the following:

* Are 65 years of age or older;
* Have a disability;
* Have limited English proficiency or low literacy skills;
* Reside in a rural area;
* Are a veteran;
* Have low employment prospects;
* Are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

SCSEP participants are paid minimum wage while they gain marketable job skills working part-time in non-profit and public organizations, including senior centers, schools, and libraries. The program provides a win-win for participants and their communities: Participants help community organizations extend their reach and capabilities, while developing their own job skills, self-confidence, and a restored sense of self-worth. In 2004, SCSEP participants across the nation contributed 46 million hours of service to their communities, and about 18,000 participants gained regular employment outside the program.

SSAI operates in the 16 states of AL, CA, IA, IL, IN, MA, MD, MN, MS, NC, NY, OH, PA, TN, TX and WI.

Agriculture Conservation Experienced Services (ACES) Program

The mission of the ACES program is to assist the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in meeting their mandates by using the talents and experience of older Americans. ACES Program enrollees benefit from the opportunity to maintain their technical skills, access new employment opportunities and undertake meaningful tasks. Everyone benefits when seniors use their experience and talent to contribute to the national economy and enhance their own financial security.
Purpose of ACES:

SSAI entered into cooperative agreements with the United States Department of Agriculture, NRCS to provide experienced workers. The 2008 Farm Bill authorized the new program, Agriculture Conservation Experienced Services (ACES). The Program’s goal is to utilize the talents of individuals who are age 55 or older, but not employees of the Department of Agriculture (Federal or State), to provide technical services and technical infrastructure activities needed to support delivery of technical assistance.