Page 2 - SuccessStoryNewsletterFall2017

Too Old? NO WAY!

“You are never too
old to set another
goal or to dream
a new dream
- C.S. Lewis

(Rio, pictured above)

"Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

Rio came to our Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) in Bergen County
looking for support in her job search. She had been unemployed for the past five years, and told
us, "I used to be a caretaker for older people. Then, I got sick. When I got better, they told me I
was ‘too old.’" This is a phrase that many mature workers hear. Our SCSEP program helps break
that misconception and helps train and integrate participants back into a modern workforce.
Rio’s service coach, Suzy Park, said, “I see her everywhere. She’s at the DVR office, the One-Stop
Employment office – everywhere" - a true testament to Rio’s determination and work ethic.

Rio loves helping others and wanted to continue to work in the personal care field, which is why
we set her up with a training opportunity at a child daycare center. While there, she thrived. Her
supervisors loved the work she did and all the stories she would tell them about her own children.
Rio described her work, saying, "It's a great experience for me. It makes me happy". Now, she’s
aiming to obtain a certification that will allow her to provide direct care for adults. One employer is
particularly interested and has said they will hire her as soon as she receives her certification. We
are so happy to see all her hard work paying off.

- Barbara Armstrong, SCSEP Director | East Brunswick

2 Easterseals New Jersey Success Story Newsletter 2017 LIVE · LEARN · WORK · PLAY