SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICE

EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

COMMUNICATIONS TOOLKIT

May 2017

2017

In this section:

National SCSEP FACT Sheet

State SCSEP FACT Sheet Sample

SCSEP FACT SHEET

SCSEP: A Unique Federal Aging, Community Service, & Workforce Program The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) provides unemployed low-income older adults with part-time subsidized employment serving the community, improves their well-being, and prepares them for unsubsidized employment. Launched in 1965, SCSEP is authorized by Title V of the Older Americans Act and administered by the USDOL Employment and Training Administration. SCSEP is a required American Job Center partner (§678.400).

What did SCSEP accomplish during PY 2015 (July 1, 2015 – June 30, 2016)?

65,081 low-income older Americans received paid employment and training opportunities; 51% entered unsubsidized employment after exiting the program; SCSEP participants provided more than 34.8 million paid staff hours to >20,000 local public

and nonprofit agencies, such as American Job Centers, libraries, schools, and senior centers (including 7.6 million hours in aging services and programs);

The value of the community service provided by SCSEP participants (using Independent Sector’s estimated value of a volunteer hour) exceeded $820 million, nearly twice the total SCSEP PY2015 appropriations of $434.4 million;

88% of participants reported that their physical health is the same or better than before they entered SCSEP, and 72% reported that their outlook on life is a little more or much more positive. (USDOL-funded national survey of 13,451 participants by Charter Oak Group); and

77% of host agencies indicated that participation in SCSEP either significantly (46%) or somewhat (31%) increased their ability to provide services to the community. (USDOL-funded independent national survey of 7,864 agencies by Charter Oak Group). http://bit.ly/2pLslzR

Who were the SCSEP participants during PY 2015?

88% had family income at or below 100% of federal poverty level and 28% lived in rural areas; 49% were a racial or ethnic minority, 65% were women, and 20% had at least one disability; 32% were 65 or older, including 13% who were 70 years or older; 18% did not have a high school diploma, 39% had a high school diploma, and 43% had one or

more years of college; and 13% were veterans or qualified spouses.

All SCSEP participants must be 55 or older, have a family income less than 125% of poverty ($14,850 for family of one in 2016), and legally eligible to work in the U.S. but unable to find a job without assistance or after receiving WIOA services.

Additional Background Information

SCSEP is one of only three federal workforce development programs that do not overlap with

any other similar program, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office

(http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-11-92).

Currently operated by 18 national organizations (including AARP Foundation, Senior Service

America, Inc., and National Council on Aging,) awarded competitive grants by USDOL ETA in

2016. Also, 56 state/territorial government agencies (including 18 state/territorial

workforce agencies) awarded non-competitive SCSEP grants by USDOL ETA.

By law, SCSEP administrative costs are low (cannot exceed 13.5% of total expenditures). At

least 75% of total funds must be expended on paying wages and benefits to SCSEP participants.

SCSEP serves nearly every county in the nation.

Go to http://www.doleta.gov/seniors for more information.

2017

In this section:

Grant Announcement Press Release Template

General Information Press Release Template

SCSEP Participant Story Template

COMMUNICATION TEMPLATES

Draft Press Release 12/28/16

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (12/28/16)

Insert Name and Title of Contact Person

Insert Contact Phone Number and Email Address

[Insert Subgrantee Organization Name Here] RECEIVES $XXX,XXX GRANT

Older adults to work, receive training, and assist local agencies serving the community

City, St. (December 28, 2016) – [Subgrantee Name] announced today that it was awarded a grant of

$270,227 from Senior Service America, Inc. Almost 90 percent of this grant - originally from the U.S. Department of Labor – will provide temporary employment to at least 83 low-income older adults living in Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cleveland, McDowell and Rutherford Counties. These older adults will participate in the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) a major program of the Older Americans Act. SCSEP is the only federal government program mandated to assist unemployed older adults seeking to rejoin the workforce by working in their community.

“We are very pleased [Subgrantee Name] has partnered with us,” said Tony Sarmiento, Executive Director

of Senior Service America, the second largest sponsor of SCSEP after a national grant competition held last

spring. This is the first program year [Subgrantee Name] has received this annual SCSEP grant.

“This program delivers a triple win for older adults and the whole community,” said [your executive

director, board chair, or local official]. First, SCSEP participants are helping local community, faith-based, and

public agencies carry out their mission, including [insert names of host agencies well-known in your

community]. Second, older workers are receiving on-the-job training to enhance their skills. And third, older

workers are keeping healthy by remaining connected and not isolated in their community. [OPTIONAL: Insert

short quote from a host agency director or supervisor.]

“Many low-income older adults want and need paid work, says Donna Satterthwaite, Senior Service

America Director of Employment Services. “By serving their community, older workers receive renewed skills

as well as renewed hope, knowing that they are not forgotten. Older North Carolinians are fortunate to be

given the opportunity through SCSEP and the dedicated staff of the [Subgrantee Name]

# # #

About [Subgrantee Name]

(insert paragraph description)

About Senior Service America, Inc.

Senior Service America, Inc. (SSAI) is a national nonprofit organization that provides civic engagement and employment opportunities to low-income older adults. As one of 19 national SCSEP grantees of the U.S. Department of Labor, SSAI is based in Silver Spring, Maryland, and provides more than $42 million annually to a diverse network of 65 local partner organizations in 13 states. For more information, go to www.seniorserviceamerica.org, call (301) 578-8826, email dsatterthwaite@ssa-i.org, or Twitter @SrSvcAmerica. (Donna Satterthwaite are available for phone interviews upon request.)

SCSEP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 31, 2017 Contact: Name, Project Director (333) 333-3333 office (444) 444-4444 cell scsep@gmail.com email www.scsep.com

SCSEP Provides Employment Opportunities and Training for Older Workers and Veterans, 55+

(What do we want reader to know; if they only read first paragraph)

{{CITY}} – In partnership with Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), {{HOST AGENCY NAME}} provides {{INSERT NUMBER}} older workers, employment training and job placement opportunities. Through temporary community service work assignments, seniors gain vital employment readiness skills. SCSEP is administered by The US Department of Labor and assists older workers, nationally.

(Quote To support the first paragraph) “SCSEP was a life saver for my family. After I lost my job in 2010, I had a difficult time finding a new one and had little money to provide for my family. After learning about SCSEP, I enrolled and learned job skills that helped me gain employment. Today, I work full time with great benefits and I am thankful for SCSEP and the staff.” said Joe Smith, a SCSEP participant.

(More DETAILS ) Through SCSEP, older workers have made a huge impact on the workforce in our entire community. In addition to helping

{{# OF ORGANIZATIONS}} carry out their mission, older workers including veterans are entering into the workforce at

a faster pace and have helped stimulate the local economy, which benefits the entire community.

(Statistics)

65,081 low-income older Americans received paid employment and training opportunities;

51% entered unsubsidized employment after exiting the program;

SCSEP participants provided more than 34.8 million paid staff hours to >20,000 local public and nonprofit agencies, such as American Job Centers, libraries, schools, and senior centers (including 7.6 million hours in aging services and programs);

(Information about your organization)

-Information about your organization should be added-

###

*SCSEP DESCRIPTION HERE*SCSEP is a federal program

designed to respond to the needs of older jobseekers

with barriers to employment. Authorized by the Older

Americans Act, SCSEP provides unemployed, low

income adults 55 years and older with part-time jobs

working in local nonprofit, government and faith-based

agencies providing services in the community. Working

in their community service assignments, SCSEP

participants earn income while they build their self-

confidence and learn skills valued by local employers.

Last program year, a total of 65,081 low-

income older adults participated in SCSEP.

A total of 51% entered unsubsidized employment.

SCSEP participants provided 34.8 million hours of community service with a value of over $820 million nearly twice the total SCSEP PY 2015 appropriations of $434.4 million.

*PARTICIPANT STORY HERE* Prior to SCSEP, Jenny

Ready worked as a housekeeper at the local Holiday Inn

for almost 25 years. She left her job to take care of her

mother who was diagnosed with cancer for 3 years.

After losing her mother, she found herself 59 years old

and jobless. After months of searching for jobs, she

came across SCSEP during one of her visits to the

Workforce Development Center. She made the

decision to enroll in the program. After enrollment,

Jenny was placed at the nonprofit Community Services

of Swain County to train for office administration skills.

There she provided information about social services

programs to members of the community. Jenny took

computer classes and learned Microsoft Office

software. Her passion was customer service and

interacting with the public. She was grateful for the

opportunity to learn administrative skills at her host

agency. During the thirteen months in the program, she

always came early to her assignment and worked with

her supervisor and other staff to refine her

communication and computer skills.

Jenny was committed to her job search and

communicated with her SCSEP job developer every day

to apply for jobs and to prepare for interviews. Jenny

took action on a SCSEP referral and applied for a

position as an information specialist for the local

museum. She was hired immediately by the manager

and they have been very pleased with her ability to

provide excellent customer service to their visitors.

*PARTICIPANT INFO HERE* SCSEP Participant: Jenny Ready SSAI Subgrantee: State of Franklin Health Council, Inc. Host Agency: Community Services of Swain Employer: Museum of Cherokee Indian Location: Bryson, NC Salary or hourly wage: $8.75 per hour (Information Specialist)

* Title Here* Jenny Ready

finds her passion working

at her local museum

*QUOTE HERE* “My SCSEP assignment at Community

Services of Swain County was a lifeline for me.

Without it, I don’t know what would have happen. I

have learned skills that I never had before and I love

my new job working with the public. It makes me feel

like my life has purpose.”

Success Story Tips For Conducting a Customer (Participant, Host Agency, or Employer) Interview

Keep in mind the success story template and the questions below can be tailored to capture success stories from not only participants but also host agency and employer partners. So whereas the template and questions are examples reflective of a ‘Participant Interview’ note that the flow should always capture and present the story from the beginning to detailing the experience during and discovering what happened afterwards. Ideally a great story will discuss a participant’s journey to Unsubsidized Employment from the perspective of one of the three customers mentioned. Remember the Following:

Set an appointment at the customer’s convenience.

Create a friendly, informal atmosphere.

Use the questions to keep the interview on track.

Begin with an introduction explaining the purpose.

Probe meanings. Ask the “why” in different ways until you really understand the customer’s thinking. (Why did you like that? Tell me more. Why is that important? Why did that happen? Could you please explain that again? Why do you think that occurred?)

Don’t be defensive. Be open to hearing the good and the bad.

Pace the interview. Observe body language.

Tell the customer what the follow-up action will be.

Summarize the interview and thank the customer.

Remember in SCSEP we are talking to older adults; some may wear hearing aids and may have trouble hearing us, others may have frail voices and we may have trouble hearing them. Be prepared to adjust your style accordingly.

Example of Participant Interview Questions

Opening: We are in the process of collecting SCSEP success stories and would love to document your experience.

1. What was life like before SCSEP, how did you learn about the program?

2. How did it feel when you were first placed on a Community Service Assignment? What kind of work were

you doing?

3. Specifically how have the SCSEP Supportive Services and the Community Service Assignment help prepare

you for employment? What else have you learned about yourself from this experience?

4. Please complete this sentence: Being a participant in SCSEP has helped me __________.

5. Overall, how would you rate your satisfaction with the program? Were you:

Very satisfied

Satisfied

Dissatisfied

Very dissatisfied

Yes or No, would you recommend this program to a family member or friend?

6. Is there anything else you could tell us about your experience with SCSEP?

2017

In this section:

List of Online Social Media Assets

*Consider duplicating with your online brands*

SOCIAL MEDIA CHEAT SHEET

Social Media Assets Platform What Is It? Number

of Users Globally

Username (ex.) How to Get Started

Lingo

Company/Org Website Seniorserviceamerica.org (Established)

N/A N/A N/A Regularly send SSAI success stories for posting and share Employer Honor Roll with prospective stakeholders.

N/A

Twitter Twitter.com (Established)

Twitter is a service for friends, family, and coworkers to communicate and stay connected through the exchange of quick, frequent messages. People post Tweets, which may contain photos, videos, links and up to 140 characters of text. These messages are posted to your profile, sent to your followers and are searchable on Twitter search.

328 Million

@SrSvcAmerica Create a Twitter handle (username) that either is your business name or a name your audience will recognize. Follow other users that are in your field (including @SrSvcAmerica), clients, customers, and other potential stakeholders. Allows real time participation in cultural events. Publish high quality visual and text content. Ask questions and have 1:1 conversations with consumers & influencers. Host twitter chats. Respond to customer service inquiries. Aim to always include #SCSEP in tweets. Follow your district legislators.

@: aka Direct Reply: Use this to address a public message to a user. RT aka Retweet: This indicates a posting is a tweet from another user. DM aka Direct Message: Use this to send a private message to someone who is following you. # aka Hashtag: Used to categorize tweets. Click the hashtag to view other user tweets. Follow: The users that follow you will see your tweets and you will see the tweets of the users you follow. Followers are people who receive other user’s Twitter updates.

Facebook Facebook.com (SSAI page in Development)

Facebook is a social networking website and service where users can post comments, share photographs and links to news or other interesting content on the Web, play games, chat live, and even stream live video. Shared content can be made publicly accessible, or can be shared only among a select group of friends or family, or with a single person.

1.23 Billion

Senior Service America

Set up a personal profile in order to create a company page. Create company page and add company contact information, photos, videos, upcoming events, and links back to your website or other social media. Invite friends to “like” your page or promote your page. Publish high quality visual content. Share news and keep up with social happenings. Discover content.

Like: This allows fellow users to know you appreciate a post. Status: A microblogging feature to inform fellow users of your actions or thoughts. Tag: Marks a photo or video with text to identify a person. Never name someone without their permission.

LinkedIn LinkedIn.com (SSAI page in Development)

LinkedIn is the world's largest professional network with hundreds of millions of members, and growing rapidly. Our mission is to connect the world's professionals to make them more productive and successful.

500 Million

Senior Service America

Set up a personal profile in order to create a company page. Create company page and add company contact information, history, and additional relevant details. A platform for interaction between business professionals across the globe.

Connect: Build your network by connecting to people you know or want to know in various professional industries.

YouTube YouTube.com (Established)

YouTube allows billions of people to discover, watch, and share originally-created videos. YouTube provides a forum for people to connect, inform, and inspire others across the globe and acts as a distribution platform for original content creators and advertisers large and small.

1 Billion SSAIorg Set up a personal profile through Google account. Distribute commercials and other video content to keep stakeholders aware of SCSEP happenings.

Views: A record of how many people watch your video. Subscribe: Get notifications every time the user posts a new content. Your subscribers will receive notification whenever you post new content.

Instagram Instagram.com (SSAI page in Development)

Instagram is a fun and quirky way to share your life with

friends through a series of

pictures. Snap a photo with your mobile phone, then choose a

filter to transform the image into a

memory to keep around forever.

700 Million

SSAIorg Create a company username. Publish high quality photographic and short video content. Browse content of similar users. This asset is more conducive to visual posts versus text.

: Click the heart to indicate appreciation for a fellow users post. Follow: The users that follow you will see your post activity and you will see the posts of those you follow.

NOTE: Always keep the content you post professional and aim for a non-partisan, non-lobbying approach. Emphasis

should be on education and showing value of SCSEP in your community. Know and adhere to your agency’s

Media/Communications policies if they exist.

Twitter How To Guide

How to Create an Account and Find People 1) Go to twitter.com. Click the blue “Sign Up” button on the right-hand side of your screen.

2) Fill in the information: name, email, username, and password. Make sure you pick a username that

is relevant to you and/or your organization: Senior Service America, Inc. (SSAI) is “@SrSvcAmerica”;

our CEO Tony Sarmiento is “tsarmiento22”. You may have to add a number or two after your name

like Tony did! You can always change your name later.

3) Once you have your account, you can search for people to follow from your homepage. SSAI is a

good start—type ‘SrSvcAmerica’ into the search bar at the top of the screen and click on our name,

then click “Follow” on the right-hand side of the screen. You can also search for your friends and

colleagues this way if you know their usernames. SSAI follows and is followed by a lot of our

members—you can go to twitter.com/SrSvcAmerica, then click on

“Followers” and “Following” to find the people who follow SSAI and whom we follow if you want

ideas of whom to follow.

How to Tweet in General from Your Computer 1) This is easy! When you’re signed in, click “Home” in the upper right hand corner of any Twitter page.

There will be a box at the top of the page that says “What’s happening?” Click in that box and type

something! It has to be 140 characters or less. It will tell you how many characters you have left and

if you have gone over.

2) Or, you can click the “Tweet” button in the right hand corner and do the same thing!

3) To add a picture, click the camera logo in the box and upload a picture.

How to Change Your Logo and Information

1) Go to “Edit profile” from your profile page (that is twitter.com/yourusername)

2) There are boxes you can click on that are labeled with all the things you can change! Most Importantly… How to Tweet about SCSEP!

1) Follow the instructions to tweet. Here’s what you have to do to make sure that SCSEP is trending:

a. Put #SCSEP in your post. Anywhere! Beginning, middle, end. Just make sure #SCSEP is in it.

b. Some great examples can be found here: http://bit.ly/2qROwol

Advanced: How to Tweet from Your Phone 1) http://bit.ly/1LtfaVd for iPhone. Click “Get the App” and sign in once it downloads! Here are detailed

instructions: http://bit.ly/2rfEME5

2) Android users: Get the app: http://bit.ly/2pWGrJR (If this link does not work, search for “twitter” in the

Google Play store.) Here are detailed instructions: http://bit.ly/2rfng2M

2017

In this section:

National Senior Related Events Jan – Dec.

*Consider duplicating with your local events*

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

January

National Glaucoma Awareness Month

Currently, more than 3 million people in the United States have glaucoma. The National Eye Institute projects this number will reach 4.2 million by 2030, a 58 percent increase. Glaucoma is called "the sneak thief of sight" since there are no symptoms and once vision is lost, it's permanent. As much as 40% of vision can be lost without a person noticing. http://bit.ly/1bdMKtM

National Bath Safety Month

Dedicated to preventing slips and falls in the bathroom. Such accidents are one of the leading causes of

ER trips in older adults. In fact, 1 out of 3 adults above the age of 60 have trouble getting in and out of

the bathtub according to a study by Michigan University. http://bit.ly/2on2zgN

February American Heart Health Month

Heart disease can often be prevented when people make healthy choices and manage their health conditions. Communities, health professionals, and families can work together to create opportunities for people to make healthier choices. We can use this month to raise awareness about heart disease and how people can prevent it — both at home and in the community. http://bit.ly/2ivjOvY

March National Nutrition Month

National Nutrition Month is a nutrition education and information campaign created annually in March by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The campaign focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. The theme for 2017 is “Put Your Best Fork Forward”, which acts as a reminder that each bite counts. Making just small shifts in our food choices, can add up over time. http://bit.ly/1PPa0Dx

April

National Volunteer Week

(April 23rd-29th) National Volunteer Week was established in 1974 and has grown exponentially each year, with thousands of volunteer projects and special events scheduled throughout the week. Plan or attend an event to celebrate the impact of change-makers in your community, and inspire others to serve. http://bit.ly/2neVlKc

May Older Americans Month

The goal of this month is for older adults to be brought together to socialize with the community. The Older Americans Month website mentions thinks like gathering selfies and stories from the older population and celebrating the 2017 theme of Age Out Loud. Subgrantees should feel free to explore various interpretations of this them and find was to expand community involvement with Older Americans. https://oam.acl.gov/2017/activities.html

National Mobility Awareness Month

Many older Americans have mobility issues but these issues need not be a bar to a full and productive life. The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association has done giveaways of wheelchair accessible vehicles. Subgrantees are encouraged to spread the word about this month and help their participants and potential future participants lead more mobile lives. http:// www.mobilityawarenessmonth.com/

Arthritis Awareness Month

There are more than a 100 forms of arthritis and related conditions and many are not well under- stood. What is known, are the mobility and lifestyle issues that can affect those Americans who suffer this condition. Is your community holding an arthritis run? Is there a local resource to better aid those afflicted with this condition? Please consult this site to begin answering these questions: http://www.arthritis.org/

Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Skin Cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Subgrantees should encourage all participates, especially those who work outside, to take all proper measures to protect their skin. Re- member, that tan my look nice but it is also a symptom of skin damage. https://www.cdc.gov/ cancer/dcpc/resources/features/skincancer/index.htm

National Stroke and High Blood Pressure Education Month

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and a major cause of adult disability.

Many factors may affect a person’s risk for stroke, including high blood pressure. Subgrantees are

encouraged to hold events promoting healthy lifestyles and awareness of these risk factors for

stroke. For more information, http://millionhearts.hhs.gov/.

Women’s Health Week: 14th-20th

Subgrantees are encouraged to hold exercise class, seminars, and find ways to promote healthy life-

styles. More information can be found at https://www.womenshealth.gov/.

31st is World No Tobacco Day & Senior Health and Fitness Day

Perhaps you could have a reward program for trying to quite that last cigarette or you could encourage local exercise clubs to reach out to your participants and other older Americans. Whatever you decide, encouraging SCSEP participants and other seniors to have a better quality of life is always a good thing. http://www.fitnessday.com/senior/, http://www.who.int/campaigns/no-tobacco- day/2017/event/en/

June National Aphasia Awareness Month

Aphasia is any one of numerous communication disorders affecting one’s ability to communicate or understand language. It is most common among older Americans and most commonly caused by a stroke though any other source of neurological damage can also induce this condition. Subgrantees should be mindful of participants who might suffer this affliction and make all reasonable accommodations. It would also be prudent to direct them to other resources that may be able to assist them with coping strategies. For more information, please consult: https://www.aphasia.org/

Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month

It is important during this time that subgrantees learn potential signs of this condition and how to best advise participants to seek help. Any local opportunities to raise awareness of or funding for the treatment of this condition should definitely be explored. More information available here: http://www.alz.org/abam/

National Safety Month

Injury is easy to achieve on the job, as nearly 1300 Americans each day can tell you. Many of these

accidents are avoidable with proper foreknowledge. Subgrantees are encouraged to hold seminars

and distribute literature to aid participants in being safe and successful in the workplace. For more

information, http://bit.ly/1WuTpfZ.

Men’s Health Month

Subgrantees are encouraged to hold exercise class, seminars, and find ways to promote healthy life-

styles. More information can be found at http://bit.ly/24OjkyV.

15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Sometimes caregivers take advantage of the position they are in and become abusive. It is important to remain vigilant for any signs of abuse and to encourage others to do so as well. http:// eldermistreatment.usc.edu/

July National Minority Mental Health Month

Many American minorities live with some mental health condition. Because of community pressure or personal decision, some choose not to seek help. If some of our participants are dealing with such conditions without treatment, it is important to communicate that it is ok to ask for help. For more information on mental health issues and this particular month, visit: https://www.nami.org/Get- Involved/Awareness-Events/National-Minority-Mental-Health-Awareness-Month

Social Wellness Month

Humans, being social creatures, need a network of people to thrive. Not only do social networks allow us to better communicate but there is research suggesting that the health outcomes of those who maintain a social network are greater than those without. Subgrantees need not use the name social wellness month as such phraseology can be off-putting to older generations. The important thing is to help participants feel connected to other people. Maybe have a block party for the participants or have a day where the local community can become acquainted with SCSEP participants. Even just a few munts having a quite chat and letting them know you care can go a long way. For more information on this month, visit: https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/july-social- wellness-month

Parks and Recreation Month

This July, discover your super powers at your local parks and recreation centers! When we work

together to further health and wellness, conservation and social equity efforts, awesome things hap-

pen! For more information, www.nrpa.org/july/.

August National Immunization Awareness Month

The risk of Pneumococcal Pneumonia, Influenza, and Shingles is something older Americans have to

be especially vigilant about. Even vaccinations they may have already received years ago may have

worn off as diseases adapt. That is why it is important for subgrantees to encourage participants to

not only get the yearly influenza inoculations but also check to ensure they are still immunized

against such diseases such as tetanus and hepatitis. For more information, please consult: https://

www.nphic.org/niam; https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/events/niam.html

MedicAlert Awareness Month

Emergency personnel only have minutes to act. Medial allergies, blood type, and other questions

need to be answered immediately. Thankfully there exists a bracelet or necklace that will let them

know some of this vital information. Now working with this month may not be the easiest think as

some are reluctant to just have personal information that openly available. They may also feel this

marks them in some way. Passive measures such as simply ensuring that our participants are aware

of how to obtain such a bracelet and possibly arranging a date when a representative of the

MedicAlert foundation can be available to answer any questions or arrange bracelets for

participants without them are advised. More information at:

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2004/07/ prweb144829.htm

September

National Senior Center Month

Many of our participants, present and future, reside in these centers. They benefit from congregate meals, transportation services, and education services. Subgrantees are encouraged to work with local senior centers during this month to find ways of celebrating their mutual aid to the community. For more information, https://www.ncoa.org/national-institute-of-senior-centers/economic- security-senior-centers/

National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month

Many of our participants have and continue to suffer from addiction. While we cannot help every- one into their recovery, it is important that participants and subgrantees know it is never too late to find help. Activities that subgrantees and look into include hosting recovery meetings, making sure recovery related literature is visible and available, encouraging participants to engage in activities to help those in recovery. For more information, https://recoverymonth.gov/

Healthy Aging Month-American Academy of Ophthalmology

One sixth of Americans 65 and older suffer from a vision impairment that cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. With our participant population in this category, subgrantees are encouraged to work with local optometrists to help raise awareness of these issues. The more our participants know about what signs to look for concerning the onset of vision loss, the better prepared they will be to care for their sight. More information at, https://www.aao.org/newsroom/observances

Active Aging Week: 24th-30th

Initiated by the International Council of Active Aging, Active Aging Week celebrates aging and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle. Subgrantees are encouraged to celebrate this week with such activities as group walks and exercise classes. For more information, http://activeagingweek.com/ FAQs.php

National Employ Older Workers Week: 24th-30th

Held annually in September, this week recognizes the role of older workers in our workforce. Sub- grantees should avail themselves of every opportunity to promote recognition of SCSEPS efforts in this area. As an example, convincing your governor to issue a proclamation recognizing National Employ Older Workers week and SCSEP: http://news.sd.gov/newsitem.aspx?id=18297

Food Safety Education Month

Did you know that 48 million Americans get sick from foodborne bacteria each year? Food safety is

extremely important for older adults. Adults 65 and older are at an increased risk of serious

complications from food poisoning, like hospitalization and death, because their weakened immune

systems and changes to their bodies as they age. Visit FoodSafety.gov for more information.

The 18th is National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day

Over 1 million Americans are living with HIV and the number is growing. According to the Centers

for Disease Control and Prevention, 31% percent of people living with HIV nationwide are over the

age of 50. Moreover, research indicates that by 2015 half of the people living with HIV in the U.S.

will be over more than 50 years old. For more information, http://bit.ly/1HaZi67.

22nd is National Falls Prevention Awareness Day

The first day of fall, marks the 9th annual National Falls Prevention Awareness Day, sponsored by

the National Council on Aging (NCOA). Falls are the leading cause of injury related emergency

department visits for older adults, the major cause of hip fractures, and responsible for more than

half of fatal head injuries. The event raises awareness about how to prevent fall-related injuries

among older adults. The official social media hashtag is #FPAD2017. For more information, http://

bit.ly/1IpP4D2.

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October Health Literacy Month

There is a lot of information on health these days and not everyone is familiar with how to interpret for their own needs. Our participants, especially, should be aware of how to best look after their health and understand information related to it. Subgrantees may celebrate this month by hosting health literacy workshops, seminars on how to promote wellness, and encouraging others to spread awareness of issues regarding health literacy. More information at: http:// www.healthliteracymonth.org/

Residents’ Rights Month

It is unfortunate that many of nations older Americans have to have suffer from substandard and

rapacious care in their long term residences. Many are not aware of their rights or whom they can

reach out to for aid in protecting those rights. Subgrantees are encouraged to spread awareness of

the rights of residents in such facilities and perhaps partner with local advocacy groups. For more

information, http://bit.ly/2oOsE9i.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Observed each October, NDEAM celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities and

educates about the value of a diverse workforce inclusive of their skills and talents. For more

information, visit http://bit.ly/2pBz9iw.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second most common cancer

diagnosed in women in the United States, following skin cancer. Our older participants are also at

an in- creased risk due to age. Early detection and understanding of this condition should be

encouraged by all subgrantees. For more information, http://bit.ly/1sdgpkt.

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November

National Career Development Month

For those who want to launch new career in their golden years, every ounce of aid we can give is of value. During the National Career Development month, the National Career Development Association (NCDA) encourages its local chapters celebrate with career related activities. Subgrantees are encouraged to work with their local NCDA chapter on events to help seniors who wish to launch that second career. Information on this month and local contacts is available here: http:// www.ncda.org/aws/NCDA/pt/sp/ncdmonth

National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month

Every November, the Alzheimer’s Foundation encourages people to wear purple to help raise awareness of this disease. Not only can subgrantees engage in this practice but also join in efforts to raise funding. Perhaps by cosponsoring a local walk or ensuring that participants are on the lookout signs of this disease in themselves and those close to them. For more information, please consult

with your local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association: http://www.alz.org/

National Family Caregivers Month

Our Nation was founded on the fundamental ideal that we all do better when we look out for one another, and every day, millions of Americans from every walk of life balance their own needs with those of their loved ones as caregivers. During National Family Caregivers Month, we reaffirm our support for those who give of themselves to be there for their family, friends, and neighbors in challenging times, and we pledge to carry forward the progress we have made in our health care system and workplaces to give caregivers the resources and flexibility they need. For more information, go to: http://bit.ly/1NmHJ8b.

Native American Heritage Month

As the First Americans, Native Americans have helped shape the future of the United States through every turn of our history. Today, American Indians and Alaska Natives embrace open-ended possibility and are determining their own destinies. During National Native American Heritage Month, we pledge to maintain the meaningful partner- ships we have with tribal nations, and we renew our commitment to our nation-to- nation relation- ships as we seek to give all our children the future they deserve. For more information, go to: http://nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov/about/.

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Diabetes Awareness Month

Observed every November, this month is an important time to focus our nation’s attention on the

disease and the tens of millions of people affected by it. Diabetes disproportionately affects older

adults. Approximately 25% of Americans over the age of 60 years have diabetes. For more

information, see: http://bit.ly/2aJazD0.

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December Identity Theft Protection Month

There are many threats lurking to our identities that older Americans may not be savvy too. That is

why it is important to communicate the importance of information security to them. The American

Bankers Association has provided a short guide on identity protection: http://www.aba.com/

Consumers/Pages/Protect-ID.aspx. A more proactive step subgrantees can take is to investigate if

their state or local government offers a free mass document disposal day. Many documents are

simply thrown away because access to a shredder and the time to make full use of these devices is

not readily available for the individual. Subgrantees can also explore the mass document destruction

services offered through UPS if government sources are not readily available: https://

www.theupsstore.com/store-services/shredding

National Drunk & Drugged Driving Prevention Month

No person should suffer the tragedy of losing someone as a result of drunk, drugged, or distracted

driving, but for far too long the danger of impaired driving has robbed people of the comfort of

knowing that when they or a loved one leaves home they will return safely. Impaired driving puts

drivers, passengers, and pedestrians at risk, and each year it claims the lives of thousands of

Americans. During National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, we recommit to preventing these

incidents by acting responsibly and by promoting responsible behavior in those around us.

Together, we can enhance public safety and work to ensure a happy, healthy life for all our people.

For more information, go to: http://bit.ly/1lHwjD9.