At age 68, James George—previously a caterer—had a desire to gain office experience. James specifically had a desire to put his warm personality to work in an effort to help others.

“Although his [James’] background is in the restaurant business and his technical office skills were minimal, he asked if he could be assigned to a host agency that helps people. James felt that … [he] would be very helpful to a host agency as he was learning new office skills,” states Henri Villalovoz, Director of Sourcewise Senior Employment Services.

Henri continues, “Silicon Valley Independent Living Center (SVILC) interviewed James and agreed to accept him…while providing supervised on-the-job training. James has now been assigned to SVILC for eight months and is very appreciated by SVILC’s management.”

James is happy to help people who appreciate him. He is thrilled with the Senior Employment Program, stating, “Sourcewise is kind of a life saver! I applied to several different positions and ran into dead ends. Then I saw an ad in the Metro and met with Sara and Wendy [of the Sourcewise Senior Employment Program.] They are truly wonderful and helpful.”

The Senior Community Services Employment Program (SCSEP) provides on-the-job training assignments at local community based organizations with a goal of transitioning to unsubsidized job placement. SCSEP provides employment opportunities for eligible low-income, unemployed seniors (age 55+) residing in Santa Clara County.

The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging states that local agencies such as Sourcewise have created a supportive opportunity to expand, train, and value the senior workforce to realize the economic benefits of aging in place.

Learn more about Senior Employment Services: (408) 350-3200, option 5.