Helping older veterans get back in the workforce.
Wayne Bohrn, a U.S. Army veteran, spent decades working in construction after serving in the military. He had a background in technology while serving, working with military missile systems and computers in the 1980s.
In recent years, Wayne found it difficult to keep working in the construction industry. He also faced some health issues. As retirement neared, he struggled to find work. That’s when he sought new opportunities through the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) offered by Easterseals-Goodwill in Idaho for low-income adults ages 55+ seeking work.
As a veteran, Wayne knows how to persevere and work hard. He took full advantage of Easterseals-Goodwill’s SCSEP program once he enrolled. He brushed up on his technology skills by taking online classes. He worked with Easterseals-Goodwill staff to update his resume. He soon started his paid on-the-job training within the SCSEP program helping other older adults in similar situations get help to re-enter the job market.
The SCSEP program has had another unexpected benefit for Wayne: he uses his newly-found tech skills to improve his health and creativity. “I was recently diagnosed with diabetes and high blood pressure,” he shared. “I took online cooking classes that have been a big help, especially learning how to prepare healthy meals that are affordable and last longer. Food prices have skyrocketed, so learning meal planning and budgeting has been really useful.” Wayne has also found online art classes. He took art throughout high school, and is enjoying the opportunity to be creative using a new platform.
SCSEP provides older, low-income adults with paid on-the-job experience at nonprofits or government agencies, helping them build and advance their skills and resumes through real-life work experiences. Simultaneously, participants take classes to improve their skills, get help with resumes, build their confidence, and prepare to enter the job market. “Veterans don’t always know how to leverage their experience in the military when seeking a job, especially if it’s been decades since they served our country,” said Nanette Fisher, Easterseals-Goodwill employment specialist. “We help people be able to talk about how being a veteran makes them a good employee, no matter their age.”
Wayne thoroughly enjoys his job helping people like him. “I’ve never met a stranger—I’ll talk to anyone,” Wayne said with a laugh. “And I love helping people find new ways to learn and grow.”
For more information about this program in Idaho, or if you’re a veteran and would like to find out if you’re eligible to participate, please contact Easterseals-Goodwill at 208-454-8555 or visit www.esgw.org/scsep.