CMHS Consumer Affairs E-News
November 13, 2002, Vol. 02-85

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR ANNOUNCES COMPETITION FOR GRANTS TO SERVE SENIORS

Competition Underscores Department's Commitment to Helping Low-Income Seniors

The Department of Labor has announced that the Employment and Training Administration (ETA) will administer a $342 million grant competition for the Senior Community Services Employment Programs. The competition will promote part-time employment opportunities in community service activities for unemployed, low-income individuals 55 years of age and older to increase prospects for their economic self-sufficiency. This new grant competition will not cause any senior currently participating in the program to lose service.

Under the program, participants usually work at community service agencies for 20 hours a week and are paid the higher of the Federal or State minimum wage. The program typically serves approximately 100,000 participants per year and is authorized through 2005.

This is the first time these grant funds will be awarded on a competitive basis. The competition for the funds was made possible through amendments to the Older Americans Act passed in 2000 and is designed to infuse the program with new and innovative ideas to improve its efficiency so more seniors can be served. The competition also allows current grantees the option of proposing an expansion, redesign or consolidation of the services they offer and the areas they serve.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for us to expand and improve services to seniors. Workers 55 and older are an increasingly important part of our workforce, with much to contribute to the economic health of our communities and our nation. We need to ensure the resources we have to assist them are used in the most effective and efficient manner," said ETA Assistant Secretary Emily Stover DeRocco.

Applicants may apply to receive a grant under one or more of three categories:

• General National Grant Funds - Applications will be accepted from public and private nonprofit agencies and organizations, including faith-based and community organizations and tribal organizations which have familiarity with the areas and populations to be served and that can administer an effective program.
  
  
• Indian and Native American Grant Funds - Applications will be accepted from public or nonprofit national Indian aging organizations with the ability to provide employment services to older Indians.
  
  
• Pacific Island and Asian American National Grant Funds - Applications will be accepted from national public or non-profit Pacific Island and Asian American aging organizations with the ability to provide employment to older Pacific Island and Asian Americans.

Entities may apply as a consortium, but each member of the consortium must meet all eligibility and responsibility tests. It is anticipated that 10 to 20 grants will be awarded including at least one award to an Indian and Native American organization and at least one to an Asian Pacific Islander organization. No request for funds may be for less than $6 million, which provides for approximately 840 positions.

All applications must be received by the U.S. Department of Labor by February 6, 2003.