By Stephen Smoot
Last week, the Region Eight Economic Planning and Development Council shared that a program in suspension due to federal funds not coming through has returned, at least until June 30.
The Senior Community Service Employment Program’s fate became uncertain earlier this year as the Trump Administration reviewed federal spending in the context of how to reduce a $37 trillion national debt.
According to the United States Department of Labor, the SCSEP “is a community service and work-based job training program for older Americans.” It “provides training for low-income, unemployed seniors” who expand their job skills through internships at public, non-profit, and other employers. Participants usually can work up to 20 hours per week and receive the highest level of minimum wage, whether federal, state, or local.
Melsissa Earle, Executive Director of Region Eight, stated that it’s “beneficial for participants and the agencies.”
In early October, Region Eight received word that funding had finally been released. By the end of the month, federal officials shared through a Zoom call how the program would proceed. Since the funding covers the period of July 1 2025 through June 30, 2026, but funds did not come until November, participants can work more hours and earn more money by doing so.
When funding got suspended, the previous director of the program, resigned to assume another role elsewhere. Earle stated that Carla Dent agreed to help direct the program on an interim basis while Sharon Miley would assist in a part-time capacity. “Until future funding is secure,” said Earle, “a new program director will not be hired to fill the position.”
Also “all participants have been notified of the continuation of the program, and most have returned to work.” Earle added that they were excited to do so.
Earle also shared the correspondence received by Region Eight. One of the more significant informed the Council that the Mon Forest Towns Partnership Strategic Plan is ending its final year of implementation. Mon Forest Towns in the area include Franklin, Seneca Rocks, and Petersburg.
Region Eight will join with the Tri County Council for Western Maryland in a project designed to identify “mixed-use buildings in . . . central business districts” for redevelopment and, if possible, use to address community issues. Since the counties on both sides of the Potomac River share a number of challenges, all saw benefit in joining efforts. The Appalachian Regional Commission is leading on the project.
Earle also noted that the United States Economic Development Administration has recently encouraged such partnerships that cross state lines.
