Narrative: c. 4. C.

SCSEP sub–grantees provided priority and special consideration is extended to individuals with incomes below the poverty level, those with greatest social and/or economic need, eligible minorities, limited English speakers, Native Americans and Veterans, at least in proportion to their numbers in the state and by taking into consideration their rates of poverty and unemployment. SCSEP sub–grantees are monitored at least annually to ensure program participation by those individuals with priority needs.

Minnesota ensures that SCSEP opportunities are spread across cultural, racial, gender and geographic boundaries. Minnesota seeks enrollees with ethnic diversity and limited English proficiency by working with the Community Connectors who provide these populations with translation services and program information to meet their economic needs. Some provide program information by supplying brochures in Spanish, Somali, Hmong, Vietnamese, Lao, Arabic, Russian and English to the Workforce Centers, the Veteran’s Office and each county Family Services Office.

Minnesotans’ have access to the language line and a contract with qualified interpreters services. We provide SCSEP information in diverse forms such as palm cards, and brochures in languages other than English. We also take referrals from other departments within their own agencies (sub–grantees). We display SCSEP posters or brochures at food shelves, senior apartment complexes, senior dining centers and grocery stores. We include this information on agencies’ resources listings and brochures.

All current sub–grantees employ outreach staff who assist locating individuals who are most–in–need of SCSEP services, and the identification of minority participants eligible for the program. In addition, referrals are expected to introduce many prospective participants to the program. Referral sources, which may include County Social Services, Vocational Rehabilitation, Job Service/State Employment Service, Senior Citizens Centers/Groups, Area Agencies on Aging, WIOA programs, community–based organizations, and Minnesota’s Workforce Centers, have been developed and will be continued through staff contact.