Narrative: b. 1. C.

Strong community networks are essential to the success of SCSEP.  Grantees and sub-grantees work to develop connections in local communities to both recruit participants, and to find services and host agencies that other public and private entities may provide.  Sub-grantees partner with local and state government offices that serve the older population, housing programs, churches, food banks, veterans’ services programs, DARS and disability service programs, and health care organizations to identify needs in the community, and to reach out to potential participants and host agencies.

Grantees and sub-grantees participate in meetings, both on a state and local level, as appropriate, with senior service providers.  These include both public and private entities.  SCSEP partners coordinate with these programs to serve our participants more effectively and efficiently.  The recent push for “person-centered” case coordination has shown that to address one challenge an older person may be having, providers need to coordinate and ensure all the person’s needs are being met.  That may include housing, health care, mental health or substance abuse counseling, transportation, and continuing education or training.

SCSEP providers do focus on the Most in Need factors when partnering with public and private entities.  SCSEP providers are tasked to provide priority services to those who meet one or more of the following criteria:

•  Veteran, or qualifying spouse of veteran
•  65 years old or older
•  Has a disability
•  Homeless, or at risk for homelessness
•  Limited English proficiency
•  Low literacy
•  Lives in a rural area
•  Lives in an area designated as having persistent  unemployment
•  Frail
•  Low employment prospects

Recruitment efforts and partnerships are planned around that list of criteria.  For instance, a sub-grantee may partner with a local homeless shelter to identify potential participants receiving services.  Sub-grantees work with partners in vocational rehabilitation programs to offer services to people with disabilities who meet SCSEP’s eligibility criteria.  Partnerships are established with local veterans’ groups and agencies that provide services to veterans to recruit that population.  Public and private partnerships are made with the most in need factors in mind.  Cross-referral methods are also established, so that providers can connect individuals with all the services they may need.

Grantees and sub-grantees will continue to coordinate with local, state, and federal transportation providers to assess need and to develop solutions for transportation issues.  This is a challenge that every locality has, but solutions are minimal in rural areas.

Use of 211 Virginia (the Commonwealth’s 24-hour information and referral service) and other directories identify entities and programs in the community that provide referrals and support services for seniors.  These directories are especially helpful for transition services, when a participant’s durational limit is approaching, and project staff are working with the individual to develop a transition assessment and IEP.

Grantees and sub-grantees will continue to network with local faith-based organizations to conduct outreach to SCSEP-eligible individuals, and to connect participants with services that these organizations may provide.

Grantees and sub-grantees have had success establishing partnerships with local community colleges.  Often workforce offices are in the community colleges, which is convenient for participants looking into workforce programs, and for those who are interested in continuing education.  Community colleges have been an invaluable partner for adult education, particularly in developing computer training for seniors.  Adult education centers also provide GED training and testing, which many participants need. Even entry-level jobs often require, at minimum, a high school diploma or GED. 

The state program was offered a demonstration grant in 2020 and chose to focus on digital literacy courses designed specifically for older adults.  Computer skills are essential in today’s labor force; even applying for jobs generally takes place on websites.  Older adults who do not have basic digital literacy skills are at a clear disadvantage when seeking employment. Sub-grantees have noted that “beginner” level computer classes at community colleges or other entities often assume a basic level of knowledge that many participants do not have.  Sub-grantees that participated with this demonstration grant partnered with adult education partners, community colleges, and library partners to provide courses based on the Northstar Digital Literacy platform.  Classes were kept small so that instructors could provide needed hands-on support.  The program was successful, with most participants reporting initial reticence to attend, but increased confidence and skills as the program continued.  Although this program will end on December 31, 2023, DARS has incorporated this model into their Additional Training and Supportive Services waiver and has shared the model with national SCSEP grantees and other state SCSEP grantees.

Sub-grantees also partner with local medical providers to offer participants the annual physical exam benefit.  Goodwill, Inc., was able to partner with Med Express to provide physicals at the same cost to the provider, regardless of location in the Commonwealth.

Grantees and sub-grantees are also working with re-entry groups who aid those leaving the prison system. Goodwill partners with Valleys Re-Entry program, and the state program partners with OAR. Sub-grantees have noted an increase in the number of employers who are willing to work with a participant who may have a criminal record, which is an encouraging development.

State and national grantees also utilize each other as active partners.  Goodwill has developed considerable online resources for job seekers, and each grantee and sub-grantee has developed a network of partners. By sharing information and cross-referral, grantees ensure that they work together to best use resources, rather than compete for resources.  This is particularly important in rural areas where there are state and national slot overlap and limited resources and host agencies.