More than 100 North Alabama seniors will soon go to work, thanks to a grant received this week by the Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments, or TARCOG.

The $683,439 grant, awarded by Senior Service America, will provide temporary employment to 115 people living in Limestone, Madison, Marshall, DeKalb and Jackson counties.

The workers are enrolled in the Senior Community Service Employment Program, which is part of the Older Americans Act. The program is open to those 55 and older who are not job ready and have tough employment challenges.

“This program delivers a triple win for older adults and the whole community,” said Nancy Robertson, TARCOG executive director.

Specific agencies to receive funding include the Limestone County Department of Human Resources, Huntsville/Madison County Senior Center, Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama, North Sand Mountain School in Jackson County.

“We are very pleased to continue our support of the Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments for the 21st consecutive year,” said Gary A. Officer, Senior Service America executive director.

Senior Service America is the second-largest U.S. Department of Labor National Grantee of SCSEP.

About SCSEP

SCSEP, the only federal job training program focused exclusively on helping low income seniors, “promotes personal dignity and self-sufficiency through work,” the release said. It allows eligible persons to participate for up to only four years, but the average tenure nationally is 18 months.

“Its temporary part-time community service jobs provide a hand-up, not a handout for older, unemployed low-income Americans,” the release said.

Other benefits include older workers staying healthy by remaining connected to the community.

“Older Alabamians are fortunate to be given the opportunity to work and transform their lives through SCSEP,” the release said.

For more information, visit www.seniorserviceamerica.org.