Kathy Cruz, 69, is in the midst of a four-year job training program at Chautauqua Adult Day Services in Dunkirk, as a senior aide.

Kathy used to work there several years ago as an aide for the Senior Companion Program, but says in May 2020 amid the pandemic, funding was cut and so was her job.

"It was very depressing because this was like my dream job. I really missed the clients in particular. I felt like I was no good,” Kathy said.

She found herself in a challenging position, like many her age, trying to re-enter the workforce.

"Partly because of my age, you know,” Kathy said. “As you know, not many people hire people at 69, so I was feeling like I wouldn't get a job."

About a year after Kathy was let go, she connected with Denise Wood from Goodwill of Western New York in Buffalo after hearing about the Senior Community Services Employment Program, or SCSEP, a grant-funded initiative from the Department of Labor open to low-income people 55 and older who qualify in Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties looking for part-time work.

"To further their skills, to enhance their skills, or to give them fresh new skills. They struggled to belong and they just want to find a place where they can be part of a community again," Denise Wood, senior community services employment program project director, said.

Denise sat with Kathy to review her qualifications, then placed her back at the day service program.

"We have started a resume with her actually. And I am in contact with her host agency supervisor to make sure that she is actually getting what she wants to learn," Denise said.

Frank Bercik, executive director of the day service program, says Kathy takes part in staff meetings and organizes group activities.

"It's been a great asset having her here,” Frank said. “We've seen since her placement, her growing. She gets satisfaction out of being with the individuals with the program. They enjoy having her there."

"I was on cloud 999,” Kathy said. “I'll tell you. I get to work and feel like I'm a somebody, you know."

Kathy hopes to be hired permanently after her training ends.

Denise Wood can be contacted at 716-854-3494 or dwood@goodwillwny.org.