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A Journey of Resilience: How SCSEP Helped Darlene Reclaim Her Confidence

Darlene’s journey with the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) at FTHRA has been one of transformation and growth. Celebrating one year with the program on September 19, 2024, Darlene has not only gained valuable job skills but has also built the confidence to explore new career paths.

Darlene's story is deeply rooted in her passion for service and helping vulnerable populations. She has always gravitated towards positions where she could make a positive impact, working with various communities and offering a helping hand. However, after moving to Tennessee, the job search process became increasingly difficult, especially with ageism, which made it harder for older job seekers like her to land interviews. Despite her skills and experience, she found herself stuck, submitting countless applications without results.

“I was sending in application after application, but no one called,” she recalls. Frustrated but determined, she applied to SCSEP at FTHRA—a decision that she now says was life-changing. “It was the best decision I made.”

Through SCSEP, Darlene gained hands-on training in essential job skills, from mastering Microsoft Office to completing the Digital Certification Program (DCP). She also received a laptop, a year of paid internet, and a Coursera license to continue her education—valuable tools that allowed her to thrive in her new role at Good Samaritan Ministries in Johnson City. At GSM, Darlene serves as a case manager, working one-on-one with individuals in need to help them secure housing, food, medical assistance, and other vital resources. The experience has given her even more perspective on how fulfilling it is to be in a role that directly benefits others.

Her time at Good Samaritan has also inspired her to consider a future career in social work, a field where she could continue making a difference in people’s lives. "I love helping people and giving back to the community," she said, reflecting on the impact she has already made.

Darlene is now job-hunting again as her SCSEP placement at Good Samaritan comes to an end, but this time, she feels prepared and confident. “SCSEP gave me the tools I needed to feel confident, not only in my job search but in my ability to contribute meaningfully at work.”

Her advice to others considering joining SCSEP? “Start now. My only regret is not starting sooner when I first moved to Tennessee.”

Darlene is an advocate for the program, telling everyone she can about SCSEP and how it has positively changed her life. "It's a great program that deserves more recognition," she says.

Through SCSEP, Darlene has not only gained employment skills but has also reclaimed her sense of purpose, proving that it’s never too late to build confidence and make a difference.

Senior Community Service Employment Program

 

First TN Human Resource Agency

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