Meet Corrine
Raised in rural Montana, Corinne was never afraid of hard work. In fact, she credits her strong work ethic to growing up on the family ranch. Like many young adults, Corinne got married and raised a family with her husband. She even planned on getting her college degree, but family health circumstances prevented that from happening. She worked steadily with jobs in health care and administrative fields, always striving to challenge herself in her career.
In retirement, she suddenly found herself in an unexpected situation where she needed a bit more income—something most people never plan on in their retirement years. That’s when a friend told her about Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP).
By this time, Corinne wished for more than simply a job. She also desired to learn current job skills. She jumped in, taking the initiative to learn new computer and office skills. While in SCSEP, she learned valuable on-the-job knowledge at the local senior center, which is a partner agency with Easterseals-Goodwill.
Easterseals-Goodwill provides SCSEP services in the states of Idaho, Montana, Utah and select eastern Oregon counties. In addition to working with job seekers age 55+ on updating their skills, we also partner with local non-profit and government agencies to provide vital on-the-job work experience for participants. It’s a win-win for both the agencies and our participants.
“SCSEP has not only really helped me financially, but it has also enhanced my self-confidence,” says Corinne. Older job seekers often are intimidated by today’s job market, especially those who have limited job experience or who have spent most of their adult lives raising children and caring for elderly parents. They often don’t realize that they have many valuable skills that employers are looking for, like reliability.
Corinne’s work ethic is on display daily at her current job at Easterseals-Goodwill. Since 2021, she’s been a part-time receptionist at our headquarters in Great Falls, Montana. “Corinne has shown dependability and excellence in everything she has been tasked to do at our receptionist’s desk,” said SCSEP employment specialist, Jody Kalafat. She also excels at customer service, and is kind and welcoming to staff, clients, and the public.
Corinne speaks highly of the job training SCSEP provided, along with the social atmosphere of Easterseals-Goodwill headquarters. She also appreciates the flexibility this job gives her to help, alongside her sisters, to care for their 94-year-old father. “It’s been the absolute best for me,” she adds.