AARP Foundation SCSEP - Spokane, WA

As a SCSEP volunteer, I served in the AARP programs in Spokane and Seattle and in the Rappahannock Agency on Aging's version. In all categories, Dir. Steve Reiter does a super job caring for his volunteers, meeting the goals of the program, and schooling community partners, who host volunteers, about the program goals. Steve makes it clear that "demonstration" service by volunteers is federally funded so seniors may qualify for unsubsidized employment from their host companies or similar ones. At both of the other program installations (Seattle and Fredericksburg) the goal of self-sufficiency as good jobs is not stressed to host employers. Thus, as a matter of course, SCSEP seniors are treated poorly at their hosts sites, when after a few months of service, they pass their first reviews and attempt to secure employment with their host employers. Steve is a great advocate for his volunteers and stands head and shoulders above his peers re mentoring senior workers and promoting SCSE.