Seniors In the Community: A Personal Story

Purscilla Roberts
Published: April 8, 2014

My name is Purscilla Roberts. I am 67 years old and reside in the Auburn Gresham community. I have lived and raised my family in the Auburn Gresham community for over 42 years. I have been an independent, responsible person and always have shown love towards others in need. I have worked in the medical field for over 40 years.

Due to health reasons, I could no longer work. In 2013, I went to the Greater Auburn-Gresham Development Corporation on 79th Street and spoke with Sheenita Robinson. She greeted me very lovingly. I asked if they had any positions available because I was looking for work. She said, "Not at this time." I asked if I could do some volunteer work and she said, "Yes."

She gave me an opportunity to put in an application with the Chicago Historic Bungalow Association. I received a refrigerator and an air conditioner from them - two things I needed at the time. And while I volunteered I signed up for another program called SARFS (Small Accessible Repairs For Seniors). I also found out about the Easter Seals program through them and am working in the office as a Front Office Assistant and I am very grateful. This office has enhanced my ability and knowledge of working as an administrative assistant. I have received, and count this opportunity as one of, many blessings from my GOD, JEHOVAH.

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Easter Seals' Senior Community Service Employment Program is a U.S. Department of Labor program that provides low-income, unemployed individuals, age 55 and older, with temporary work experiences and job training that help them find permanent employment in their communities. Easter Seals is a national SCSEP provider with programs in eight states: Alabama, Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon and Utah.

Keywords: easter 2014, Easter Seals, hiring seniors, seniors