Barrie Yochim, executive director of Jamestown Meals on Wheels, and Linda Spaulding, Project Director of SCSEP, Chautauqua County Office for the Aging. P-J photo by Carly Gould

Barrie Yochim, executive director of the Meals on Wheels Program of the Jamestown Area, received the “Employer of the Year Award” recently from Linda Spaulding, project director of the Chautauqua County Office for the Aging Senior Community Service Employment Program.

Becky Blum, nutrition director from the Office for the Aging also presented the award. The recognition occurred during the 50 years of service to central and southern Chautauqua County celebration at the Doubletree Hilton, Jamestown.

Spaulding explained that the Jamestown Meals on Wheels Program which is a host site for mature workers, is an ideal place where the participants love to be. They experience a strong commitment to serving the community. In addition, a genuine program advantage is that Yochim hires the trainees when an opening occurs.

Local employment and training opportunities are available for those who wish to enter the workforce. The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) places and pays individuals at various not for profit or government sites. This program which is administered locally by the Chautauqua County Office for the Aging, uses Department of Labor Funds through Senior Service America, Inc.

SCSEP participants are able to improve their skills and have the advantage of current work.

They also provide valuable community service to the site where they are working, such as the Jamestown Meals on Wheels Program.

For more information about SCSEP you may call Linda Spaulding directly at the Chautauqua County Office for the Aging, 753-4856.