44 slots available for elderly who want to join workforce

Some 44 senior citizens on Saipan will have the opportunity to join the workforce in connection with the title fight program of the Older Americans Act.

Deputy Secretary Melvin O. Faisal of the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs said this program aims to enhance and promote self-sufficiency among elderly individuals.

With the business community realizing that older citizens could still be reliable members of the workforce, Faisal said this would give the man’amko a chance to prove that they can adapt to the changing needs of businesses.

Faisal said a total of 44 recipients—23 from Saipan, 10 on Tinian, and 11 on Rota—would be able to participate in the program.

“We are currently working with business establishments and government agencies for them to accommodate the senior citizens who are qualified,” Faisal said.

It was U.S. Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, that led the effort to pass the 2009 fiscal year Labor, Health and Human Services and Education spending bill.

The OAA is essential for the delivery of social support, nutritional and caregiving services for America’s seniors, including the information and referral services that are the backbone of OAA programs, senior nutrition programs, and elder abuse programs. This year’s spending bill provides a total $1.48 billion for OAA initiatives, including, $571.9 million for the Senior Community Service Employment Program, $350 million.

This program helps seniors gain employment in community service settings such as Meals on Wheels programs, senior centers and public libraries.

There are over 300 senior citizens on CNMI: 143 are active and are receiving the so-called congregate meal, which means they are able to get their supplies at the Office On Aging regularly.

There are also a total of 194 in the homebound category, which means the recipients are pre-diagnosed and could not personally visit the center.

Meanwhile, the Rotary Club of Saipan will sponsor a luncheon for the senior citizens on Monday Nov. 25 (not Saipan Grand Hotel as earlier reported). The Rotarians will be the second group to treat the man’amko to a special lunch for this year’s Thanksgiving Day.

Last Wednesday, Fiesta Resort and Spa treated them to lunch and songs and dances at the center.