The funding provided by the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), which provides training and/or employment for low-income, unemployed seniors, has been temporarily paused starting July 1, according to an email obtained by the Ball State Daily News from the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.
SCSEP "provides over 40 million community service hours to public and non-profit agencies," and "participants work an average of 20 hours a week and are paid the highest of federal, state or local minimum wage," according to the programs website.
The prior mentioned email stated that SCSEP participants are not eligible for unemployment benefits, and that no job seeker can report to their training site, even to volunteer, due to federal regulations.
At the Muncie Delaware County Senior Citizens Center, the lack of SCSEP funding means its entire contracted staff is currently out of work and, according to a post made on the centers social media, a temporary closure of Edie's Boutique and Thrift, which is ran inside the center.
"I want to assure you that the Muncie Senior Center is not closing. All scheduled events, programs, and groups will continue as planned, and we remain committed to serving our community with the same warmth and vibrancy you've come to expect," Executive Director Julie Meares said via the centers social media.
The post continued, "urgently" requesting volunteers to assist and support the center during this time.
Muncie Councilwoman Ro Selvey provided the Daily News with a press release June 28, addressing the centers "funding crisis," calling on the community to take action. The full release is below.
"As a Councilwoman serving the City of Muncie, I am deeply concerned about the recent layoffs at the Delaware County Senior Citizens Center due to delayed and diminished federal funding. This facility is more than a building—it is a vital hub of friendship, resources, meals, and care for our older residents. When these centers lose staffing, our seniors lose connection, support, and often their only source of daily interaction.
The root of this issue stems from federal funding shortfalls, particularly related to the Older Americans Act (OAA) and other key senior services programs that Congress is currently reviewing as part of the federal budget process. These cuts are unacceptable and have real, painful consequences here at home.
I call on every Muncie and Delaware County resident to take the following actions today:
- Contact your elected federal officials and ask them to fully fund senior services and protect Older Americans Act programs:
- Senator Todd Young: (202) 224-5623 www.young.senate.gov
- Senator Jim Banks: (202) 224-4814 www.banks.senate.gov
- Representative Greg Pence (IN-6): (202) 225-3021 www.pence.house.gov...
We must act now. Our seniors deserve better than silence and uncertainty. I stand firmly with them — and I hope you will too."
The Ball State Daily News reached out to the SCSEP program via email June 24, but has not yet received a response.
This story may be updated with new information when available.
Contact the Ball State Daily News via email at editor@bsudailynews.com.
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