VANTAGE Aging Staff Members Receive Trauma Informed Care Training

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Columbus, OH (April 9, 2021) – VANTAGE Aging’s Senior Community Service Employment  Program (SCSEP) has linked to Ohio’s Office of Opportunities for New Americans’ network to  better reach Ohio’s immigrant and refugee populations. VANTAGE connected with entities that help new and current immigrants reduce and eliminate barriers that impede immigrants’ integration into society and economic success.

VANTAGE Aging SCSEP Project Directors completed trauma informed care training offered by the Franklin County Family and Children First Council. This training is especially beneficial for the SCSEP team, who serve individuals age 55+ preparing to re-enter the workforce. One  barrier to employment for some SCSEP participants and for some New Americans may be past traumas.

“Although we can’t know all of the life experiences of any individual, we do know certain  experiences can stand in the way of progress and pursuing new opportunities. As a result, we invite people to utilize a ‘universal care’ model that acknowledges the role trauma may play in  an individual’s life – including pursuing employment,” said Director of Franklin County Family and Children First Council Jane E Whyde.

“VANTAGE SCSEP partners with people, data, and, most importantly, the brain,” said Kate  Harkin, Director of SCSEP. “As the wondrous functions of the brain become more and more  available and understandable, we utilize this new knowledge to improve what we do and how to  guide our participants to achieve their goals and aspirations.”

The initiative is one more example of how VANTAGE Aging provides high-quality programs to empower the economic, social, physical, and mental well-being of adults as they age.

For more information about SCSEP, contact Kate Harkin at 614-586-1975.

About VANTAGE Aging 

VANTAGE Aging provides high-quality programs to empower the economic, social, physical,  and mental well-being of adults as they age. Non-medical in-home care is provided by Home  Wellness Solutions. Job training for low-income adults age 55 and older is offered through the  Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). Evidenced-based volunteering to  meet local and national needs is provided by RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program)  volunteers. Meals on Wheels of Northeast Ohio provides home-delivered and congregate meals  to provide nutritional support to the homebound and disabled. Behavioral health services  administered by the Blick Center. Overall, VANTAGE’s programs come together to offer a path  for positive aging. Founded in 1975 as a senior citizen program, VANTAGE has since become an independent, nationally respected organization with offices throughout the state. For more  information, call 330-253-4597 or visit www.vantageaging.org.

MEDIA CONTACT

Amina Hall
Director of Community Engagement
VANTAGE Aging
330-253-4597 x160
ahall@vantageaging.org