Statewide awards presented in recognition of National Employ Older Workers Week

For Immediate Release:
Sept. 26, 2025

Media Contact:
Lisa Cox
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
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JEFFERSON CITY, MO -- In recognition of National Employ Older Workers Week, statewide awards were presented in the Missouri Capitol Rotunda on Sept. 24 by Lieutenant Governor David Wasinger and representatives of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS). Award categories included Host Agency of the Year and Participant of the Year for the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) as well as Missouri's Outstanding Older Worker.

Across Missouri and the nation, workers aged 55 and older now make up nearly one-quarter of the workforce-and that number continues to grow.

Kristin Davis serves as the Deputy Chief of the Bureau of Senior Programs for DHSS and as the State Director for the Senior Community Service Employment Program.

"These individuals are not only filling vital roles; they bring decades of experience, wisdom, and perspective that enrich their workplaces," said Davis. "Older workers serve as mentors, role models, and stabilizing forces. At a time when many industries face labor shortages, their reliability, problem-solving, and strong work ethic are making a real difference in keeping our communities and our economy strong."

Missouri's Outstanding SCSEP Host Agency of the Year: Unfailing Love Christian Church

Pastor Jason Barney serves as the head pastor of Unfailing Love Christian Church, and for more than four years, has provided SCSEP participants with opportunities to gain skills in customer service, clerical work, janitorial services and maintenance. Under his leadership, many individuals have been given a supportive environment to grow and succeed. Nominator Paula Barney shared, "Pastor Barney recognized how many seniors were struggling to make ends meet and also had a wealth of knowledge and skills to share. His commitment to uplifting seniors demonstrates his heart for service and his ability to create meaningful opportunities that transform lives."

Missouri's Outstanding SCSEP Participant of the Year: Theresa Holmes

Nominated by her host agency supervisor, Pastor Jason Barney, Theresa Holmes brought enthusiasm and determination to her training at the Love Ministry Community Resource Center, a ministry of Unfailing Love Christian Church. She quickly mastered every task given to her and is now working to create standard operating procedures to ensure smooth operations for the organization. Pastor Barney stated, "[Theresa] shows up faithfully every day, going above and beyond her assigned duties to ensure that the shelter runs smoothly and provides a safe, welcoming environment. Her commitment to excellence has greatly enhanced our operations and the quality of service we provide to vulnerable individuals in our community."

Missouri's Outstanding Older Worker of the Year: Harold Creed

In addition to recognizing organizations and individuals involved in the SCSEP program, nominations were solicited for Outstanding Older Worker of the Year. This statewide program honors a Missouri resident who is 55 or older, is employed at least 20 hours a week, and displays dependability and new skills on the job.

Nominated by his wife, Judy, Harold Creed has been employed at Schulte's Fresh Foods for 54 years. Even after retiring in 2018, he returned shortly thereafter to work part-time. Over the years, he has trained more than 1,000 employees-many of them young people starting their very first jobs-and has left a lasting mark on every one of them. Mrs. Creed wrote, "Harold has always been very responsible. His favorite saying to the kids was 'If you're on time, you're late.' His knowledge and mentorship have always been excellent."

Annually occurring the last week of September, National Employ Older Workers Week is led by the U.S. Department of Labor and recognizes the vital role of older workers in the workforce. It aims to increase awareness of this labor segment and develop innovative strategies to tap it. It also showcases the SCSEP.

SCSEP: Missouri's Senior Community Service Employment Program recognizes the value of older workers in our workforce and provides job training for individuals aged 55 or older who wish to enter or reenter the workforce but need a little extra training to do so. The purpose of the program is to provide job skill training for the participants and to provide needed support to community host agencies, which consist of not-for-profit 501(c)(3) or governmental agencies. Host agencies benefit by having someone who is subsidized by the SCSEP program, helping them fill positions they could not afford to pay for on their own.

Individuals interested in learning more about obtaining a paid training assignment and 501(c)(3) or governmental agencies interested in serving as a host agency may contact the department for more information at 573-526-4542 or visit the Missouri's Senior Community Service Employment Program webpage.

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