Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

Interview With Sister Therese Grenier

The Division of Older Worker Programs recently had a conversation with Sister Therese Grenier, Chief of Staff and Media Director for the Asociacion Nacional Pro Personas Mayores (ANPPM), one of 13 national SCSEP grantees.

Tell us something about yourself.

I'm a native of Quebec Province in Canada, and a member of the order of the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa, and international community. From 1950-1962, I undertook my first mission to Africa, working the last 9 years of that period in Zambia (then still known as Northern Rhodesia) as principal of a teacher training college.


Pictured from left to right, Otilia Chavarria (ANPPM employee), Sister Therese Grenier, and Marlene Sierra (SCSEP participant)

In 1962, I returned to Canada and began a mission awareness effort, going to different schools around the country to inform and educate young Canadians about my experiences in Africa: the missionary commitment to the people of Africa, and the richness the people of Africa give to the world. In the late sixties, my career took a new direction in the radio and TV broadcasting field. After a period of training in England at the Catholic Radio and TV Center, I returned to Africa as a producer for Zambia Broadcasting Services. I came to Washington, DC in the early seventies, and was appointed Administrator of the U.S. Region for my order. In 1979, I moved to Los Angeles, and began my work with ANPPM. And that's where I've been happily ensconced ever since.

What do you think of SCSEP?

I think that it is an excellent program. In fact, I consider my work with SCSEP as a natural continuation of my ministry. Any program that involves people who are struggling is appealing to me. In my Africa mission, I enjoyed being with young women who were so eager to learn and so receptive and open to what life had to offer. On weekends and holidays I took time to teach adults how to sew and take care of a garden so that they could become economically self sufficient. I have the same goal for our SCSEP participants as they gain skills in their community service assignments. As an older worker myself, I can empathize with our participants, and understand just how important an opportunity to be part of SCSEP is to them.

Further, I like the fact that SCSEP has never been about a "handout." It's not an income support program. Participants have to work to be enrolled in SCSEP, and while they are working, they are learning how to ultimately fend for themselves. The program brings them the dignity and hope that comes from being a productive member of society, and achieving economic independence. I'm very proud to be a part of that effort.

Tell us about your job with ANPPM.

I guess I'm what you'd call a "two-fer." As Chief of Staff, I have overall responsibility for all our personnel, including those involved in administering SCSEP. I believe that my background in the ministry helps me greatly in mediating and settling the day-to-day interactions of people in the workplace. Although I don't deal directly with SCSEP participants, my daily contact with the staff keeps me attuned to the impact our program has on people's lives. As Media Director, I have the opportunity to bring my experience with the broadcasting world into play. I handle all the planning, development and production of ANPPM communication materials, including those promoting our SCSEP activities.

Tell me about a memorable SCSEP participant you've helped.

I'll tell you about two of them-with pleasure.

One of my favorite SCSEP participant anecdotes is about Otilia Chavarrial (pictured above, far left) whose primary work experience had been in the garment industry at the minimum wage level. We enrolled her in the program, and as a result of her community service assignment, she became proficient in the use of the computer. Ms. Chavarrial is now a full-time receptionist, reliable and efficient, employed by ANPPM, earning higher wages and good benefits, and continuing to improve her computer skills and quality of life every day.

I have another favorite SCSEP story that's extra special. We had a 98-year-old gentleman become one of our SCSEP participants. He arrived on time without fail every single day of his community service assignment--the very model of reliability we see so often in our older workers. How thrilled he was to have the opportunity to demonstrate that he could still be productive in his late nineties. We had the extraordinary opportunity to co-celebrate his 100th birthday with ANPPM's 25th anniversary in 2000.

What keeps you going?

I like to think of myself as being part of a faith-based initiative. This is not just a job for me; rather it's consistent with the calling I've had all my working life. I believe in the integrity of SCSEP and its focus on serving those in the greatest economic and social need. That vision coincides with my life's mission. I also believe in ANPPM's mission which is fulfilled with so much energy, creativity, honesty, and yes, integrity. Being a part of ANPPM's SCSEP program is a privilege that has enabled me to continue my commitment to the ministry I've been called to.

17 BASIC QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Applicable to Senior Community Service Employment Program