Kevin Hodgens, of Butler, clears snow from the General Richard Butler Bridge along Route 8 as part of a program through AARP. The City of Butler Parks Department is acting as the host agency.

An AARP program is saving money for the Butler Parks Department and the Butler Parks, Recreation, Grounds and Facilities Authority while providing training to low-income older adults.

The two entities use workers from the AARP Foundation's Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), which connects low-income or poverty-level individuals ages 55 and older with government or public agencies or nonprofits, where the seniors receive training while working.

The seniors earn minimum wage for their tasks, which is paid by AARP through a government grant.

George Forster, SCSEP director for the Butler AARP Foundation chapter, said he has about 50 seniors who are receiving on-the-job training in Butler, Venango, Clarion, Jefferson, Armstrong and Indiana counties.

He explained that any unemployment or disability income received by seniors is not counted toward their income, so many seniors may be eligible for the program.

Rod Huey, the Butler Parks Department supervisor, said two city residents in the program perform tasks such as snow-blowing on city properties and salting sidewalks in the winter, and grass cutting and weed eating in the summer.

He said the program has worked out very well for his department, especially since summer workers have been cut in recent years.

“It's a nice program,” Huey said. “It really works out for us with the city being on the strict budget they have.”

Huey said the two men work about 25 hours per week for the parks department.

He said the Parks, Recreation, Grounds and Facilities authority uses SCSEP workers to man the stadium during events as well.

Forster said the goal of the program is to offer job training for low-income individuals over age 55. In turn, the entities where they work don't have to pay their hourly wage.

“Both ends of the spectrum prosper,” he said.

In March, Forster will collaborate with Butler County Community College, where SCSEP seniors can receive training in areas such as customer service, resume writing, various computer programs, team building and business etiquette.

Forster said those ages 55 and older who are interested in the program can call him at 724-282-0839 or stop at the AARP Foundation office in the Holly Pointe Building at 220 S. Main St. in Butler.