Feeling satisfied at the end of the day starts early for a woman who embodies Meritan’s

Senior Employment and Training program success story.

Othree Perry, 80, gets to Mid-South Food Bank at 7 a.m. sharp, then begins sorting

through food items like cans of veggies and bakery goods before stocking them orderly

on the shelves in the organization’s Agency Mart.

“I find the job relaxing, so going to work and interacting with people – I love being

around others – it just feels great,” Perry said.

Seventy-five low-income seniors, aged 55 or older, are currently in Meritan’s program,

which plugs the local population into a wide range of part-time, temporary job

placements at non-profits – from libraries, schools and daycares - or training

opportunities for them.

Perry is a retired employee with the City of Memphis who knew she couldn’t stand

staying home all day, every day. She discovered the senior program searching online.

Meritan connected her to the Food Bank, which annually has employment space for

about 10 Meritan-channeled workers averaging 20 hours a week, in December of 2021.

After her initial placement at the Food Bank via Meritan ended, she accepted a

permanent position there.

Mid-South Food Bank and Meritan have had a partnership for over two decades. The

placement offers work for seniors looking for it, and helps the non-profit fulfill its

Memphis warehouse operations to take in product, then get it shipped out to pantries

across the region.

CaSondra Amos, vice president for Meritan’s Home and Community Based Services,

Family Model and Employment Program, said the Food Bank’s relationship with Meritan

has helped many people re-enter the workforce by equipping them with essential skills

that foster personal growth and economic stability.

She added that the initiative, through a U.S. Department of Labor grant, has proven to

be a successful community engagement and support model.

“Seeing our participants thrive is the greatest reward. This partnership not only

nourishes bodies but also revitalizes lives, proving that with the right support, anyone

can achieve their dreams,” Amos said.

Perry is quick to testify how maintaining work adds vitality to her livelihood. She often

lauds about the benefits of the job, mentioning it recently at her church’s Sunday school

class.

“When you get older, you need to stay active: it keeps you motivated and healthier,” she

said.

Seniors find purpose, revitalization through Meritan’s work program