But its lofty title and mission – helping unemployed, low-income individuals age 55 and older get temporary jobs and training at nonprofits or government agencies – hasn’t shielded the U.S. Department of Labor program from criticism. The department in October awarded $140.6 million in Senior Community Service grants to 19 nonprofit groups, including almost $10 million to Chicago-based Easterseals and $2.4 million to National Able Network, funds that will cover services Feb. 1 through June 30. The hope is that individual participants develop the skills to land permanent, and unsubsidized, jobs, including in the private sector.