Nascentia Health is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $3.9 million New York State Department of Health grant to establish a Regional Direct Caregiver Training Center and Support Hub, a transformative initiative aimed at strengthening the healthcare workforce and expanding access to high-quality training for individuals pursuing careers in direct care.
This significant investment supports the development of a centralized training and support system designed to increase the pipeline of skilled caregivers across the region. Through this initiative, Nascentia Health will provide free training, financial stipends, and wraparound support services to individuals seeking certification as Personal Care Aides (PCA), Home Health Aides (HHA), and Certified Nurse Aides (CNA).
The program will also include a dedicated Support Hub to address barriers to employment by offering mentorship, career development, and access to essential services such as childcare resources, transportation support, and educational assistance.
“This award reflects our long-standing commitment to building a stronger, more resilient healthcare workforce,” said Andrea Lazarek-LaQuay Chief Clinical Officer of Nascentia Health. “For more than a century, Nascentia has been at the forefront of home and community-based care. This initiative allows us to further invest in our communities by creating meaningful career pathways while ensuring individuals and families receive the care they need.”
The Regional Training Center will serve communities throughout Central New York, with a focus on increasing access to training opportunities, particularly for individuals entering or reentering the workforce. Participants will benefit from a flexible and supportive environment that enables them to build skills, earn certifications, and connect directly with employment opportunities across the healthcare continuum.
By addressing both workforce shortages and barriers to entry, this initiative represents a critical step forward in meeting the growing demand for home and community-based care services. It also aligns with Nascentia Health’s broader mission to support aging in place and improve quality of life for individuals across the region.