Workforce Resource, Inc. in Partnership with Grace Lutheran Foundation Awarded $127,777 Grant for Student Training

Posted 7/6/2015

The Chippewa Valley Health Careers Initiative Partnership, a collaborative community effort made up of: Grace Lutheran Foundation, Eau Claire, Altoona, Chippewa Falls and Menomonie school districts, Workforce Resource, Wissota Health, Neighbors of Dunn County, Mayo Health Systems, Solomon Hills Residential Care, Comforts of Home, and Chippewa Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation are proud to announce a major grant for training high school students to be Certified Nursing Assistants.

“Grace Lutheran Foundation, and the Chippewa Valley School Districts have partnered to offer high school students CNA training to increase their skill sets for immediate employment and offer them an introduction into higher skilled healthcare sector training for this in-demand, high wage industry”, said Deb Leslie, Chief Operations Officer Workforce Resource Inc.

The ‘Blueprint for Prosperity High School Pupil’ grant from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development will provide training for 90 high school students in four area school districts from now until December of 2016.

Dr. Brad Saron Superintendent, Chippewa Falls School District said, “This opportunity enhances our robust high school course offerings related to the health science career pathway and provides work-linked learning experiences, which helps fill an identified skill gap area in our community. This opportunity positions students to make informed choices about their futures and helps them to better articulate their post-secondary goals. We are excited to support students in building purposeful action plans, and providing them with a competitive advantage when they graduate."

“This grant will help prepare our students for meaningful work through a rigorous and relevant training program”, said Dr. Mary Ann Hardebeck, Superintendent, Eau Claire Area School District.

At the end of the training, the students will be Certified Nursing Assistants and eligible to work in a variety of elder care service communities including skilled nursing facilities across the state..

“Over the last few years, we’ve seen a decline in the numbers of CNAs around the state. We are excited to be providing the training on this project. CNAs are an integral part of providing the highest quality care, and at the conclusion of the program, we hope to hire these gifted students into our workforce”, said Bryan Bessa, HR Director Grace Lutheran Foundation.

Grace Lutheran Communities has been helping our friends and neighbors in communities all over the Chippewa Valley since 1960. The non-profit organization specializes in rehabilitation, assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care, child care, independent living, and adult day services.