Local Non-profit Encouraging the Community to Recognize Nursing Aide Students

During National Nursing Assistants Week June 17-24

(SAN ANTONIO, TX – June 18, 2021) – The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical need for medical personnel and the essential role certified nursing assistants, also referred to as aides, play on the frontlines managing the healthcare demands of a community in crisis. During National Nursing Assistants Week June 17 -24, Goodwill San Antonio’s Good Careers Academy is encouraging the local community to offer thanks not only to those currently working in a certified nursing assistants role, but to those who are training to be the next generation of medical heroes.

Nursing assistants are an essential part of a health care team providing invaluable assistance to both medical staff, patients, and patient families. Assistants help patients with washing, bathing, dressing, and numerous other tasks be it in-home care, at senior living and health facilities, or in hospitals.

Goodwill San Antonio’s Good Careers Academy graduate, Liliana M., became a certified nurse’s aide to follow in the same footsteps as her mother. As a single mother of three children, Liliana waited to further her education until her children grew older. Liliana obtained her certification for them, wanting her children to understand going to school is always a benefit no matter one’s age or place in life.

“I became a Certified Nursing Assistant because I always had a desire to help people. I get JOY from helping people. Good Careers Academy is why I am where I am now,” Liliana said.

Liliana aspires to become a licensed vocational or registered nurse, but first seeks to gain specialized experience in phlebotomy or EKG.

Good Careers Academy is part of a collaborative effort along with several area partners including Project Quest offering vocational training programs especially to those whose livelihoods have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. For workers who cannot go back to their old jobs and must acquire new skills in order to remain competitive, or for anyone wanting to advance in their career, training will allow individuals to gain skills and necessary certifications in high-demand industries with employment opportunities here locally.

New and traditional funding resources are providing additional opportunities for FULL financial assistance and a potential stipend. This means individuals who qualify can receive quality vocational training for little to no out-of-pocket costs as well as a stipend for participating in one of the programs. Classes are continually enrolling with the next Nurse’s Aide class starting on June 28.

Course offerings and curriculum are designed to be completed in less than one year and are shaped by area employers who provide real-world guidance on the needs of the business community. The Good Careers Academy student experience includes a blended instruction model, one-on-one instructor support, hands-on learning, externship opportunities, and job placement assistance upon graduation.

The goal of Good Careers Academy is to prepare individuals for well-paying, high-demand careers while providing a skilled, job-ready workforce to local employers. Funding through Goodwill San Antonio’s retail stores and other partnerships positions Good Careers Academy to provide scholarship opportunities and wrap around supports to individuals, many of whom are deemed non-traditional students facing multiple life barriers.

To learn more about enrolling in Goodwill San Antonio’s Good Careers Academy, visit www.goodwillsa.org/education-training/good-careers-academy or contact the Admissions Office at (210) 271-8888 or by email at AdmissionGCA@goodwillsa.org.

About Goodwill Industries of San Antonio

Serving San Antonio since 1945, Goodwill San Antonio is a Section 501(c)(3) non-profit social enterprise whose mission is to help change lives through the power of work. When you donate to or shop at Goodwill, your purchases and donations help fund education, training and career services to empower people with disabilities and life barriers to find meaningful employment. In addition to operating retail stores and donation stations in San Antonio, Cibolo, Kerrville, Laredo, New Braunfels, Seguin and the surrounding areas, Goodwill San Antonio provides certified vocational training programs through its Good Careers Academy, free employment services through its Good Career Centers, and manages contracts for the U.S. government and local municipalities for outsourced business services ranging from document management and contact center solutions to grounds maintenance and tree care activities through its Business Services operations.

Website:  www.goodwillsa.org

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/GoodwillSanAntonio

Twitter:  www.twitter.com/goodwillsa

*Photos and student interviews can be made available upon request.           

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