Nursing Program Creates Much-Needed Jobs for Graduates and Northeast Ohio

When asked about the value of the American Red Cross, Greater Cleveland Chapter’s Northeast Ohio Nurse Assistant Training Program (NEO-NAT), participants are enthusiastic.

“I have just now found my purpose in my life with this new and exciting career change,� says C.C. from Cuyahoga County.

“This program has helped me look at myself, change that negativity and turn it into something positive,� reports A.M. from Summit County.

These comments are representative of the 60 percent of program graduates who found employment as nurse assistants and home health aides.

NEO-NAT, a collaborative effort between the local Red Cross and Berea Children’s Home and Family Services (BCHFS), is funded by an Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) grant. The program enrolled 400 individuals in a 10-county area in a 45-hour life skills assessment and training program. From that pool, 280 participants entered the 120-hour Nurse Assistant Training Program.

Mary-Alice Frank, CEO of the Greater Cleveland Red Cross, says NEO-NAT helps people learn skills that result in jobs. “Many of the program participants are recipients of public assistance and have families to support, but don’t have the work history or experience needed to obtain or retain a job. Some have barriers to employment or other obstacles that prohibit them from being successful,� she explains.

The life skills component and related case management support “truly empower graduates to gain control of their lives, personally, financially and professionally,� Frank adds.

The program’s benefits extend into the community. “Our graduates are able to provide the quality care and compassion so desperately needed by our elderly population,â€� Frank says. Further, the annual income tax potential is greater than $1 million — as graduates generate income, they spend it on retail and housing without relying on public assistance.

Finally, the program addresses the area’s nursing shortage. More than 60 regional employers hired NEO-NAT graduates. “Area employers are able to benefit from well-trained nurse assistants and home health aide staff,� Frank says. “Our graduates will not only fill the demand for entry level positions, but many will go on to continue their education to become LPNs and RNs.�