by The National Minority Health Association,
Embracing Change, Empowering Caregivers
In the ever-evolving world of homecare, recruitment and retention pose significant challenges, particularly in California. However, FACT – Family, Adult and Child Therapies, a southern California-based homecare agency, has emerged as a beacon of hope, leveraging the innovative Caring4Cal program to enhance its workforce and service quality.
FACT, dedicated to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, has a rich history dating back to the 1980s. Originating& from a collaboration of dedicated professionals and parents, FACT has been at the forefront of providing exceptional care and support to a diverse clientele, including minors, adults, and families grappling with a spectrum of diagnoses.
Caring4Cal: A Game-Changer in Caregiver Recruitment and Training
Under the leadership of its Board of Directors and their executive team: Tina Castro (Director of Adult and Employment Services), Lethia Perry (Director of Operations and Human Resources) and Spencer Ludgate (Director of School-Based Services and Controller), FACT has fully embraced the Caring4Cal community health worker recruitment program. This initiative has seen remarkable participation, with 39 staff members taking advantage of the opportunities it offers.
Eligibility and Scope
To participate in Caring4Cal, caregivers must:
- Reside in California.
- Currently work in or aspire to join an eligible job role in home- and community-based settings.
- Eligible roles include a wide array of healthcare professionals like HHA, CNA, RN, LVN, and more.
Partnership and Funding
The National Minority Health Association (NMHA), a pivotal entity in reducing health disparities among minorities, received a substantial grant under the Caring4Cal initiative. Spearheaded by the California Department of Healthcare Access and Information (HCAI), this program is a concerted effort to reinforce the workforce in home- and community-based care. With a strategic collaboration with Nevvon, a leader in e-training solutions for healthcare, this initiative is set to revolutionize caregiver training and retention.
FACT: A Legacy of Excellence and Adaptability
FACT’s enduring commitment to providing holistic, affordable, and quality mental health care is well-aligned with the Caring4Cal program. Their person-centered care approach, accessible locations, and advocacy for independence resonate deeply with the program’s objectives. For over twenty years, FACT has not only adapted to societal changes but has also been a vanguard in accepting and appreciating diverse abilities.
The Future Outlook
With the Caring4Cal program, FACT is not only addressing the immediate need for skilled caregivers but is also shaping a future where comprehensive and compassionate care is accessible to all Californians. This initiative stands as a testament to FACT’s unwavering dedication to its mission and philosophy.
A Call to Action
The success of FACT with the Caring4Cal program is a clarion call to all agencies in the sector. With available funding and training opportunities, it is an opportune time for other agencies to participate and enhance their capabilities. The program not only offers financial incentives but also ensures that caregivers are equipped with state-of-the-art skills to meet the growing demands of the sector.
FACT, working with the NMHA and its successful integration of the Caring4Cal program, exemplifies how strategic partnerships and innovative training initiatives can effectively address the twin challenges of recruitment and retention in the homecare industry.
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About the NMHA: The National Minority Health Association is a 501c3 non-profit organization founded in 1988. The NMHA delivers on its mission of heath equity through innovative programs including Health is for EveryBODY™ (www.healthisforeverybody.org), Operation Healthy You™, Equityville™ and The Art Alliance, to name a few. The lack of health equity in underserved, marginalized and hard to reach communities translates into lost lives, adverse health outcomes, higher costs, diminished productivity and declines in quality of life and well-being for everyone. For more information visit www.thenmha.org
