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Supporting New Americans in the Long-Term Care (LTC) Workforce

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) Grants, Equity, Access, and Research (GEAR) Division is seeking to support New Americans and their employers to enter, maintain and grow in the long-term care workforce via the Supporting New Americans in the Long-Term Care (LTC) Workforce grant program. This grant opportunity is funded through the Minnesota Legislature Laws of Minnesota 2023, chapter 61, article 1, section 60 (PDF).

For this grant, 'New American' is defined as an individual born abroad and the individual's children.

The Supporting New Americans in the LTC Workforce Grant is to provide services and support to New Americans who seek to enter and advance in the LTC workforce. Grant funding supports activities including but not limited to:

  • Developing connections to employment with LTC employers and potential employees.
  • Providing recruitment, training, guidance, mentorship, and other support services necessary to encourage employment, employee retention, and successful community integration.
  • Providing career education, wraparound support services, and job skills training in high-demand health care and LTC fields.
  • Paying for program expenses related to LTC professions, including supportive services to help participants attend classes, such as childcare, transportation, and mental health supports.
  • Supporting LTC employers who are eager to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in their workplace but may have faced limitations due to funding constraints. Employers committed to enhancing cultural competency through initiatives like on-site continuing education or training programs tailored to support New American employees are encouraged to apply.

Twenty-four Minnesota organizations were selected for the first round of funding for the Supporting New Americans in the LTC Workforce grant program. Grants were awarded to non-profit organizations, community-based agencies, educational institutions, LTC employers, and government entities with a demonstrated commitment to serving and supporting New Americans. A priority among funded organizations is providing a comprehensive and statewide approach to supporting New Americans in the LTC workforce. Collaboration amongst the grantees is encouraged and fostered throughout the grant contract periods.

A total of $12,045,230 has been awarded for the grant period of September 1st, 2024 – June 30th, 2026. A second round of competitive grant funding is expected.

Grantees:

There are four Tracks apart of the Supporting New Americans in LTC Workforce grant program. Grantees were able to apply for as many Tracks as they were able to support. The following Tracks include:

  • Track 1: Provide basic needs and supportive services necessary for New Americans to be successful in the LTC workforce such as, transportation resources, social services, mental health supports, childcare services, financial education and many more.
  • Track 2: How Long-Term Care Employers can support, recruit, mentor and maintain New Americans in the LTC workforce.
  • Track 3: To provide training, mentorship, career education and navigation in LTC career pathways for New Americans to enter careers or advance in LTC workforce.
  • Track 4: Outreach, recruitment, and coordination between New Americans seeking employment and LTC employers.

Grant recipients (listed by region) are:

Northwest:

LifeCare Medical Center $220,070, a non-profit critical access hospital who provides senior healthcare services and a variety of medical, rehabilitation, emergency, therapy, and public health services. Funds support the recruitment of New Americans in Roseau County who are pursuing LTC careers as well as provide cultural competency trainings to current team members to gain insight on New American communities and how to best support people through their LTC career journey. Recruitment and supports will include, career mentorship and counseling services, training cost assistance, hiring bonuses, expanding on community collaboration, and developing focus groups and committees to support New Americans in retaining their LTC career. 

Ecumen $180,319, a non-profit senior housing organization who offers independent living, assisted living, short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, and home care services. Funds support expansion on building a holistic and integrated approach to recruitment and retention strategies for New Americans at Ecumen in Detroit Lakes. Strategies include providing resources and access to supportive services to become successful in or retain employment, enhanced training modules developed to support language needs and communication barriers, and ongoing career development opportunities in the LTC industry. 

West Central:

Central Minnesota Community Empowerment Organization (CMCEO) $247,667, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and empowering Immigrant and Minority communities in Central MN. Funds support expansion to CMCEO’s current programming to provide access to, facilitation of, and education on support and basic need services for New Americans entering or advancing in their LTC careers. In addition, funds will support career navigation, partnerships with educational institutes to connect New Americans to LTC trainings, financial literacy training and coaching, and development of culturally competent resource guides for LTC career pathways, supportive services, and educational programs. 

Metro

Several metro-based organizations provide services and programs in other non-metro-based Regions. Please review profiles for information on specific service areas.

Alight $249,015, a non-profit organization who works with and for individuals and families new to Minnesota and builds stronger communities through fostering authentic relationships between individuals and their neighbors. Funds support research to bridge gaps and challenges of LTC employers and New American communities. The program will develop innovative and culturally relevant tools and training to support New Americans navigating LTC careers and develop connections for New Americans to pursue careers and connect with LTC employers. 

Al’Maa-uun, $277,025, a non-profit organization that provides employment training, housing re-stabilization services, food support programs, mentorship, and recovery navigation in the North Minneapolis community and surrounding areas. Funds support collaboration with Healthy Helpful Insight Healthcare Institute (HHIHI) and Literacy MN to provide culturally linguistic and relevant Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training for Somali, Hmong, and Spanish-speaking New Americans. The program will also connect New Americans to LTC employment and assist in seeking career advancement opportunities. 

Benedictine Health System $250,000, a non-profit, faith-based organization who provides senior living services, so residents can live well and with purpose. To continue to build a work environment that fosters cultural learning and supports New American communities, funds are supporting integration of intercultural assessments and trainings for Benedictine employees to gain further insight on how to adapt and operate in multi-cultural environments. In addition, funds will support expenses for transportation, daycare, vehicle repairs, tuition, and other related services for New American employees as they are navigating a new culture and LTC employment. 

CAPI $727,464, a non-profit organization, who provides basic needs, economic empowerment, and civic engagement and public policy programming for immigrants and refugees. Funds support enhancing training programs for New Americans to learn and build skills in Medical Terminology, CPR and Mental Health First Aid. Funds will also support enhancing existing career pathway programs for CNA, Phlebotomy, Medication Aide, Pharmacy Technician, Health Unit Coordinator and Medical Administration for New Americans who want to enter or advance in the LTC industry, as well as support their transition to self-sufficiency by accessing resources for housing, transportation, public assistance, childcare, and food supports. 

EMERGE Community Development $983,865, (Metro, South Central and Southeast) a workforce and community development non-profit that supports people in building careers and engaging with their community. Funds support collaboration with COPAL (a non-profit organization serving Latine communities) and other partners to support and retain New Americans from Minnesota’s East African, Afghani and Latine communities to enter and/or advance in LTC and healthcare careers. Programming offered to New Americans will include employment planning, language coaching supports, financial literacy training, work readiness training, enrollment to Nursing Assistant training, job search support, and access to supportive services and resources to help people advance their goals. Funds will also support outreach strategies to partner with LTC employers to connect New Americans to LTC employment opportunities and support retention and advancements in these careers. 

Interfaith Action of Greater Saint Paul $476,925, a non-profit organization who provides shelter for families, free food, and clothing, tutoring and job coaching, and free legal assistance to community members. Funds support collaboration with Loving Lotus, a Healthcare Training School, to provide CNA and PCA certification to New Americans particularly from Central/South America and other Latine communities, utilizing flexible hybrid models of in-person and online, and adding culturally responsive tools for learning and language needs. The program will also partner with LTC employers to connect New Americans with LTC jobs and support their career journey. 

International Institute of Minnesota (IIMN) $947,182, a non-profit organization who is a leader in serving the changing unmet needs of New Americans. Funds support career navigation and career planning with New Americans who are interested in LTC Housekeeping or Dietary Aide related positions. Funds will also support adding a culturally specific curriculum for newly arrived immigrants to enroll in the Nursing Assistant Training program and assist graduates with finding employment with LTC employers. New Americans who are career planning or participating in the Nursing Assistant Training program will have access to support services and resources such as transportation, affordable housing, public assistance, and financial coaching. IIMN is collaborating with Care Providers of Minnesota to expand outreach efforts and build partnerships with LTC employers to provide New Americans opportunities to gain and maintain LTC employment. 

Kare Healthcare Agency LLC (KHA) $501,163, provides innovative staffing solutions to meet the unique challenges facing the healthcare industry. Funds support collaboration with North Metro Health Institute (NMHI) and other partners to provide Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Trained Medication Aide (TMA) trainings to New Americans. KHA will provide resources for support service areas New Americans may need assistance with when transitioning into a new career or advancing certifications. Those support services may include housing assistance, tuition expenses, childcare, transportation and costs for uniforms or shoes for work. 

Minneapolis Community and Tech College $388,233, a public, two-year college and member of the Minnesota State College and Universities system. Funds are supporting collaboration among the Continuing Education and Workforce Development (CEWD) Department and YMCA of the North to provide New Americans an opportunity to complete the Nursing Assisting Pathway program and to provide access to supportive services including childcare assistance, transportation, and language supports to obtain certification. In addition, CEWD will partner with Minneapolis College Career Services to provide career readiness training and connections to long-term care employers for New Americans to obtain employment in long-term healthcare organizations. 

Minnesota African Women's Association (MAWA) $499,882, a non-profit organization who promotes the health and well being of African refugee and immigrant women and their families in the Twin Cities. Funds support the collaboration with North American Medical Academy who will provide culturally specific Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Home Health Aide (HHA) Training programs to New Americans from Africa. In addition, MAWA will support New Americans with career planning and job placement services in the LTC field, provide resources and navigation for people who want to advance their LTC career to LPN or RN, aid with tuition expenses, and facilitate mentorship programs with LTC employers. 

NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center, Inc. $250,426, a nonprofit organization, with healthcare integrated services through NorthPoint Clinic. As one NorthPoint, we are committed to provide culturally responsive, integrated, holistic primary health and social services. Funds support connecting New Americans to opportunities for Home Health Aides, Clinical Nursing Assistants (CNA), Trained Medication Administrators (TMA), Phlebotomy, and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN). The program will provide career navigation and placement support to obtain LTC employment. Training opportunities will be provided through partnerships with training programs and educational institutes. The program will also provide case management to assist people with access and resources for support services including childcare, transportation, language supports, and mental health services to support people in securing and maintaining employment. 

Presbyterian Homes and Services (PHS) $717,661, a nonprofit faith-based organization providing a broad array of housing choices, care, and service options to older adults. PHS has earned a reputation for innovation and integrity as it promotes independence, vitality, and well-being among those it serves. Funds support enhancing recruitment and retention strategies among New American communities for people who are interested in pursuing LTC positions or employed at Presbyterian facilities. Strategies include outreach in New American communities, developing occupational language supports, establishing mentorship program to welcome and support New Americans while onboarding, and providing financial assistance for those advancing their education or training in the LTC field. 

Rise, Inc. $231,217, (Metro and West Central) a non-profit organization who provides people with opportunities to achieve meaningful growth and live a purpose-filled life through supportive access to employment, housing, and life-enrichment services. Funds are supporting the development of a recruitment network responsive to the hiring needs of New Americans by leveraging new and existing partnerships with workforce development agencies, Long-Term Care (LTC) and Home and Community Based Service (HCBS) employers, New American communities, and other community stakeholders. This program aims to reduce barriers for New Americans to obtain jobs at Rise and other LTC/HCBS organizations, increase retention and promote career growth, as well as develop language supports. 

Ukrainian American Community Center $380,615, a non-profit organization, whose mission is to unite and empower Ukrainian refugees. Funding supports career navigation and services for Ukrainians to explore the LTC industry and obtain employment. The program will offer support to explore career pathways, prepare for training or certifications by building on occupational English skills, workplace readiness training, job search and connect people to LTC employers. The program will also offer housing assistance and transportation resources for Ukrainians to find stable housing and transportation to work while transitioning into the LTC workforce. 

Villas at St. Louis Park LLC, Monarch Healthcare Management $1,233,918, (Metro, South Central and Southeast) a skilled nursing facility with short and long-term rehabilitation and wound care programs for seniors. Funds support partnering with the University of Minnesota Twin Cities Health Services Management programs, South Central College Mankato and Faribault campus, Cristo Rey High School in the Twin Cities, and WellShare International. These collaborations will provide New Americans with LTC internships in various positions, opportunities to explore LTC careers, resources and support services for those entering or maintaining LTC employment, and continuous development of best practices to support New Americans in their LTC career journey. 

YMCA of the North $249,999, the 3rd largest YMCA in the country, its programs serve people of all ages with a mission to strengthen communities through youth development, health living and social responsibility. Funds are supporting partnership with the Minneapolis College to provide support services and resources for New Americans who are participating in the Nursing Assistant Pathway career program, occupational English courses and other Healthcare classes offered at Minneapolis College. Support services and resources include housing assistance, food assistance, childcare services, transportation services, and emergency assistance to assist New Americans entering or advancing in the LTC field. 

Southwest:

Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council, Inc. $203,756, a private, non-profit organization that serves job seekers and employers, and through their work with the Southwest Minnesota Workforce Development Board, is a leader in CareerForce, Minnesota’s Career Resource. Funds support enhancing specialized tools and services for New Americans to obtain or advance in LTC employment. Programming includes, comprehensive employment and work readiness training, career navigation, language supports and resources for occupational English skill building, access to wraparound support services and resources as well as connecting New Americans to training programs for Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Trained Medication Aid (TMA), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), and Facilities Maintenance, and supporting people through their career journey to obtain LTC employment. The program will also include outreach to LTC employers to implement utilization of Reading Skills for Healthcare Workers as a tool and resource for New American employees, to assist in recruitment and retention. 

South Central:

South Central Service Cooperative $796,185, a Regional Service Cooperative who facilitates programs and services to elevate educators, civic workers, students and professionals. Funds support expanding their partnership with Minnesota Council of Churches (MCC) Mankato and Mankato Adult Basic Education (ABE) to enhance career readiness and exploration programs, and their Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training program to support New Americans entering and advancing in the LTC field. This collaboration will provide New Americans opportunities to learn more about the field, provide innovative ways to learn through virtual reality (VR) technologies, translation and interpretation services, access to support services while obtaining certification and during job placement, and facilitate connections to LTC employers and/or navigation assistance to advance in LTC career. 

All Regions:

Care Providers of Minnesota $348,319, a non-profit membership association for organizations who provide post-acute care services and long-term services and supports. Funds support collaboration with International Institute of Minnesota (IIMN) to develop and build a network of long-term care employers, education institutes, and training organizations to expand opportunities for New American talent to enter or advance in the LTC workforce. Funds will not only support those who have graduated from IIMN’s Nursing Assistant Training (NAR), Dietary Aide Training (DAT), and Housekeeping Training (HT) programs, but it will also support New Americans in all of Minnesota as Care Providers would like to expand this programming and outreach to Greater MN. New Americans will have access to workplace readiness trainings, cultural competency trainings, and resources needed to pursue their LTC careers. 

LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation (LAMF) $934,332, a nonprofit statewide network of dedicated healthcare organizations serving older adults. Funding supports the development and implementation of resource tool packages with expert partners and advisory members to build a collaborative network for New Americans entering or advancing in the Long-Term Care (LTC) workforce. Resource guides for New Americans will include support services, LTC career pathways and advancement opportunities, cultural trainings, English-language learner services, resources for legal authorizations and more. Resource guides for LTC employers will include information and resources for New Americans but also recruitment strategies, cultural resources, retention strategies and more. Funding will also support enhancing their MDH-approved OnTrack Nursing Assistant program curriculum to support New Americans specifically. 

Queen Health Consultants $749,992 provides consulting and direct services to advance equitable health systems and prepare a diverse healthcare workforce. Funds support the development and implementation of a culturally responsive Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training program to provide New Americans with culturally appropriate training materials customized in multiple languages and for diverse cultural backgrounds. The program will include access to supportive services and resources, language supports and cultural competency training while New Americans are in training programs and transitioning into the workplace. The program will also provide mentorship and professional growth opportunities as well as career navigation support to obtain LTC employment. 

 
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