For more than a decade, Nicole Blackstone dedicated her life to caring for others. She provided hands-on support to family members, friends, and private clients, helping them eat, move safely, attend appointments, and maintain independence in their own homes.
Caregiving wasn’t just work for Nicole; it was a calling. But despite her years of experience, one major barrier stood in her way: without formal certification, like a Certified Nurse Assistant (CN), her opportunities were limited. “I always wanted to get my CNA certification,” says Nicole. “But financially, it just wasn’t possible.”
That changed when Nicole discovered JVS SoCal’s HealthWorks program while searching for jobs online. The promise of no-cost CNA training immediately caught her attention. “Financially, that was huge,” she adds. “It gave me a real chance to get back into the workforce.”
HealthWorks turned out to be more than just a training program: it was a bridge between Nicole’s experience and her future. While much of the caregiving work felt familiar, the program helped her refresh and strengthen her skills, while also introducing her to updated healthcare practices and technology. She learned new approaches to dementia care, patient mobility, and safety tools that are now standard in skilled nursing facilities.
“I learned so much,” Nicole explains. “Things have changed over the years, and this program really prepared me for today’s healthcare environment.”
One of the most meaningful aspects of HealthWorks for Nicole was how it validated the work she had already been doing. The program transformed her lived experience into professional credentials, allowing her to move beyond private caregiving and into licensed healthcare settings.
Upon graduating, Nicole achieved a major goal of hers: earning her CNA certification. Almost immediately, she began interviewing, including an opportunity with a hospital, something she had always hoped for but never thought possible without formal credentials.
Today, she works with CERYX Management, a company that provides a safe, supportive residential environment for individuals experiencing homelessness as they recover from medical conditions.
Nicole is quick to credit the donors and partners who make HealthWorks possible. “I truly appreciate the opportunity,” she says. “Because of this program, I can work in a skilled facility… and continue doing what I love: helping people.”
If you’re inspired by Nicole’s story and would like to help someone else achieve their dream, please donate today.
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