Hospitals in Action >> Case Examples

ST. VINCENT'S HEALTH SYSTEM, Birmingham, AL
Jeremiah's Hope Skills Center

What is it?
A recipient of one of Ascension Health's three 2006 "Living the Mission & Values Awards," Jeremiah's Hope is a job training skills program that exists to equip and empower persons, especially those who are poor and vulnerable, for entry-level medical positions, such as nursing assistants. Classes incorporate prayer and conclude with a worship celebration at graduation. Staff members help students overcome low self-esteem and poor communication skills and model respect and compassion. Since its inception in 2001, the center has graduated more than 450 students.

Who is it for?
People in the community, especially those living in poverty with few job skills.

Why do they do it?
Jeremiah's Hope Skills Center was established to meet the growing need for skilled workers in health care in the Birmingham area. The program's goal is to provide students with the necessary work-related skills to qualify them for better-paying entry-level jobs with St. Vincent Hospital or with other local health care employers. The program also assists the graduates in their career plans and efforts to achieve economic self-sufficiency and employment retention.

Contact: Sonja L. Banks
Director of Community Service & Outreach
Telephone: 205-939-7263
Email: Sonja.banks@stvhs.com

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