On January 27, 2022 Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds awarded $1.4 million in grant funds to 38 Iowa employers and partner organizations.  Care Initiatives was awarded a $50,000 Future Ready Iowa Employer Innovation Grant through a partnership with the Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC).

Care Initiatives has pledged to match this grant, which means that Care Initiatives will be dedicating $100,000 to educate and support new certified nursing assistants (CNAs) over an 18-month period.  This will allow Care Initiatives to hire and train approximately 80 new CNAs.

“This grant funding allows us to remove barriers to hiring,” said Care Initiatives’ CEO, Michael Beal.  “In order to effectuate our mission to provide individualized, compassionate care to our patients, residents, and tenants, we have to hire and retain top talent.  Providing our CNAs with the education and training will help us expand our hiring pool.” 

Growth opportunities for employees at Care Initiatives are not limited to CNA training.  “We want potential employees to know this is just the beginning for them,” said care Initiatives’ Training and Development Manager, Tami Larson. “We care about our team members and show that by investing in their growth; whether through innovative partnerships like this, our generous tuition assistance, supported professional development, or our Leadership Academy.  Development isn’t a one-size-fits-all, it’s as unique as each of our team members. Care Initiatives is proud to offer flexible opportunities when it comes to your career.”

Individuals interested in applying for careers with Care Initiatives can visit www.careinitiatives.org/careers.

Care Initiatives is Iowa’s largest not-for-profit skilled nursing care and senior care provider.  Care Initiatives and Care Initiatives Hospice operate 58 skilled nursing, rehabilitation, Alzheimer’s/dementia, assisted living and hospice locations throughout Iowa.

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