Key Bank Continues Support of Home Health Aide Training

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. - Nov. 25, 2014 - PRLog -- KeyBank Foundation has awarded $3,500 in funding to support a White Plains Training Center for Home Health Aides which provides free classes and guaranteed employment to unemployed or under-employed women from low-income, minority groups.  The Training Center, operated by Neighbors Home Care Services Agency, a program of Grace Church Community Center (GCCC) was opened in 2009 to address the severe shortage of trained Home Health Aides (HHAs) in Westchester County.

The demand for home care services, especially elder care services, has skyrocketed in recent years as aging baby boomers resist moving into nursing homes and insist on staying in their homes longer.  This trend, common throughout the U.S., has made home care one of the fastest growing industries in the nation.  Unfortunately, the supply of trained HHAs has not been able to keep pace with the demand.

Westchester County is currently home to almost 142,000 elderly individuals. 15.4% of its population is over the age of 65, higher than the national average of 14.1%.

Anthony Owens from KeyBank’s Community Development Banking division said, “Employment as HHAs can provide women with a satisfying career and sustainable, long term employment opportunities.  This program is an investment in the education of women, many of them mothers, and this in turn is an investment in the future of their children and families.  KeyBank Foundation’s grant will pay dividends to the community forever.”

KeyBank has provided annual support for the GCCC Training Center since its inception five years ago.  Their grant will help provide free classes and books for 13 students in the November session which is being taught by Dr. Sylvia Watkins, Ph.D. Nursing who previously served as Director of Nursing Services and Director of the Home Health Aide Training Program at Burke Rehabilitation Center.

The HHA Training Center has already been a stepping stone for five graduates who have gone on to pursue accreditation as Licensed Practical Nurses and Registered Nurses.  KeyBank and GCCC hope that it will provide similar motivation for many others.