Acknowledges Students Who Have Completed Various Healthcare Training Programs at CCM – Posted 7/14/14
On Tuesday, July 8, the Northern New Jersey Health Professions Consortium (NNJHPC) and County College of Morris (CCM) acknowledged students who have completed various healthcare training programs at CCM. The college also recognized CCM instructors and staff, St. Clare’s Hospital and community partners during a special recognition ceremony on CCM’s campus.
“Congratulations to our students who are here with us tonight, many of whom were impacted by the economic downturn, on their great accomplishment,” said John Johnson, site coordinator for the Northern New Jersey Health Professions Pathways Grant program. “Your purpose, drive and determination have helped you complete the program and will help make a better life for you, your families and communities.”
Dr. Earl Johnson, director of the Office of Family Assistance within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families also addressed the students, saying, “Your success is our success. This is a special moment for you and for our country because we can guarantee that you will be there to help people in their hour of need. This program is not only about jobs, it’s about you helping to make this country healthier and stronger and raising you and your families up.”
The grant program helps low-income individuals receive no-cost healthcare education and training by eliminating the roadblocks that would otherwise reduce access to these opportunities. CCM offers more than 10 different healthcare training programs throughout the year, which vary in length from three weeks up to a year, depending on the field of study. To date, more than 300 students have completed their training through the grant program at CCM.
“The program really changed my life,” said Nancy Williams, who became certified as licensed practical nurse through the program. “I always wanted to be a nurse and I was able to go to school, get a grant and not have to pay back a loan. And now I’m doing what I always wanted to do. I have two nursing jobs in geriatrics and pediatrics, and I love it.”
Samantha LasSalandra said, “This program has changed my life completely. I was at a job that I hated and now I’m at a career that I love. Everyone involved was completely driven to help me succeed.”
Dr. Edward Yaw, president of CCM, added, “We are delighted to be part of this multi-county effort to help increase access to education and certification training in high demand healthcare areas. We are grateful to our instructors and partners who make this program a success, and hope that we can continue to change lives through this program.”
“This is about bridging the gap for the generations of people who do not feel connected to the workforce or to the American Dream,” Johnson concluded. “Our students have been through a lot, and it has taken a lot for them to get here. As graduates, they provide hope to others, because now they know that there are opportunities available that can help make a better life for themselves and their families. Thank you to our students for having the guts and determination to succeed in this program.”
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families (OFA) administers several key federal grant programs, including the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, the Healthy Marriage and Responsible Fatherhood grants program, and the Health Profession Opportunity Grants (HPOG) program.
PHOTO 1: Morris County Freeholder John Krickus with John Johnson, Site Coordinator for the Northern New Jersey Health Professions Pathways Grant (HPOG) program at the July 8th recognition ceremony held on CCM’s campus.
PHOTO 2: John Johnson, site Coordinator for the Northern New Jersey Health Professions Pathways Grant program with students who completed various healthcare training programs at CCM during the July 8th recognition ceremony held on CCM’s campus.
About Northern New Jersey Health Professions Pathways Grant Program
County College of Morris (CCM) offers no-cost training through the Health Professions Pathway Grant that can help individuals start a career in health care. The Northern New Jersey Health Professions Pathways Grant, provided through the Northern New Jersey Health Professions Consortium (NNJHPC), is designed to reduce roadblocks and help individuals and their families obtain education, training and employment in a wide-range of healthcare occupations. NNJHPC is a region-wide capacity building initiative to strengthen and expand occupational training in health care through workforce readiness and integrated basic skills preparation for individuals receiving TANF, General Assistance or other low-income individuals who meet the eligibility requirements. For more information, visit https://www.ccm.edu/nnjhpc.
About County College of Morris
Located in Randolph Township on more than 200 acres, County College of Morris (CCM),along with its satellite location in Morristown, provides the residents of Morris County and the surrounding region with an outstanding, affordable education. Today, CCM offers more than 70 associate degree and more than 40 certificate and certification programs. The college also has one of the highest graduation and transfer rates among community colleges in New Jersey. Take the time to review our website to find out all that CCM has to offer at https://www.ccm.edu/.