A new program in Douglas County will seek to tackle a growing shortage of workers who care for older people.
Justice Matters, a local group of faith leaders and advocates focused on social justice issues, and Kansas WorkforceONE, a local workforce development agency, launched this month a partnership with Dwyer Workforce Development that will provide training, job placement and support — including housing, child care and transportation assistance — to individuals pursuing careers in health care for older people.
Organizers say the initiative is designed to create a sustainable pipeline of trained professionals to meet the region’s rising demand for these workers. The project will kick off in Douglas County with plans to expand across 16 additional Kansas counties.
“This initiative is about more than just filling positions; it’s about building a future where our seniors receive the care and support they deserve,” Margie Dyck, co-secretary of Justice Matters, said in a news release.
The program stems from a 2021 Justice Matters report identifying critical gaps in elder care staffing. The group has long advocated for workforce solutions, including at its 2022, 2023 and 2024 action assemblies, where local officials have been asked to address social issues.
Dwyer Workforce Development, a national nonprofit specializing in health care workforce development, has trained and placed nearly 5,000 individuals in health care careers across Maryland, Texas and Florida, according to the release.
Dwyer and Kansas WorkforceONE signed an agreement in October with a goal of placing at least 25 new elder care workers in Douglas County by the end of 2025. Organizers say this pilot could serve as a model for statewide expansion.
Faith-based advocacy groups have played an increasing role in shaping policy initiatives across Kansas, with coalitions like Justice Matters securing commitments from local leaders on issues such as homelessness, mental health services and housing.
“We’re proud to be a part of this critical initiative,” Barb Clapp, CEO of Dwyer Workforce Development, said in the release. “The need for qualified elder care workers is urgent, and we’re excited to work alongside Kansas WorkforceONE to provide a sustainable solution for Douglas County.”
More information and an application are available on Dwyer’s website via dwyerworkforcedev.org.
If our local journalism matters to you, please help us keep doing this work.
Don’t miss a beat … Click here to sign up for our email newsletters
Click here to learn more about our newsletters first
Cuyler Dunn (he/him), a contributor to The Lawrence Times since April 2022, is a student at the University of Kansas School of Journalism. He is a graduate of Lawrence High School where he was the editor-in-chief of the school’s newspaper, The Budget, and was named the 2022 Kansas High School Journalist of the Year. Read his complete bio here. Read more of his work for the Times here.
Latest Lawrence news:
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
