Since 1981, Dorcas Place Adult and Family Learning Center has been giving low-income Rhode Islanders the educational opportunities they need to realize their full potential and climb the ladder to success—through literacy, workplace training, college preparatory programs, and employment.
The Career Academy’s Pre-CNA contextualized Training program was recently featured in a segment on NBC 10 about how to land Rhode Island’s hot jobs. Healthcare is one of the largest and fastest growing industries in RI. In response, Dorcas Place, in collaboration with Quality Partners of RI, has developed the pre-CNA course which combines English and math skill development with training in areas such as resident rights, cultural/ethnic diversity, caregiver programs, infection control, measuring vital signs, response to basic emergencies and important soft skills.
In addition to this track, the Career Academy also offers acute care, hospitality, and computer skills training tracks and will be expanding to include the green sector this spring.
Donations have already begun coming in for the 2010 Annual Fund. Help us reach our goal of $200,000. The campaign runs through June 2010. For information on how to contribute, click on the $Support Dorcas Place$ link on the right side of this page.
More than 150 internationally educated health professionals have received services, including English language instruction, case management, re-credentialing and licensing support, tutoring, employer networking,
clinical exposure activities, and access to accelerated health care courses from the RI Welcome Back Center since it opened in June 2008. During the WBC’s first 18 months in operation, 31 participants had their credentials evaluated, 3 passed licensing exams, 2 MDs and 2 RNs have begun work as CNAs, a nurse passed the NCLEX and 2 social workers are working as Americorps volunteers at local schools. At the first Annual Partnership Breakfast, Nancy Olson, acting chief of the Governor’s Workforce Board of RI, addressed staff, participants, and supporters. “It is in Rhode Island’s economic interest to support your efforts here, because your goals are our goals – to combat underemployment in RI, to address labor shortages in key industries, and to build our skilled workforce. Your efforts in the Health Care arena not only are helping to prepare your individual clients for a better future, but they are helping the state of Rhode Island prepare for brighter economy.”
The National Coalition for Literacy (NCL) presented Dorcas Place Adult & Family Learning Center with a 2009 NCL Leadership Award for its “powerful record of success” in assisting low-income adults in realizing their full potential through literacy, employment, advocacy and community involvement. The national award was presented at the Library of Congress on September 16, 2009. Dorcas Place was the only adult literacy center nationwide that was being honored. The National Coalition annually recognizes individuals and/or organizations that have made extraordinary contributions to improving literacy and raising awareness of adult literacy and English language learning needs in the United States. Other recipients were country singer Gretchen Wilson, U.S. Senator Patricia Murray, U.S. Representative Raul Grijalva, the Home Safety Council and adult literacy advocate Calvin Miles.
©2004 Dorcas Place Adult & Family Learning Center, Inc. • 220 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI 02907 • phone: 401-273-8866
