We are proud to celebrate the first cohort of graduates: (top, left to right) Ela Atreaga Reyes, Yaneth Yudexi Rivero Guevara, Jacyara Goncalves Barreto, Elsa Gutierrez, Sandra Morales, Blanca Lopez Sanchez, and Paola Gutierrez Morales with Homecare Training Manager Dámaris Medina-Hernández (top center and bottom right). Also pictured (bottom, left to right): Homecare Coordinator Ana Lisa Rodriguez, Homecare Director Mayra Tardiff, and CEO Lino Covarrubias.
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On Tuesday, May 13, 2025 JFS of Metrowest proudly celebrated the graduation of the 1st cohort from its immigrant Workforce Development Pilot Project, funded by the MetroWest Health Foundation. This initiative provides work-eligible immigrants with paid training to become certified personal care homemakers addressing both economic inequity and the growing need for home health workers.
JFS of Metrowest has long welcomed immigrants, many of whom face limited job opportunities due to language barriers and low wages. At the same time the United States is experiencing a surge in demand for elder care, driven by an aging population and a shortage of home health aides. In Massachusetts alone, 30,000 more aides will be needed by 2030, while hundreds of local seniors remain on wait lists for care. By offering certification and pathways to living wage employment, this pilot helps immigrants achieve financial stability while supporting the health and independence of older adults in our community.
At the graduation 8 immigrant women were honored for completing the program now, equipped with the skills and credentials to provide essential, compassionate care. It was a powerful moment of recognition, not just for individual achievement, but for a more inclusive and responsive care system for all.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the MetroWest Health Foundation for their generous support—and our deepest congratulations to the graduates, whose dedication and compassion are helping to build a more inclusive, equitable, and caring community for all.