Expand access to entry-level career pathways in healthcare for 235 people facing barriers to employment with Focusing Philanthropy and JVS

As always, Focusing Philanthropy covers all overhead costs. 100% of every donation will go to the 2021 Health Careers Campaign.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The healthcare sector is the largest and fastest growing employer in the U.S. economy, and, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, six of the ten fastest growing occupations are in healthcare. The Labor Department projects that healthcare employment will grow 15% from 2019 to 2029, adding about 2.4 million new jobs. Additionally, more than eight million people will be needed to replace those who will leave or retire over the next decade.

A large percentage of available healthcare jobs are entry-level positions, offering opportunities to begin careers with family-sustaining wages, benefits, and a path to advancement. Medical Assistant and Aide roles are projected to have the most significant growth (39% of the new healthcare jobs) and are considered first steps on the career ladder for nursing, the occupation with the greatest overall demand.

Training programs that effectively prepare low-income and minority jobseekers to meet employer demand can lift workers and their families out of poverty, strengthen local economies, and help create a workforce demographic that matches the changing U.S. population.

THE GOAL

Focusing Philanthropy, JVS Boston and JVS San Francisco are partnering to raise $1,050,000 to set 235 individuals facing barriers to employment on entry-level career pathways in healthcare. Our 2021 campaign increases access to good jobs in the industry as a means of achieving equity though self-sufficiency.

JVS is a national network of workforce development nonprofits with a 100+ year history of empowering people from traditionally underserved and underrepresented communities to find employment and build careers. Member organizations collaborate with local employers across many industries to fill in-demand positions with diverse, well-trained talent—at no cost to the trainees. Among their program offerings, JVS Boston and JVS San Francisco offer various healthcare tracks. These 6-14 week courses provide participants (the vast majority of whom are people of color) with the training and support needed to acquire industry-specific skills and credentials required for high demand jobs. In addition to technical instruction, programs include career coaching in soft skills (interviewing techniques, financial literacy) as well as wrap-around services (childcare, housing, transportation) to remove barriers to employment.

The 2021 Health Careers Campaign will serve 185 healthcare trainees in Boston and 50 in San Francisco, of which ~90% will graduate and ~80% will land jobs. In response to market trends and projections in each location, JVS will provide occupational skills training in seven high-demand healthcare occupations:

Boston (average pre-training wage including unemployed at time of application – $7.5K/yr):

  • Certified Nursing Assistant (average earnings – $36K/yr)
  • Patient Care Technician (average earnings – $39K/yr)
  • Certified Pharmacy Technician (average earnings – $45K/yr)
  • Certified Central Sterile Processing Technician (average earnings – $37K/yr)

San Francisco (average pre-training wage including unemployed at time of application – $12K/yr):

  • Certified Dental Assistant (average earnings – $42K/yr)
  • Certified Medical Assistant (average earnings – $57K/yr
  • Medical Administrative Assistant (average earnings – $51K/yr)

THE GIVING MATCH

From June 1 to December 31, 2021, every $1 raised by Focusing Philanthropy will be matched with $2 raised by JVS, until the campaign goal of $1,050,000 is reached. To qualify for the match, donations must be directed to Focusing Philanthropy and a minimum of $1,000.

Donations are fully tax deductible and 100% of funds contributed will go to the 2021 Health Careers campaign. All Focusing Philanthropy costs are covered by its founders.