At Catholic Charities NY, we believe that true support goes beyond meeting immediate needs. While we’ve long been a beacon for individuals seeking assistance with essentials like food, housing, and emergency services, we also understand that lasting change happens when people are empowered to stand on their own and build a brighter future. This commitment to holistic transformation came to life on January 15, 2025, with the successful launch of the Bridge to Healthcare Program.

This initiative continues Catholic Charities NY’s enduring commitment to helping individuals not only survive but also thrive. Through this program, participants are gaining the skills, training, and guidance to step into meaningful careers as home health aides, a profession that not only provides financial stability but also serves as a pathway to purpose and dignity. For Laura Garcia, originally from Mexico, the program is more than a learning opportunity—it’s the realization of a lifelong dream. “My mom introduced me to first aid back home, and my daughter, who is a medical assistant, always talks to me about healthcare,” Laura shared.

This program is helping me do something I love—helping others, especially seniors, who remind me of my grandma. I think she’d be proud of me.

For Mamadou Bailo Diallo, from Guinea, the program has opened doors he never imagined. “In my country, I dreamed of being a doctor and helping others, but that wasn’t possible,” Mamadou shared.

Here, I finally have the chance to help people and make a difference. I’m so grateful for this opportunity.

The Bridge to Healthcare Program

The program is carefully crafted to provide participants with everything they need to succeed:

• Nine weeks of English for healthcare careers, where students learn language skills tailored to patient care.
• Three weeks of hands-on home health aide training, providing practical expertise and certification.
• Comprehensive job placement and case management support, ensuring graduates find employment and maintain success in their roles.

The journey doesn’t stop at education; Catholic Charities NY is committed to walking alongside participants every step of the way. “Throughout the program, we provide one-on-one support,” explains Elaine Roberts, Director of the Catholic Charities NY International Center. “Whether it’s addressing barriers, connecting them with resources, or simply encouraging them to keep going, we’re here for them. It’s not just about jobs—it’s about changing lives.”

The Gerstner Foundation: A Catalyst for Change

The success of the Bridge to Healthcare Program would not have been possible without the generous support of the Gerstner Foundation. Their commitment to empowering communities and creating pathways to self-sufficiency was instrumental in launching this program.

“The Gerstner Foundation’s support allowed us to dream bigger and build a program that provides not just education, but holistic support for participants,” Elaine Roberts emphasized. “Their partnership has helped transform lives and give our participants the tools they need to thrive professionally and personally.”

The foundation’s investment is not only a gift to Catholic Charities NY but also to the hundreds of individuals whose lives will be positively impacted through this initiative. It serves as a shining example of how collaboration between organizations can create real, lasting change in communities.

A Bridge to Hope and Purpose

This program is a shining example of how Catholic Charities NY is expanding its impact, moving from providing immediate help to fostering long-term independence. It’s about giving people the tools to build a life they’re proud of and creating a ripple effect of empowerment across families and communities. “Programs like Bridge to Healthcare remind us that our work isn’t just about providing help—it’s about restoring hope,” Elaine said.

We’re helping individuals stand on their own, thrive in their professional lives, and build successful, independent futures.

The launch of the Bridge to Healthcare Program is just the beginning. As more participants graduate, find meaningful employment, and start their new careers, Catholic Charities NY celebrates this milestone as a testament to what’s possible when compassion and opportunity come together.

This is the work of Catholic Charities NY: not just offering help, but helping people live the lives they’ve dreamed of—with dignity, purpose, and hope for the future.

Check out a video from the launch of the Bridge to Healthcare program: