By Olga Zamudio, Care Pathways Program Coordinator
For Almira Vedasto, caring for others comes naturally. A former Red Cross volunteer and nurse in the Philippines, Almira came to Canada for the same reason so many do – to seek a better life for herself and her three children.
With a passion for working with seniors, MOSAIC’s Care Pathways Program was a natural fit. This free program provides visible minority women with an alternative pathway to a career in the health care sector. Care Pathways provides training and support to succeed in entry-level roles in senior care facilities such as dietary aides and housekeeping.
Almira says the MOSAIC team is so supportive and helpful. “Every day, staff checked in about how things were going. My advisor, Emily, supported me with my skill plan and finding a job in a good facility.” Almira successfully completed the program in December 2020.
Care Pathways provides participants with a number of important qualifications for entry-level roles in the healthcare sector, including:
- First Aid, Workplace Safety, Food Safety, WHMIS Certification
- Intercultural, Diversity and Inclusion Coaching
- Occupation-Based Essential Skills Training
- Occupation-Specific Language Coaching
- PAID work experience
- 3 months of one-on-one support during the work experience
- Up to 6 months of follow up support
- Transportation allowance during the work experience
For Almira, the support from MOSAIC staff during her job search was essential for finding a position as a Community Health Worker with her current employer, SE Health, where she interacts with seniors on a daily basis. While she works, Almira is also studying to become a Health Care Assistant at Heritage College with the support of her manager.
Almira eventually hopes to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Canada, and the Care Pathways Program was the perfect stepping stone on her journey – we are so proud of her. “If you are thinking about the Care Pathways program, this is such a helpful program and training. It gives you a chance to level up and step forward for what you want to be,” she says.
Care Pathways is currently recruiting for a new cohort of participants, which will begin June 2021. To register for this free program, click here. If you have any questions regarding the program, please email pathways@mosaicbc.org.
