Key Bank Foundation Supports Home Health Aide Training

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. - Dec. 10, 2013 - PRLog -- White Plains, NY— KeyBank Foundation has awarded a $5,000 grant to Grace Church Community Center (GCCC) to fund its Training Center for Home Health Aides (HHAs). The Training Center is part of GCCC’s Neighbors Home Care Services Agency, which has been providing care for elderly and disabled residents of Westchester County since 1983.

The Training Center was opened in 2009 in response to a countywide shortage of certified HHA’s.  It provides free classes and books for students, primarily from low-income, minority backgrounds, and guarantees employment to successful graduates.

Paul Anderson-Winchell, Executive Director of Grace Church Community Center, said

“This is an important economic development and educational initiative that improves the earning potential of low wage earners while meeting the growing demand for home care services for seniors in Westchester.”

He added that, for some graduates, the training program has been a stepping stone to a higher level of nursing education.  One former graduate has gone on to receive her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certification and two others are currently enrolled in the LPN program.

His sentiments were echoed by Anthony Owens, CRA Compliance Manager from KeyBank’s Albany office who presented the grant check.  Owens said, “The HHA Training Center provides economic empowerment that enhances the lives of current participants and will have a positive impact on the participants’ families and generations to follow. KeyBank Foundation’s grant will pay dividends to the community forever.”

KeyBank has supported the program since its inception.

The federal government has identified home health care as one of the six fastest growing industry segments in the nation and one of the few service areas where demand currently exceeds supply.  As baby boomers age, demand for home healthcare will only continue to grow.

Individuals aged 65+ currently make up 14.8% of all Westchester residents, higher than the national average of 13%.  By 2020, it is estimated that nearly 161,000 county residents will be 65+, up almost 18% from 2010.  The fastest growing segment of the population will be individuals aged 80 and older.