(June 5, 2024) — Work Well, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving job quality and opportunities for direct care workers, is proud to announce that it has been awarded $595,549.44 under the Direct Care Worker Job Quality (DCWJQ) Grant by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry. The grant will be used to fund Work Well’s Direct Care Workers Enrichment Program (DCWEP), which aims to enhance job quality and career development opportunities for direct care workers. The project will also incorporate an apprenticeship program in partnership with Hamilton-Ryker/TalentGro, a workforce solutions provider. 

“We are excited and honored to receive this grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry,” said Aaron Morlock, Director of Work Well. “The Direct Care Workers Enrichment Program will significantly impact the lives of direct care workers by offering improved job quality, training opportunities, and career advancement pathways.” 

Key Aspects of the DCWEP Project: 

• Apprenticeship Program: In collaboration with Hamilton-Ryker’s Workforce Development Division, TalentGro, The Direct Care Workers Enrichment Program (DCWEP) Model aims to transform the experience of Direct Care Workers in Pennsylvania by introducing a structured career development path through Registered Apprenticeships with a focus on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRDs). 
• Training and Skill Development: Workers will receive specialized training to improve their skills and job performance. 
• Support and Resources: The program will also provide comprehensive support services to help workers achieve their career goals. 

We are particularly excited about our strategic partnership with the Pennsylvania Assisted Living Association (PALA), which represents over 300 senior living communities across the state. PALA has been instrumental in helping shape the DCWEP by facilitating connections with their extensive network of senior living communities and advocating for policies that support quality care and accessibility for seniors. 

“The Pennsylvania Assisted Living Association is excited to partner with Work Well on the Direct Care Workers Enrichment Program (DCWEP). This initiative directly aligns with our mission to support quality care and accessibility for seniors while addressing the critical challenges of recruitment and retention in our industry. Through specialized training, policy development, and comprehensive support services, DCWEP will empower our member communities to create a more supportive and satisfying work environment for Direct Care Workers across Pennsylvania. We look forward to seeing how this program will improve the quality of care for seniors and positively impact our members’ workforce stability.” — Susan Saxinger, PALA Executive Director. 

This grant underscores Work Well’s commitment to creating meaningful career pathways and improving job quality for direct care workers in Pennsylvania and nationwide. The organization looks forward to working with the Department of Labor & Industry, PALA, and its other partners to achieve these goals. 

For more information about Work Well’s Direct Care Workers Enrichment Program, please contact Aaron Morlock, Director, at amorlock@workwellservices.org.