Residents at the Grove Home met the first cohort of students enrolled in the Willis College Personal Support Worker program taking place in the Old Grove building next door.

The “Living Classroom” program aims to entice future PSWS to Arnprior and the Valley through a hybrid learning environment, local clinical placement at the Grove Home, over $15,000 in incentives, and guaranteed immediate employment with ARH for graduates who meet employment requirements.

“I absolutely want to work at the Grove Home when the program is done,” explains student Crystal Parkhurst. “This program offers a great opportunity to become familiar with the residents and the staff before I’ve even graduated, which is amazing.”

The residents are looking forward to seeing the students more often as they begin the practical component of their course.

“They all seem quite lovely,” says Isabelle, resident of the Grove Home. “I look forward to seeing their faces!”

Program offers locals opportunity for career change

Leann with Grove resident Isabelle

For Leann Abraham, the flexibility of the program was what caught her attention.

“I have two little boys at home”, says Leann. “We’ve been able to juggle summer activities for the kids while I am in school which is great!”

Leann felt a call to change her career after coming off maternity leave. “I was working in high-tech, and when I came back from leave everything was different. I needed a change. My brother was a palliative care nurse, there are a lot of nurses in our family, so when I saw this program, it seemed like the perfect fit.”

With her young family firmly rooted in the community, Leann was happy to take an opportunity with job potential so close to home.

Crystal with Grove resident Annie

Crystal has worked in long-term care before, as a laundry aide at another facility. She loved getting to know the residents and becoming a familiar face. “I worked a late shift,” she says. “Any of the residents who were up then, we would bond. I could always tell if they hadn’t liked dinner that night, and I would find them a snack and have a chat.”

Although she enjoyed her work, Crystal wanted to be more involved in the care of the residents. When she saw ARH at a local job fair promoting the PSW program, she realized this was the perfect opportunity.

“I was taking my daughter to the job fair, but I’m the one who ended up with an opportunity! I didn’t think I would be able to go back to school, but this has been fantastic so far. It’s great because I know exactly what the outcome will be when I graduate!”

Since the program began, students have primarily been completing their coursework online. “I was nervous to start, but the the coursework has been enjoyable so far,” says Lily Sears-Cunningham, student. “This was my first time interacting with the residents, and it went really well. I am looking forward to doing more of that.” The students will soon begin the practical component of their course, which will take place at the Old Grove building. Through hands on learning in the lab, and direct interaction with current residents of the Grove, the students will develop their skills and competencies as Personal Support Workers.