Creating Job Opportunities Right Where We Live

Thanks to workforce development, a pathway for career development landed a mother of five her dream career. Samantha Landers has always sought out personal development opportunities and wanted increased financial stability for her family. Living in the King Neighborhood of Southwest Fresno, she was working at the Family Dollar nearby when she was introduced to a new opportunity that would open the door to a career in healthcare. While at Kimbo's Donuts, Samantha met Jason Spencer, CEO of Generation Changers, who shared a flyer for the free Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) training cohort offered through a partnership with CalViva, Synergy Healthcare, and Generation Changers.  

Samantha’s background made the nursing industry the ideal career field for her. She grew up taking care of her mom and disabled brother and felt like the CNA program would be a steppingstone toward a career in the medical industry. She already knew someone who completed the program the year prior, and that gave her the confidence to take the next step and enroll. Like many who balance work, family, and training, she faced challenges such as reliable transportation to clinicals. With support from Generation Changers, she was able to complete her hours and went on to graduate as one of 30 individuals who earned their CNA certification during the three-year partnership. Today, she is employed in a certified health care position at Healthcare Centre and is preparing to continue her education at Ceaser Chavez Adult School to pursue her LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse) license. She has also encouraged three new participants who are now enrolled in the upcoming CNA program starting this month. “It has been the best opportunity I've ever had in my life,” Samantha said. “I'm so grateful and blessed to have taken CNA classes and truly enjoy what I do.”  

Samantha’s story shows how workforce development creates pathways to economic growth. With access to training and the right support, individuals move into meaningful careers, families benefit from greater financial stability, and entire communities are strengthened. 

In partnership with other local organizations, DRIVE makes successful career transitions like Samantha’s feasible. Southwest Fresno residents face increased unemployment and underemployment and greatly benefit from specialized career pathway programs in their neighborhoods. “Our diverse population needs several paths for people to be educated and trained, so they can land jobs that enable them to provide for their families,” said Fresno DRIVE Initiative Director Artie Padilla. “DRIVE is about upward mobility, and this is a great place-based model for that. We want to create more opportunities for families to figure out what’s best for them. By being able to do trainings in their own neighborhoods, issues such as transportation are no longer insurmountable barriers.” 

Programs like the CNA cohort work toward DRIVE’s mission of creating an economy for everyone by diversifying training options. “The CNA program helps individuals enroll in a nursing track more easily than it has been in the past, thus, a monumental opportunity for Fresno families,” Padilla said.  

The CNA cohort consists of a six-week training program that prepares participants for CNA certification and health care careers. This annual opportunity is fully funded by CalViva Health and available for up to 15 participants. The third class commences Tuesday, October 28.