Catholic Charities Boston Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide training program staff reflect on TPS Decision

For years, Catholic Charities Boston’s Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide training programs have been comprised mostly of Haitian students. 

Since the programs’ inception, 450 students have enrolled, about 90 percent of whom are Haitian nationals. More than three-quarters of all participants have secured employment following graduation at local hospitals, nursing homes, and as private caregivers for elderly residents. 

The Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide training programs are open to anyone who seeks to take the first step on the career ladder in health care.

“The Haitian community has done very well with our program,” said Beatrice Quessa, a Career Coach of Workforce Development. “These students are motivated because they wanted and needed jobs. They are always ready to learn and never stop learning.” 

The news last month of the United States Supreme Court’s decision to allow the repeal of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti was called “heartbreaking” by those who work and teach to prepare these future health care workers. 

“It is just a whole circle of support starting from the moment the students walk into our classroom to the moment they walk through the doors of the most prestigious hospitals in the United States,” explained Kathleen Curran-Nigl, program manager at the Labouré Center. 

Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide training classes are offered at Catholic Charities sites in South Boston and Brockton. The training is free for students who meet income eligibility. Catholic Charities also offers a Healthcare Bridge English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program designed to help students strengthen their English-speaking skills, as well as develop fundamental math, digital literacy, and systems navigation skills, with the goal of securing sustainable, fulfilling jobs in the health care field.    

Due to changes to immigration policy, and most recently the termination of TPS for Haiti, Catholic Charities staff reported a decrease in applications from Haitians. In many instances, while potential Haitian students said they wished to enroll in the programs, many concerns and uncertainties stopped them from moving forward. 

“There is a hesitation,” said Robenson Sanon, Outreach & Enrollment Coordinator. “Over the past three months, we have seen fewer applications from Haitians.” 

Catholic Charities Boston has enjoyed a strong partnership with hospitals, medical centers, nursing homes, and other health care employers, in part, Curran-Nigl said, because just two weeks after they graduate, Nursing Assistant and Home Health Aide students can get their certification and enter the workforce. 

Quessa added she has heard frustration from colleagues in the health care industry because of what the TPS decision means for their employees. 

“Many of our students have gone on to become phlebotomists, registered nurses, EKG technicians, and are working in key positions in health care,” Quessa said. 

It is that continued development, such as going from nursing assistant to registered nurse, that Curran-Nigl said brings her the most pride. 

“This program helps people start a new life,” Curran-Nigl said. “And not just for them but their families. It’s incredible hearing from former students saying they are now in nursing school.”