OUR SERVICESProgram Benefits Bronx student, Francis Cruz
Francis Cruz is a junior at Marie Curie High School, and and in her second year of the Jewish Home Lifecare Geriatric Career Development (GCD) Program in the Bronx. The GCD Program is designed to nurture interest from high school students considering careers in healthcare, especially geriatrics, where there is a shortage of people entering the field.
Francis attends the GCD program three days a week and starts each session by shadowing staff members in various nursing home departments. Afterwards, Francis receives homework tutoring and SAT/ACT practice or goes to her assigned nursing home resident community to assist nurses and meet with residents who act as mentors. Every day Francis visits Carmelita. While Carmelita is non-verbal, the two have a beautiful and expressive relationship.
Francis also works eight hours a week transporting residents to events, concerts and religious services. New students are picked for this paid opportunity each year, but because Francis is so popular she will remain in her job for the next rotation.
After high school, Francis will be attending college. With the help of the GCD Program scholarship, Francis plans to ll earn her Emergency Medical Technician certification this summer.
Recognizing her potential, Jewish Home Lifecare is doing all it can to nurture it. Perhaps after college, she’ll even consider employment at her “alma mater.”
Read more about the Geriatric Career Development program.