Northfield ParkView Named LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation Workforce Solutions Grant Recipient

Northfield ParkView, a senior living facility of Northfield Retirement Community, is the recipient of a $25,000, two-year grant from LeadingAge Minnesota, the largest association of organizations serving Minnesota seniors, to develop a program that will increase the “quality, quantity and capacity of the caregiving workforce.” The funds awarded will pave the way for a collaboration between Northfield Retirement Community (NRC), Northfield Public Schools and Northfield Promise, a local community initiative that supports and engages youth in Northfield from cradle to career. The program will give middle school and high school students opportunities to explore their skills and interests and learn more about healthcare careers that provide care for seniors and serve local workforce needs.

Students who participate in the program will have the opportunity to meet with a trained mentor in the field on a regular basis. These meetings will allow students to learn more about the industry, take part in job shadowing and engage in activities that will help them explore their own skills and interests. Once students reach the age of 16, they can sign up for NRC’s Registered Nursing Assistant course at no cost. Upon successful completion, students can pursue employment with Northfield ParkView and begin a career in healthcare.

NRC President and CEO Kyle Nordine said, “We are committed to supporting youth in our community. By making healthcare career opportunities more accessible, we hope to inspire a new generation of caregivers through meaningful experiences in an environment that is conducive to hands-on learning.”