About New Americans in LTC

New Americans
in Long–Term Care

Bringing together educators, employers, and immigrant community members to build tools and training that improve care and communication across cultures.

About This Project

Building Bridges Across
Cultures

This initiative is part of the "New Americans in Long-Term Care" collaboration, bringing together educators, employers, and immigrant community members to build tools and training that improve care and communication across cultures.

Co–designed Resources

Created with input from immigrant workers, nurse educators, and LTC leaders.

Comprehensive Approach

Supporting both employers and employees for successful cultural integration.

The Minnesota Council of Churches (MCC) and Blue Earth County Employment Services (BECES) work closely with Mankato Adult Basic Education (ABE) to assist New Americans in finding employment.

Once students reach ESL level 6, they are eligible for the Pathways to Prosperity grant program, which offers bridge classes at local community and technical colleges preparing students for healthcare programs such as CNA, phlebotomy, LPN, or medical assistant.

South Central Service Cooperative (SCSC) bridges the gap by providing culturally sensitive training and tailored support for New Americans, especially those who speak Somali and Spanish, through online, AI, and VR bilingual curricula.

"This program helped me understand not just the medical terms, but how to communicate with respect in American healthcare. Now I feel confident helping patients and working with my team."
Amina Hassan
Program Graduate, Certified Nursing Assistant
Program Tracks Overview

Supporting New Americans in Long–Term Care

Supporting New Americans in Long–Term Care through four strategic tracks. Each track offers resources, training, and support that prepare participants for meaningful, culturally–informed careers in long–term care (LTC).

Basic Needs & Supportive Services
Track 1
Basic Needs & Supportive Services
Goal:

Help immigrants overcome everyday challenges to successfully enter LTC training and jobs.

What We Do:
  • Community outreach in Somali and Spanish
  • Connect to training, ESL, and resources
  • Support with housing, childcare, and transportation
Job Placement & Employer Engagement
Track 4
Job Placement & Employer Engagement
Goal:

Connect new Americans with inclusive LTC employers and provide ongoing support.

What We Do:
  • Virtual career fairs and cultural workshops
  • Career readiness and resume support
  • Job matching and follow-up assistance
Project Partners

Collaborative Partnership

Working together with leading organizations to create comprehensive support for New Americans in healthcare.

South Central Service Cooperative (SCSC)

South Central Service Cooperative programs and services are member-driven to utilize resources in the most efficient and effective manner possible.

Blue Earth County Employment Services (BECES)

Provides employment support services, job search assistance, and training options for public assistance participants.

Mankato Adult Basic Education (ABE)

Offers educational opportunities including English language learning, GED preparation, and career-focused programs.

Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC)

Connects learners with interactive virtual experiences through partnerships with museums and experts worldwide.

Minnesota Council of Churches (MCC)

A collaborative of 27 member denominations providing refugee services and community integration support.

MetaMedics VR

Develops immersive training solutions for healthcare professionals using VR, AI, and realistic medical simulations.

New Americans in LTC​

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