‘A bridge to a better life:’ Healthcare Bridge ESOL Graduate Shares Gratitude for Program

When Edna is faced with a challenge, she closes her eyes and thinks of her grandmother. The memory of her caring face fills Edna with purpose and courage, reminding her why she chose to pursue the healthcare field.  

A recent graduate of Catholic Charities Boston’s healthcare bridge ESOL program, Edna is on track to becoming a certified home health aide or nursing assistant at a Brockton hospital or nursing home. Having been raised by her grandmother in her native country of Cape Verde, Edna said she has always dreamed of giving back and helping senior citizens in need. Thanks to Catholic Charities Boston, Edna says this dream is becoming a reality. 

“I’ve always wanted to give back to elders and to care for my grandmother the way she cared for me,” she said.  

While Edna taught science at a high school in Cape Verde and knew about anatomy and the human body, her lack of English fluency prevented her from immediately seeking a healthcare job in the US. When she discovered the healthcare bridge ESOL program, she said it felt too good to be true – not only did it offer her hands-on skills training but also allowed her to strengthen her English-speaking-skills and familiarize herself with English medical terminology.

“The class was not just about learning vocabulary or grammar; it was a bridge to a better life,” said Edna. “Through the program, I learned so much about the U.S. healthcare system, medical terminology, human body anatomy, and workplace skills, which helped me build confidence.” 

After graduating from the healthcare bridge ESOL course, Edna and her fellow classmates were able to enroll into a free patient care technician (PCT) training program at Mass General, thanks to a partnership with UMass Global, which is funded by the Good Jobs Metro Boston Coalition, a workforce development initiative aimed at connecting residents of the Greater Boston area to quality, well-paying jobs in childcare, healthcare, and clean energy. 

“Having the background from the healthcare bridge program helped a lot,” said Edna.  “The PCT class helped us to explore more advanced topics and learn new skills.” 

Having just completed the PCT course, Edna is now working with her Catholic Charities Boston career coach to prep for interviews, as she seeks a job that will allow her to serve the elder population as well as help provide for her nine-year-old son and husband. 

Reflecting on her experience, Edna says she is most grateful for the people she met along the way and the sense of confidence she has gained. She knows her grandmother would be proud. 

“I want to thank Catholic Charities for providing me with the tools to build a brighter future.”

To learn more about Catholic Charities Boston’s Healthcare Bridge ESOL and NA/HHA trainings, click here. To find out how you can support Catholic Charities Boston’s clients in need, visit our Ways to Give page.