From Fighting Food Insecurity to Becoming a CNA, Ana Gonzale is Determined to Help those in Need

When recent Catholic Charities Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide (NA/HHA) graduate Ana Gonzale recounts the moment she passed the Massachusetts Nursing Assistant exam this past spring, her voice overflows with joy, as if it was just yesterday.  

“I was so excited,” she said. “My son brought me flowers, and my sister and brother reached out and were so proud.” 

For the past 23 years, prior to enrolling in Catholic Charities NA/HHA program at the Labouré Center in South Boston, Ana has worked part-time for a local cleaning business. While she has enjoyed the job and it pays the bills, she said she always longed to find an additional career track that would allow her to help people in need, particularly seniors in her community. 

A faith-driven woman, Ana turned to her church, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Jamaica Plain, and joined a service group of parishioners called Community Cers, who collected food from local pantries –including one operated by Catholic Charities – and helped deliver it to elders and those in need during the pandemic. 

It was during this time, while distributing food to seniors in her community, that Ana realized many of them not only lacked access to nutritious food but also to basic needs resources, medical care, and in-home support. When she learned of Catholic Charities’ NA/HHA program shortly later, she promptly signed up, viewing it as a golden opportunity to support her family and channel her desire for service into a career. 

“I enjoyed everything, and I learned so much,” Ana said. “You learn about the medical field but also how to act when someone is sick and how to treat and care for people.”  

From familiarizing herself with medical terminology, to learning about the healthcare system and the everyday role of a CNA, Ana said she now feels confident in her ability to sufficiently address her future patient’s needs. 

“I am so glad I joined the class because I wanted to make sure I had all the skills I needed to do my job the right way, as best I could,” she said. 

Given her inclination to help seniors, she is currently working with Catholic Charities’ Career Coach of Workforce Development Beatrice Quessa to identify job positions at nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Ana said Both Beatrice and program director Kathy Curran–Nigl were key role models, ensuring each student thoroughly understood the material and felt supported. 

“Kathy really enjoys teaching and has such good energy,” she said. “I loved it. This was something that changed my life.” 

To learn more about Catholic Charities NA/HHA program, click here.  

To learn how you can support students like Ana, and Catholic Charities’ other clients, visit our Ways to Give page.