‘What excites me most is job security:’ NA/HHA Graduate Finds Stability and Purpose in Healthcare Field

For over a decade after moving to the United States from Haiti, Garry Laguerre worked at various hardware stores and served as an Uber driver. While he fell in love with Boston and enjoyed the life he had built for himself in his new country, Garry said he longed to find a job that would provide him with a sense of stability and satisfy his deep desire to help those in need.  

The moment he discovered Catholic Charities Boston’s NA/HHA training at the Labouré Center was a pivotal turning point.  

“I never had the chance to work in the medical field in Haiti,” Garry said. “Since I got to the US, I have a new perspective on the medical field and thought, ‘Let me give this a try.’  

Not only was he introduced to a supportive team of mentors and teachers who made working in the medical field feel accessible, but he said he also gained confidence in himself and his ability to pursue his dreams. He even surprised himself by receiving a 100% on the first quiz he took in the training.  

“I took Latin in high school and so I understood a lot of the medical terminology and language,” Garry said. “That gave me the confidence I needed.”  

After that, Garry became committed to learning as much as he could and quickly gained a strong appreciation for his teacher, Kathleen Curran-Nigl, and the program’s career coaches, Beatrice Quessa and Jon Braley. 

“We worked through an entire book of material in just one month,” said Garry. “It opened my eyes to everything, from physiology to anatomy.”  

Garry said he most enjoyed the clinical component of the course, in which the students had the opportunity to apply their skills and knowledge in a real healthcare setting.  

Garry is now preparing to begin his job as a Nursing Assistant at Spaulding Rehabilitation Center – one of two job offers he received shortly upon completing the course. Eventually, he plans to apply to nursing school and pursue becoming a registered nurse.  

“What excites me most is job security,” said Garry. “This is a field where you can move up if you want to. This is a field where you get to help others. In the cycle of life, we all eventually need help – I want to be there for those people and use my compassion. It is very important to me.” 

To learn more about Catholic Charities Boston’s NA/HHA training, click here. To find out how you can support clients like Garry, visit our Ways to Give page.