Caregiving with Heart
Training the Next Generation
At Jamie’s Place, caregiving is more than a profession –
it’s a relationship.
It’s about listening, connecting, and showing up with love. Every day, our caregivers bring warmth and dignity into the lives of elders who call Jamie’s Place home. As we grow, we are equally committed to growing the people who make the care possible – providing the training, resources, and encouragement to build meaningful, lasting careers.
The Heart of Caregiver Training
Over the past four years, Jamie’s Place has proudly trained 30 caregivers to become Home Care Aides (HCAs) – individuals who lead with empathy and serve with skill. Through our HCA-to-CNA bridge programs, 11 caregivers have taken the next step in their careers, earning certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and a well-deserved $2 wage increase. Each graduate represents a story of growth – of courage, compassion, and commitment to serving others and their community.
CNA training isn’t just a credential – it’s a doorway. It opens the path toward nursing and advanced healthcare roles, giving caretakers the confidence and experience to thrive. By offering this training locally, we ensure that caregivers can learn, work, and grow without leaving their community behind.
In the fall of 2025, we’re proud to have launched our third bridge program, enrolling five Jamie’s Place caregivers and expanding access to the broader community. In partnership with the Methow Valley Elder Care Coordination Network and a four-year Rural Healthcare Grant funded by HRSA, we’re bringing training opportunities to caregivers throughout the Methow Valley and Okanogan County – ensuring that quality care begins with well-supported caregivers.
A Vision Realized: The New Training Center
We know that distance and access can be barriers to education. That’s why the next chapter of Jamie’s Place includes the creation of a dedicated Caregiver Training Center – a local hub for learning, growth, and community connection.
Here’s how it will make a difference:
Continuous Skill Development: Caregivers will have ongoing access to hands-on training, mentorship, and workshops that build confidence and excellence in care.
Partnerships with Local Schools: We’ll partner with high schools to introduce young people to healthcare careers and inspire the next generation of caregivers.
Community Support: Families caring for loved ones at home will have access to specialized training – empowering them to provide dignified, compassionate care.
This center will be a place where care meets opportunity – a beacon for those called to serve and a testament to what a small, caring community can achieve together.
Building Careers by Strengthening Community
At Jamie’s Place, we see caregivers as both a calling and a career path. Through our training programs, mentorship, and partnerships, we’re creating clear and supported routes for advancement:
Bridge Programs: From HCA to CNA, offering structured training and financial support for continued education.
CNA to RN Pathways: With support from grants through the Rural Department of Health, we have provided scholarships for caregivers currently enrolled in nursing school, with plans to begin their nursing careers at Jamie’s Place — and we continue to expand these opportunities as more caregivers pursue advanced education.
Leadership and Specialization: Opportunities to develop advanced skills, take on leadership roles, and shape the future of caregiving in our valley.
Our vision reaches beyond our doors — toward a future where caregiving is recognized, respected, and sustainable. Through collaboration at the local, county, and state levels, and by developing temporary housing for caregivers, we aim to attract and retain those who will carry this vital work forward.
Your Support Changes Lives
Jamie’s Place is growing — not just in size, but in heart and purpose.
The new training center and expanded programs represent more than progress — they are a promise to care for those who care for others.
When you support these initiatives, you invest in the heart of this valley — its people. You empower caregivers to build meaningful careers, families to care for loved ones, and elders to live with dignity and joy.
Together, we can ensure caregiving in the Methow Valley remains not just a job, but a legacy of love, skill, and community.