A new $28.3 million grant program in Minnesota is focusing on recruiting and retaining immigrants, refugees and new Americans and their children to work in the state’s assisted living communities and other long-term care providers
The long-term care workforce grant program, which opened applications for its first round of grants on Tuesday, is being overseen by the Minnesota Department of Human Services’ Grants, Equity, Access and Research (GEAR) division. Grants fall within four tracks — basic needs and supportive services, recruit and retain, training and career education, and outreach — with maximum awards ranging rom $250,000 to $500,000.
The grants are intended to simplify the path to long-term care careers for foreign-born workers, regardless of their immigration status. The program was included in last year’s omnibus bill approved by the legislature and signed by Gov. Tim Walz (D) in May 2023.
Grants will be awarded to organizations that can connect new Americans with employment, help them navigate language and cultural barriers, and provide supportive services, including skills training and licensing. Funds also will support career enhancement and growth, including transportation, childcare support and other “wraparound” services.
LeadingAge Minnesota indicated that the association planned to apply for a grant and is actively encouraging its members, regardless of provider type, to grow the workforce and ensure quality care for the state’s older adults. The association is the state partner of LeadingAge and Argentum.
“LeadingAge Minnesota is excited about the state’s commitment to enriching our diverse workforce,” Director of Workforce Development Anna Mowry told McKnight’s Senior Living. “This investment creates paths for new Americans to pursue meaningful roles and leadership within our sector while ensuring employers foster inclusive, welcoming communities.”
Nicole Mattson, vice president of strategic initiatives for Care Providers of Minnesota, said she is hopeful that groups such as long-term care provider and community-based organizations that already provide training and supports for new Americans, as well as the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, can collaborate and be good partners in addressing the industry’s workforce needs. Care Providers of Minnesota is the state affiliate of the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living.
“It’s a lot of money to an agency that doesn’t typically do workforce development,” Mattson told McKnight’s Senior Living. “This is new and innovative — it’s never been done before. We want to make sure the folks that do have workforce development expertise have the ability to weigh in as well.”
Care Providers of Minnesota is part of the state’s Long-Term Care Imperative with LeadingAge Minnesota. The collaborative released a survey last spring indicating that caregivers in assisted living communities were “reaching their breaking point” due to staffing shortages.
The first round of grant applications will be open until May 6, with awards announced later this year.
