b'WILLIAM JAMES COLLEGE 3Leaders of the Center for Workforce Development (from left to right): Marc Abelard, Bori Mahr, Gabrielle Palmer, Julia Costa Rodenhiser, Dr. Gemima St. Louis, and Anna Ustun.The CHW Training Program is an excitingThese frontline workers provide health education, career ladder initiative that reflects our long- informal counseling, and care coordination, and act standing mission to recruit and train futureas advocates for the populations in their care.generations of behavioral health providers, said Gina Dessources Benjamin, associate director ofReal-World Experience Brings clinical and community services and director of theClassroom Learning to LifeCHW program. This new program will allow theThe close-knit CHW class of 2022 progressed through College to establish a reliable, continuous pipelinethe program while working in yearlong, full-time, of trained professionals to address existing gaps andpaid field positions at partner behavioral health meet the projected demand for culturally responsiveagencies that serve children, teens, and young adults behavioral health and substance use services in thein high demand areas. communities that we serve. A $5,000 stipend helps students cover living Community Health Workers, expenses. Further, those who successfully complete the Heart of Community the CHW program earn six college credits, all at no cost to them, that can be applied to a college degree.Health CentersAs part of this comprehensive program, CHW The first Community Health Center was establishedstudents also benefit from career counseling, more than 65 years ago in Dorchester, Massachusetts.professional development workshops, and a Today, a network of 1,400 of these vital institutionscertificate training program co-led by William James continue to provide care to millions of Americans,College partner, the Justice Resource Institute (JRI). care that is tailored to meet the unique needs of theThis level of certification prepares students to work at vibrant communities they serve. community health centers and also opens the door to Community Health Workers are not just in acareers at schools, shelters, and clinics. community, they are of a community. They use theirIn addition to JRI, program partners include Child personal experience, perspectives, cross-culturaland Family Services, Community Healthlink, Lynn responsiveness, and language skills to help patientsPublic Schools, Mass General Brigham, Northeast access the information and services they need.Family Services, Northshore Community Health,'