Since 2003, Ascension St. Vincent’s Jeremiah’s Hope Academy has trained hundreds of students and helped start them on their career journey in healthcare. In 2019, the certification program was transitioned to Jefferson State Community College, expanding Jeremiah’s Hope to four locations and enabling more flexible hours for students. Students can be certified to become an administrative medical assistant, clinical medical assistant, phlebotomist or sterile processing technician.
Jeremiah’s Hope provides an opportunity for students to thrive in a learning environment that is centered around holistic care and offers child care in conjunction with classes as well as career counseling.
Twenty-four Ascension St. Vincent’s associates who participated in the first cohort of Roots of Ministry Leadership painted classrooms, pressure-washed the school’s playground, and performed needed landscaping for Jeremiah’s Hope during their scheduled day of service. Ascension St. Vincent’s Foundation provided supplies for the projects.
Roots of Ministry Leadership is a System-wide formation opportunity that encompasses a six-session retreat program. Leaders are invited to participate and explore the meaning and significance of Catholic ministry identity. Topics covered include human dignity, holistic care, solidarity with those living in poverty, Ascension as a ministry of the Church, and reverence for human life; each topic is based in Catholic identity and the Values of Ascension.
“The Roots program has been instrumental in my personal growth as a holistic leader. This venture provided space and guidance to be proactive stewards of the healing ministry of Ascension,” said Caleb Townes, Director of Consumer Experience, Ascension St. Vincent’s. “It was refreshing to spend such productive time with peers who deeply care about our Mission and pushing it forward.”
Photo: Dianne Guthrie, Supervisor, Volunteer Services, left, and Kurstin Chandler, Specialist-Foundation, from Ascension St. Vincent’s, paint a classroom for students learning new skills at Jeremiah’s Hope.
