Local nonprofit Chapman Partnership has helped 32 people experiencing homelessness participate in a healthcare workforce development partnership with CVS Health, providing industry-specific training, practical experience and career opportunities. The initiative combines employer-led instruction by C VS Health professionals at Chapman Partnership with hands-on externships at CVS Pharmacy locations. Participants receive training for pharmacy technician and customer service roles, along with opportunities with Signify Health, a CVS Health company focused on home-based healthcare services. Alex Paz, Chapman Partnership’s vice president of education and workforce development, told Miami Today that additional cohorts continue to enroll. Founded in 1995, the nonprofit organization operates trauma-informed homeless assistance centers in Miami-Dade County and serves as the primary operating partner of the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust, helping individuals and families work toward self-sufficiency and stable housing. The program combines classroom instruction with real-world experience, allowing participants to develop technical skills, strengthen workplace readiness and gain firsthand exposure to a professional healthcare environment. Participants come from diverse backgrounds and have different career goals. Some are seeking to enter the healthcare workforce for the first time, while others are looking to develop new skills and establish sustainable career paths. The program is intended to help them work toward financial independence and long-term housing stability. In addition to CVS Health, Chapman Partnership collaborates with Jackson Health System, UHealth-University of Miami Health System, and Baptist Health South Florida. The partnerships help connect clients with industry-specific training, mentorship and employment opportunities across different healthcare settings. Participants in the CVS Health partnership are not required to seek employment with the company after completing their training and obtaining certification. Instead, they can pursue opportunities with the pharmacy or healthcare provider that best aligns with their needs, career goals and personal circumstances, Mr. Paz said. Training is connected to employment opportunities within CVS Health’s network and the broader healthcare industry. Through hands-on externships, participants gain experience and develop relationships with potential employers. Chapman Partnership is also working with healthcare employers throughout South Florida to provide participants with access to opportunities that match their individual goals. The organization’s focus extends beyond initial job placement to include sustainable employment, career advancement and long-term economic independence. For people experiencing homelessness, access to employment and career advancement opportunities can help support greater financial stability. Chapman Partnership’s approach brings employer-led training directly to its clients while connecting them with practical experience and potential career pathways. “Our goal is to ensure that the individuals we serve have not only the opportunity to secure employment, but also the tools, confidence, and support necessary to build sustainable, independent futures,” Mr. Paz said. The post Chapman Partnership enrolls homeless corps in healthcare workforce effort appeared first on Miami Today. ...read more read less