Family Caregivers Network, Inc. is pleased to announce that it has been selected as one of nine organizations awarded the Direct Care Job Quality Grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry. This prestigious grant empowers initiatives to elevate wages, foster career advancement through training and mentorship, and effectively address the unique challenges faced by direct care workers.

            Direct care workers play a critical role in the community, providing essential services to older consumers and individuals with disabilities in need of daily assistance and support. The grant awarded to Family Caregivers Network, Inc. will facilitate the development and implementation of advanced education, training, and mentorship programs designed to elevate job quality, higher wages, and empower our dedicated direct care workers in Montgomery, Bucks, Berks, Lehigh, and Northampton counties.

            "We are honored to be recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry for our commitment to improving the lives of direct care workers," said Gerry Fioriglio RN, Owner of Family Caregivers Network. "This grant will enable us to create impactful initiatives that not only increase wages but also foster professional growth and address the unique needs of our workforce."

            Family Caregivers Network, Inc. plans to use the funding for the development of a Caregiver Academy, an eight-week advanced education on the many long-term illnesses that impact aging individuals in daily functioning, mobility, cognition, and overall quality of life. In collaboration with community health partnerships, the Caregiver Academy will offer advanced eight-week education courses twice a year. After completing the eight-week program, the direct care worker can take additional advanced training, and receive certification as a Dementia-Alzheimer's Specialist, Parkinson's Disease Specialist, or a Nutrition Specialist.

            Wages for direct care workers will increase after the successful completion of the Caregiver Academy programs. These efforts are part of Family Caregivers Network's ongoing dedication to providing high-quality care while ensuring our direct care workers have the resources and opportunities they deserve to excel and advance in healthcare.

            For more information about Family Caregivers Network, Inc. and its initiatives supported by the Direct Care Job Quality Grant, please contact Family Caregivers Network at family- caregivers@comcast.net.

            Family Caregivers Network, Inc. is a Pennsylvania licensed home care agency located in Pennsburg, serving consumers in Montgomery, Bucks, Berks, Lehigh, and Northampton counties for the past 24 years. Founder and owner, Gerry Fioriglio RN, a Certified Dementia Practitioner and Geriatric Care Manager, is recognized as an expert leader in Geriatric care.

            For the past four years, Family Caregivers Network has received awards for Leader in Experience, Employer of Choice, and Provider of Choice from Home Care Pulse a national satisfaction research and quality assurance firm.