An unexpected benefit of being an organization with broad reach is our staff can play matchmaker for those who are seeking careers in health care. Take, for instance, the inspiring story of how PCC’s Maria Caro helped Sandra Benitez, an aspiring nurse, take a step closer to achieving her dream by connecting her to the Workforce Capacity Program.
Maria works as a Care Manager with the Montgomery Cares Behavioral Health Program at Proyecto Salud Clinic. She promotes teamwork—an essential element to get positive behavioral health outcomes—by engaging with the entire team at Proyecto Salud in open communication and taking interest in personal goals. "I enjoy walking around and checking in on people to see how they are doing. I pay special attention to the young people," Maria explains.
During one of her "walk-arounds," she ran into Sandra Benitez, who worked in the reception area. Sandra had told Maria that she hoped to become a nurse in the future. As luck would have it, Maria had just received an email from Liza Greenberg, PCC Director of Workforce Capacity, regarding the Workforce Capacity Program. PCC's Workforce Capacity Program is a Nexus Montgomery initiative designed to improve health and economic stability of community members while improving health care access. It does that by offering scholarships to county residents like Sandra who want careers in health care. Sandra, according to Maria, possessed all the qualities of a top-tier nurse. She was observant, paid attention to details, kind, skilled at interacting with others, and empathic. According to Maria, "I thought she had all the right characteristics, and when I learned about this program, it made perfect sense for her to apply.”
Sandra did apply and was accepted. She demonstrated remarkable diligence by not only finishing the program but also continuing to work at Proyecto Salud Clinic. She graduated this summer and now works at Holy Cross Hospital. Sandra enjoys caring for patients, demonstrating that with a little guidance and a lot of heart, we can all take a step closer to our goals.
And even though Maria and Proyecto Salud Clinic have lost a valuable team member, Maria is overjoyed that Sandra is now a CNA helping the community. "We will miss her here, but the fact that she is at Holy Cross and she is working as a nursing assistant and may be on the path to becoming a nurse is reward enough." Maria believes that more young professionals would prefer to pursue a career in nursing. It is simply a matter of generating awareness about the opportunity afforded by the Workforce Capacity Program and encouraging them to apply. "By investing in the growth of our young people, we not only uplift them but also create a brighter future for everyone."
A grant from the U.S. Department of Labor(DOL)’s Employment and Training Administration funds 92% ($1.3 million) of the cost to train 200 healthcare workers and increase Montgomery College training capacity between December 2023 and November 2025. Non-governmental funds, including support from Maryland Physicians Care, support 8% ($116,566) of these costs. Additional workforce capacity efforts have been supported by WorkSource Montgomery, Maryland Physicians Care, and the Maryland Department of Labor.
Maria works as a Care Manager with the Montgomery Cares Behavioral Health Program at Proyecto Salud Clinic. She promotes teamwork—an essential element to get positive behavioral health outcomes—by engaging with the entire team at Proyecto Salud in open communication and taking interest in personal goals. "I enjoy walking around and checking in on people to see how they are doing. I pay special attention to the young people," Maria explains.
During one of her "walk-arounds," she ran into Sandra Benitez, who worked in the reception area. Sandra had told Maria that she hoped to become a nurse in the future. As luck would have it, Maria had just received an email from Liza Greenberg, PCC Director of Workforce Capacity, regarding the Workforce Capacity Program. PCC's Workforce Capacity Program is a Nexus Montgomery initiative designed to improve health and economic stability of community members while improving health care access. It does that by offering scholarships to county residents like Sandra who want careers in health care. Sandra, according to Maria, possessed all the qualities of a top-tier nurse. She was observant, paid attention to details, kind, skilled at interacting with others, and empathic. According to Maria, "I thought she had all the right characteristics, and when I learned about this program, it made perfect sense for her to apply.”
Sandra did apply and was accepted. She demonstrated remarkable diligence by not only finishing the program but also continuing to work at Proyecto Salud Clinic. She graduated this summer and now works at Holy Cross Hospital. Sandra enjoys caring for patients, demonstrating that with a little guidance and a lot of heart, we can all take a step closer to our goals.
And even though Maria and Proyecto Salud Clinic have lost a valuable team member, Maria is overjoyed that Sandra is now a CNA helping the community. "We will miss her here, but the fact that she is at Holy Cross and she is working as a nursing assistant and may be on the path to becoming a nurse is reward enough." Maria believes that more young professionals would prefer to pursue a career in nursing. It is simply a matter of generating awareness about the opportunity afforded by the Workforce Capacity Program and encouraging them to apply. "By investing in the growth of our young people, we not only uplift them but also create a brighter future for everyone."
A grant from the U.S. Department of Labor(DOL)’s Employment and Training Administration funds 92% ($1.3 million) of the cost to train 200 healthcare workers and increase Montgomery College training capacity between December 2023 and November 2025. Non-governmental funds, including support from Maryland Physicians Care, support 8% ($116,566) of these costs. Additional workforce capacity efforts have been supported by WorkSource Montgomery, Maryland Physicians Care, and the Maryland Department of Labor.
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