Finding and retaining qualified employees remains one of the greatest challenges facing aging services providers. If you're looking for new ideas to strengthen your workforce, don't miss the Combined Region IV and Region V Meeting on Friday, Aug. 14, from 10 a.m. to noon at Harbor Haven in Fond du Lac.

Representatives from Cherokee Federal will join the meeting virtually for a 20-minute presentation introducing an innovative workforce matching program that connects employers with refugees and other legally authorized immigrants who are ready to begin careers in long-term care. A key advantage of the program is that the individuals it serves are already authorized to work in the United States, meaning employers do not need to sponsor visas or navigate additional immigration paperwork.

The program has already demonstrated promising results in North Dakota, where it has helped aging services providers connect with qualified candidates while supporting refugees as they build new lives and careers. Cherokee Federal works closely with employers and local resettlement agencies throughout the hiring process, helping address barriers such as transportation, cultural orientation and job readiness to improve long-term employment success.

This meeting is an opportunity to learn how the program works, ask questions and help determine whether a similar initiative could benefit providers in Wisconsin. Cherokee Federal is seeking feedback from LeadingAge Wisconsin members to better understand whether providers would be interested in hiring refugees and other newcomers through the program, as well as to identify workforce challenges that could be addressed through future partnerships.

The discussion will also explore how workforce initiatives like this could complement the new Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). The federally funded, five-year initiative is bringing significant new investment to Wisconsin's rural health care system, with more than $200 million available during the first year to strengthen the health care workforce, expand access to care, improve technology and support innovative models of service delivery. Wisconsin has now entered the implementation phase of the program, with grant opportunities underway and additional funding expected to become available as implementation continues.

Cherokee Federal is interested in exploring whether partnerships with LeadingAge Wisconsin members could support future Rural Health Transformation Program projects focused on strengthening the long-term care workforce in rural communities.

The presentation will be delivered virtually during the in-person Region IV and Region V meeting at Harbor Haven. The meeting will also be available via Microsoft Teams. Members who are interested in learning about the program but cannot attend the full meeting are welcome to register and join just the 20-minute presentation. Registration is required to receive the Teams meeting link.

Whether you're actively recruiting staff, interested in innovative workforce partnerships or exploring Rural Health Transformation Program opportunities, this meeting will provide valuable information and an opportunity to help shape future workforce initiatives in Wisconsin.

We hope you'll join us on Aug. 14 for this timely discussion.