Hopeworks, a nonprofit organization based in Camden, has been awarded a $660,000 grant to support its training programs for young people aspiring to become EMTs and medical assistants. The funding comes from the Haines Family Foundation located in Egg Harbor City and will provide scholarships and stipends during the training period. According to Hopeworks, this grant aims to place approximately 68 young adults into living-wage jobs within regional healthcare networks that require EMT-certified professionals and medical assistants.
“This grant will provide young adults with the opportunity to break through the stigmas and prove their capability for real, meaningful work,” said Hopeworks CEO Dan Rhoton. “We are thrilled to use this funding to create pathways for these talented individuals to engage with some of the region’s largest health systems.”
In addition to the grant announcement, Hopeworks revealed the opening of a new 4,000-square-foot training space at its Kensington, Pennsylvania offices. This expansion doubles the number of training seats available at the site. Since opening in 2022, Hopeworks has focused on empowering young adults aged 17 to 27 in Philadelphia. The agency emphasized its commitment to community development and youth empowerment through this expansion.
“We recognized a significant opportunity in Kensington to address the racial and wealth gaps by providing young adults with pre-professional and professional opportunities in high-demand fields,” said Onna Jones, site director of Hopeworks’ Kensington offices. “By equipping our participants with the skills needed to build lasting careers, we further our mission to break down barriers for young adults, foster economic empowerment, and create pathways to a brighter future.”
Since launching its Kensington office successfully, Hopeworks has placed over 138 young adults into living-wage careers. With this newly expanded facility made possible by a $1 million donation from an anonymous benefactor, Hopeworks plans to place an estimated additional 100 young adults in jobs each year.
“Joining Hopeworks has been a game-changer for me,” said Jamir Banks, a trainee at Hopeworks. “The training and support I’ve received here have not only helped me build valuable skills but also given me the confidence to pursue a career in a field I’m passionate about.”
For more information about Hopeworks, please visit www.hopeworks.org.
Hopeworks is dedicated to transforming lives through technology, healing, and entrepreneurship. By offering technical training combined with paid work experience in areas such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Revenue Cycle Management, and web design, they aim to help build a sustainable workforce capable of securing high-wage permanent employment across various industries.
