Daughters of Zion is a Vehicle on The Journey Into a Healthcare Career in Shelby County
By: Staff on February 28, 2025
SHELBY COUNTY, TN—- Applying for a CNA course while living in poverty requires resilience and resourcefulness, but it is entirely possible with the right support and determination. By seeking financial aid, finding flexible learning opportunities, and balancing life responsibilities, individuals can take a significant step toward economic stability and a fulfilling career in healthcare. The right support is the key as it takes special dedication to continue pushing yourself to go start the application process. Living in poverty comes with numerous challenges, such as difficulty affording education, transportation, childcare, and other essential expenses. Many individuals in low-income situations work multiple jobs to make ends meet, leaving little time or energy to pursue further education. Additionally, the upfront costs of CNA courses may seem impossible to afford for someone struggling financially.
The team at Daughters of Zion is rising to the challenge and are the catalyst in ensuring that the residents of Shelby County are given all the assistance they need along their journey to being a CNA. Natalee Peart Simpson is on the frontline of the application process as it is her duty to reach out to students when they express an interest in applying for the class. She emphasizes to the student about the scholarship that is available which takes care of their tuition and books. One of the major challenges that she recognizes for the students is they have a lot going on in their lives and they need an understanding ear and someone with patience to help them get through the process. She is here to be a listening ear and makes multiple phone calls to ensure that the students feel connected to the process.
Mrs Peart Simpson with a former student who is now a tutor for the CNA Program
Ms Senteria Johnson is another part of the vehicle in the process of the journey towards becoming a CNA as she is the driving gear. She assists the students with the completion of their documents for the application process. Ms. Johnsons says she is not afraid to go out on a limb to ensure that a student is enrolled in the program. She sets appointment times around the students’ schedules so that they do not miss the opportunity of the class. She also makes phone calls and goes above and beyond to ensure that the student turns in their documents. Ms. Johnson understands the importance of the feeling of having someone in your corner when trying to improve yourself when you are from a low-income community.
Ms Senteria Johnson with some of the applicants
Ms. Monique Wade would represent the inner works of the vehicle which gives it a smooth ride. She works with the students to get them through the orientation process and enrolled in the class. Ms. Wade says this may seem simple but the students need her to provide motivation and encouragement to finish the process. She checks on the students to ensure that all deadlines are met and prepares them for the 5-week journey that is going to change their lives. Ms Wade says we want everyone to feel the family atmosphere of Daughters of Zion and that we care beyond your paperwork.
Ms. Wade with an applicant and her family
Ms Jade Hayes has been a passenger in the vehicle and she is on her way to completing the enrollment process. She wants to become a CNA because she has a genuine passion for helping others and also because she had a personal experience that inspired her interest in the healthcare field. The team at Daughters of Zion will provide her with all the tools, encouragement, phone calls and appointments to ensure that her ride on the journey to becoming a CNA is smooth and uneventful. If you want to be a part of the family atmosphere of Daughters of Zion to begin your journey into the healthcare field please call 901-570-3220 or email us at info@daughtersofzion.org
Ms. Jade Hayes – an applicant for the CNA class.
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