San Francisco Program Builds a New Caregiver Workforce Amid National Crisis

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – April 16, 2026 – As the United States grapples with an unprecedented shortage of caregivers, one San Francisco institution is pioneering a solution from the ground up, turning its own non-clinical staff into the next generation of healthcare professionals. The San Francisco Campus for Jewish Living (SFCJL) is celebrating the expansion of its Campus Academy, a tuition-free, 'earn-and-learn' program designed to create a robust pipeline of Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) at a time of critical need.

On Friday, April 24, the organization will host the inaugural graduation ceremony for the program, marking a significant milestone for the graduates and a potential blueprint for healthcare systems nationwide. The initiative directly confronts a demographic tidal wave: a rapidly aging population and a shrinking pool of qualified workers to care for them.

A Crisis in Care, A Local Solution

The need for programs like the Campus Academy has never been more urgent. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the nation will face approximately 292,000 openings for nursing assistants and orderlies each year over the next decade. The problem is particularly acute in California, where experts project the state may face a shortfall of up to 3.2 million paid direct care workers by 2030 as the population over 65 continues to swell.

This workforce crisis, driven by high turnover rates often exceeding 50%, low wages, and intense physical and emotional demands, threatens the stability of the entire long-term care industry. Healthcare facilities are increasingly forced to limit admissions or, in worst-case scenarios, close units due to staffing shortages, leaving vulnerable seniors and their families with dwindling options.

In response, SFCJL developed a human-centered strategy. The Campus Academy began with a simple but powerful idea: the most promising candidates for caregiving roles might already be walking the halls. The program initially focused on recruiting from its own ranks—housekeeping staff, kitchen workers, and laundry teams—offering them a fully-funded path to a new career, complete with pay while they train.

From Housekeeping to Healthcare

The program is a direct investment in economic mobility and professional development. By removing the significant financial barrier of tuition—which can be a major obstacle for low-wage workers—the Campus Academy opens a door to a stable, in-demand healthcare career. This 'earn-and-learn' model has proven successful in other states like Wisconsin and Virginia, demonstrating its effectiveness in attracting and retaining talent.

Leading the initiative is Edwin Cabigao, PhD, RN, SFCJL's Chief Nursing Officer, who started his own career as a CNA. His personal journey informs the program's philosophy of empowerment and transformation. "We want to change lives," Cabigao stated in the program's announcement. "Not just job titles or confidence levels, but the future of entire families."

For the inaugural cohort, the program represents more than just a job; it is a pathway to a certified profession with opportunities for advancement. Many CNAs use their certification as a stepping stone to becoming Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Registered Nurses (RNs), creating a long-term career ladder that benefits both the individual and the healthcare system. By initially focusing on existing employees and their relatives, SFCJL also leverages an existing sense of community and commitment, fostering a care environment built on familiarity and trust.

A New Blueprint for Healthcare Training

The Campus Academy curriculum goes beyond the basic requirements set by the California Department of Public Health. While graduates are fully prepared for their state certification exams, they also receive advanced instruction in leadership development and patient-centered practices. This holistic approach aims to create not just competent technicians, but compassionate and resilient caregivers.

A unique component of the curriculum is 'Conscious Touch,' an energy-based healing modality that emphasizes mindful, empathetic interaction. This focus on the psycho-social aspects of care is designed to improve patient outcomes and equip CNAs with the emotional tools to navigate the demanding environment of elder care, potentially reducing burnout and improving job satisfaction.

The program's success is rooted in its non-profit funding model. As a 150-year-old institution supported by philanthropy, SFCJL can invest in workforce development as a core part of its mission, viewing the cost as a long-term investment in care quality rather than a short-term expense. This positions the Campus Academy as a replicable model for other large non-profit healthcare organizations looking to solve their own staffing challenges internally.

Investing in People for Better Care

Ultimately, the true beneficiaries of the Campus Academy are the residents of the San Francisco Campus for Jewish Living. A stable, well-trained, and compassionate workforce is the cornerstone of high-quality senior care. For residents and their families, the program translates into tangible benefits: continuity of care from familiar faces, caregivers who are deeply connected to the community, and an environment rooted in dignity and trust.

As the organization prepares to celebrate its first graduating class, the Campus Academy stands as a testament to SFCJL's broader commitment to innovation. It recognizes that the future of senior living depends not just on modern buildings or advanced programs, but on a profound and sustained investment in the people who provide care every single day. With its expansion to the broader public, the program now offers this transformative opportunity to anyone in the community seeking a meaningful entry into the healthcare field, ensuring a stronger workforce for an aging nation.