The SENCA Job Skills Program provides applicants financial assistance in becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant.

Classes are offered through Southeast Community College and are approved by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Students learn basic nursing skills and will then be able to work in long-term care facilities, hospitals, home health care, hospice or mental health facilities.

Requirements for the Program

Applicants must be under 200% of the poverty level for the current year. The tuition cost will be based on a sliding fee scale with 100% of poverty being free, 150% of poverty contributing 25% of the cost; and 200% of poverty contributing 50% of the cost. Each applicant must be at least 16 years of age and be able to pass a criminal background check. Applicants also must agree to sign a promissory note for the cost of the class, based on the sliding fee scale, and agree to 90 days of follow-up case management services upon completion of the class.

Counties Served
Cass • Johnson • Nemaha • Otoe • Pawnee • Richardson

Contact Person
Vicky McNealy

Contact Email
vmcnealy@senca.org

Contact Phone
402-862-2411 x 101

From Our Clients

Before entering SENCA’s Project First program in August 2019, I was a single mom raising two children and we were homeless. I had no cash, no job, no vehicle, and no benefits. The only possessions we owned consisted of our clothing,” shares Courtney. “We were struggling. I felt we would never get out of that situation.”

Courtney enrolled her children into SENCA Head Start, who referred her to Richardson County Outreach. Courtney enrolled in Project First, a 24-month extensive case management program for homeless families with children. Five months later, Courtney began dating Samuel, an unemployed alcoholic. To ensure Courtney stayed on track, Sherry, the Richardson County Family Development Specialist, invited Samuel to attend weekly meetings with Courtney.

In 2021, after successfully completing and exiting SENCA’s Project First program, both Cortney and Samuel are grateful for the program and Sherry’s help and continued support throughout the process. “Sherry helped us set goals and gave us the steps, but it was up to us to do the work required for it to be successful.” Cortney goes on to say “SENCA was never more than a phone call away, with Sherry reminding me that I have what it takes and to never give up. I have never had someone support me as much as she has.”

Samuel participated in SENCA’s Job Skills program with a focus on welding. “As a certified welder I am now making over $3,000 a month,” shares Samuel. “We exited Project First with the confidence that we can do more than ‘just survive,’ we can thrive.” Together, Courtney and Samuel share: “Thank you SENCA, Project First, and Sherry for doing everything you do!