2007 PIN Partner Grantees

Lifting Hispanic Nurses Along the Border

Wolslager Foundation

Project ARRIBA, UTEP College of Health Sciences, School of Nursing, El Paso Community College, City of El Paso Office of Economic Development, Upper Rio Grande Workforce Development Board, Thomason General Hospital and the Greater El Paso Chamber of Commerce

Roman S. Ortiz, CEO, rortiz@projectarriba.org, 915-843-4055

Laura Ponce, Project Manager, lponce@projectarriba.org, 915-843-4055 x 229

Brief Project Synopsis: 

The purpose of the partnership, "Lifting Hispanic Nurses Along the Border", between the Wolslager Foundation and Project ARRIBA, is to create a permanent and sustainable source of culturally relevant nurses needed to address the severe shortage that exists in the El Paso border region. This project will increase the educational opportunities for individuals underrepresented among nurses, namely Hispanic nurses that need additional support in order to eliminate life barriers (homelessness to childcare issues) to a successful career.

There exists a high level of poverty in El Paso County and recent military gains and impending retirements add to existing workforce shortages. For a poorer region of the United States this presents opportunities as well as challenges. This project recognizes the importance of local solutions to local problems and focuses on recruiting El Paso's own disadvantaged population. Once enrolled in the "Lifting Hispanic Nurses Along the Border" project, participants will be assisted with a formal college education (resulting in a Bachelor's or Associate degree) and intense case management that involves wrap-around supportive services, personal accountability of each participant, workforce development skill sets, and life and career planning skills. By modeling the ability to train those at poverty with a process that is cost effective and yields a high return on investment and for the community, current and future employers can be confident the region can supply highly skilled, culturally sensitive local nurses.

Project Goals and Objectives: