One of the most pressing challenges in today’s senior living landscape is finding and retaining skilled professionals who are dedicated to the care and well-being of older adults. Simultaneously, job seekers from underserved communities can experience hurdles when seeking meaningful employment opportunities. Christian Living Communities (CLC) has found an innovative solution through our strategic partnership with CrossPurpose, an organization working to transform lives through holistic workforce development programs.
A Mission-Driven Alliance
Our partnership with CrossPurpose launched in March 2024, after extensive conversations between our organizations revealed closely aligned missions, visions, and values. Both CLC and CrossPurpose operate as not-for-profit organizations with deeply rooted mission focuses that complement one another.
CrossPurpose’s mission to “abolish relational, economic, and spiritual poverty through career and community development” resonates with CLC’s commitment to creating opportunities for meaningful, purpose-driven employment in healthcare and senior living. Through CrossPurpose, participants, known as “Leaders,” are immersed in a six-month career training program that guides them through three key phases: personal development, professional training, and the launch of their new careers.
We recognized that a collaboration between CLC and CrossPurpose could uplift the lives of CrossPurpose Leaders, current CLC team members, and residents of CLC communities. By offering career pathways for graduates of CrossPurpose programs, CLC opens doors to competitive wages, a positive workplace culture, ongoing mentoring, and career advancement opportunities. By joining CLC, CrossPurpose graduates contribute their perspectives, skills, passion, and experience for the betterment of CLC communities and our organization as a whole.
Bridging the Gap Between Training and Employment
The senior living field, particularly skilled nursing and assisted living communities, requires dedicated professionals who understand the importance of compassionate care. CLC has taken an active role in demonstrating to CrossPurpose participants what a career in senior living truly entails.
A Day in the Life of a Senior Living Professional
We regularly provide tours for program participants interested in pursuing careers as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and Qualified Medication Administration Personnel (QMAPs). These tours offer invaluable insights into our communities, allowing participants to witness firsthand the daily operations of skilled nursing and assisted living communities. More importantly, they provide a realistic “day in the life” perspective of our team members, helping participants make informed decisions about their career paths.
Preparing for Success Through Practice
The interview process can be intimidating for any job seeker, and especially so for those who have faced significant barriers to employment. Through our partnership with CrossPurpose, CLC participates in mock interview sessions during which newly graduating Leaders can hone their interviewing skills with the support of human resources professionals and hiring managers.
Following each mock interview, Leaders receive constructive feedback highlighting their strengths and identifying areas where additional coaching might be beneficial. This approach builds confidence and interviewing skills simultaneously, helping to improve Leaders’ potential for success in their career search process.
Celebrating Success Together
Our commitment to this partnership extends beyond training and preparation. This month (August 2025), CLC proudly sponsored our first CrossPurpose graduation event. Multiple CLC representatives attended the ceremony, demonstrating our investment in celebrating the achievements of CrossPurpose graduates.
Looking Forward
We’re thrilled to report positive results as new cohorts graduate and pursue employment opportunities with CLC, and look forward to a bright future through our continued collaboration with CrossPurpose and its Leaders.
Our partnership with CrossPurpose represents a sustainable model for addressing workforce challenges while creating meaningful opportunities for individuals who have faced significant barriers to employment. By combining CrossPurpose’s comprehensive training programs with CLC’s commitment to providing supportive employment opportunities, we’re building career pathways that benefit everyone involved.
As we continue to grow this partnership, we remain focused on our shared goal of transforming lives through meaningful work. The healthcare industry needs compassionate, skilled professionals, and CrossPurpose participants bring unique perspectives and dedication that strengthen our teams and enhance the care we provide to residents.