Creating Supportive Workplaces
Throughout PA, Better Jobs Better Care-PA is training joint teams of managers & direct care workers to make their workplace more supportive. Team projects range from improving communication about consumers' care to support groups for direct care staff. BJBC-PA works with regional coalitions of employers, workforce development and educators to develop local solutions for direct care workforce issues.

Universal Core Curriculum (UCC) goes live
The UCC has been created and is now being tested. Test classes are launched by partnering with workforce development and educational systems. Graduates are prepared for jobs in adult day services, personal care and in home services

DCW Committee reaches throughout PA
BJBC-PA's DCW Committee held a "Direct Care Workers: the Health of Quality" Conference. 270 direct care workers attended from all parts of the state! Attendees agreed that they got new tools, renewed energy, and pride in their profession. The DCW Committee is planning a DCW State Association. Its Editorial Board published its first Frontline Newsletter in Winter 2006.

State Policy Action
BJBC-PA's Policy Committee advocates for legislation to create and fund entry-level training and certification for all direct care workers in long-term care. BJBC-PA staff served on Dept of Labor Direct Care Workgroup to recommend ways state government can improve its direct care workforce.