SYLMAR : College Teaches Elder-Care Skills

Marisela Garcia, 19, of Northridge says she wasn’t prepared when she got pregnant for the first time two years ago--or the second time, last year. She didn’t have an education, a job or a plan.

But lured by a new vocational training program at Mission College in Sylmar last fall, Garcia says she has hope for the future, with a plan to exit the welfare system and start an independent life.

Garcia is one of 21 students to complete the community college’s in-home elder-care course, which is part of the school’s gerontology and intergenerational care program. Officials say the program is the only one of its kind in the nine-campus college district.

“I am motivated by a desire to change my life, to do something to contribute to helping people,” Garcia said about her decision to enter the program. “Helping people every day, it helps you get something, too.”

She receives payment for child care, transportation and books through a state grant to the college.

Instructor Sandra Lampert is director of the program. She said employment projections indicate that the human services sector is growing fast, and notes that she has already placed several graduates in jobs.

“I get calls every week from homes and day-care centers seeking employees with the kind of training our graduates get,” Lampert said.

Students are trained to take care of people with Alzheimer’s disease and other illnesses. They study nutrition, medication, communication skills and how to identify and respond to elderly abuse.