Investing in the future of healthcare isn’t just a goal for us; it’s a commitment brought to life every day through meaningful partnerships. One of our impactful partnerships is with Cristo Rey Jesuit High School and their Work-Study Program.
This school year, eight Cristo Rey students — ranging from freshmen to seniors — are gaining real-world experience at St. Camillus. Each student works one day per week, contributing their time and talents across multiple departments. Through the Work-Study Program, St. Camillus pays employer fees directly to the school, helping support the students’ tuition and making a Cristo Rey education possible. These internships are funded by the Order of St. Camillus Foundation, demonstrating how philanthropic support directly shapes future careers in healthcare and service.
Our current Cristo Rey students are serving in a variety of roles:
1 Memory Care CNA
2 Skilled Nursing CNAs
1 Private Duty aide (who will complete our CNA class this summer and return next year)
1 Human Resources assistant
1 Pastoral Care assistant
2 Recreation Therapy assistants
Through these roles, students are not only learning technical skills, but also developing compassion, communication, and professionalism — qualities that define standout employees.
Julian Hernandez, a senior at Cristo Rey and this school year’s Pastoral Care assistant, shared that what surprised him most about working at St. Camillus was the strength of the community among both residents and staff. “I didn’t fully realize how much small interactions can impact someone’s day. It changed my perspective by showing me how important patience, empathy, and presence are.”
For Julian, one particularly meaningful moment reinforced that lesson. He recalls being with a resident’s wife shortly after her husband had passed away, listening as she shared stories and photographs from his youth. The experience left a lasting impression. It reminded him that every person carries a lifetime of memories, relationships, and experiences that shape who they are. Moments like these, he said, reinforce the importance of honoring each individual’s story and treating everyone with dignity, compassion, and respect.
St. Camillus is proud to have been the first employer to pilot CNA training and internships with Cristo Rey. At the time, the school had never partnered with an organization to provide this level of hands-on clinical experience. Together, we built a model that allows students to receive training, gain certification opportunities, and step confidently into direct-care roles.
For our residents and staff, these students bring energy, curiosity, and a fresh perspective. By introducing students to healthcare careers early, providing rewarding work experience, and offering pathways to certification, St. Camillus is actively growing the next generation of caregivers and healthcare professionals.
None of this would be possible without the generosity of the Order of St. Camillus Foundation. By funding these internships, the Foundation ensures that students have access to hands-on learning while helping make their education more affordable. It is a powerful example of how donor support extends beyond today — shaping the workforce and strengthening our mission for years to come.
