GRACE Ministries Programs

Monthly Food, Clothing and Diaper Distribution

The impact of GRACE Ministries has not only benefited the immigrant community that receives cereal, milk, potatoes, beans, rice, clothing, diapers and other basic provisions, but also the impact of GRACE Ministries has been felt in the opportunity of many individuals to receive job training that has a significant ESL component. Since its inception, GRACE Ministries had the dream that one day through its programs and projects, low-income immigrants would attain suitable job and life skills that could allow them the possibility for a better life. The visibility GRACE Ministries has in the community, along with the networks in the community, makes these programs more accessible and acceptable to the community they are meant to serve.
Distribution Schedule

Job Training Programs

The focus of job training programs was established based on workforce needs, career development and the ability of GRACE Ministries to develop effective training programs that would place its participants in high demand positions. Along with the need to provide skills training for the immigrant population in Northern Virginia, there is also an urgent and growing need for direct-care workers who care for the elderly population. Using US Census statistics, over the next 25 years it's anticipated that Virginia's elder population will increase 132% while the traditional care giving workforce (women 25-44) will increase by only 16%. From this need, GRACE Ministries developed a Personal Care Aide training program that has successfully combined the Dept. of Medical Assistance Services required curriculum with a PCA focused ESL curriculum. GRACE Ministry has also started a Certified Nurse Aide training program. This program prepares students to work in hospitals, assisted living facilities, nursing homes and also provide home care.

Additionally, GRACE Ministries addressed the need for people trained with commercial licenses. Working in a collaborative effort with Fairfax County Public Schools Transportation Dept., Fairfax County Skillsource centers, and Adult and Community Education, GRACE Ministries was able to develop a CDL/ESL training program for members of the immigrant community to train to become school bus drivers for FCPS. This program addresses the language barrier that many in the immigrant community encounter in trying to secure better paying jobs with benefits, at the same time it provides commercial drivers license training. This program and all of the partnering organizations received a Team Excellence Award from Fairfax County for this innovative and collaborative approach to addressing employment and workforce needs.

Job Training Programs at Floris United Methodist Church

Personal Care Aide (PCA) Training Program

10-Week certification training program for home health aides
Program trains students on how to care for the elderly and/or disabled
Two-part training: PCA training and ESL training based on the PCA curriculum
Classes meet Thursday evenings 7-9 pm and Saturday 9 am – 2:30 pm (9 am – Noon for PCA and 1-3 pm for ESL class)
Training topics include: Personal Care, Infection Control, Body Mechanics, Feeding, Overview of Aging, Dementia, How to take blood pressure and other vital signs, How to work with people with disabilities, Doing necessary documentation, End of Life care and Nutrition.
Training includes writing resumes and job seeking skills
Training provides class members Adult CPR certification
Great first step to more advanced training in the medical field. Many go on to take Certified Nursing Assistant training and other medical skills training.
Classes held at Floris UMC, Herndon, September - November of each year

Multicultural Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) Training Program

CNA course requirements prior to starting class
18-Week, 130 hour certificate training program
Graduates can work in nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities and home health care agencies
Two-part training: CNA training and ESL training based on CNA curriculum
Classes meet Thursday evenings 6-9 pm and Saturdays 9 am – noon for CNA and 1-3 PM for ESL class
Training includes 2 week clinical practicum (24 hours/week)
Classes include resume writing and job seeking skills
Training topics: Cultural Aspects of Care, Workplace Safety, Basic First Aid and Emergency Care, Vital Signs, Personal Care Skills, Caring for Clients with Special Needs, Healthcare System and preparation for certification test.
Great first step to more advanced training in the medical field.
Classes held at Floris UMC, Herndon, January – June each year.
Coming soon! CNA classes in Arlington, VA. Watch for more details!

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Training

16-week training program to prepare to take the Commercial Drivers License Test and become school bus drivers for Fairfax County Public Schools
Meets five days a week, two hours a day between bus runs (10:30am-12:30pm)
Three days are ESL classes based on CDL requirements
Two days are CDL classes based on bus skill requirements
Students are hired as a school bus attendant by the school system while taking the class
Students are paid for the time they are in class
Must pass CDL Permit test while in class
School system provides additional “behind the wheel” training after the class
Once CDL license test is passed, become a school bus driver
School bus drivers for Fairfax County make nearly $17/hour with full benefits
Classes held at Floris UMC, Herndon (November – March each school year)

For more information about either of these classes, or to put your name on a waiting list to be called for registration, contact Ana Maria Lopez at Grace Ministries, (703) 979-7527 or (703) 979-1650 x306 or email: .

[ back to top ]