Success Story Spotlight : Marlene Barnett

For Marlene Barnett, a mother of three young sons living in Detroit, Michigan, a career in healthcare was never just a passing thought; it was a calling she had heard since childhood.

Growing up with family members working across the healthcare field, those closest to her saw it too. As far back as age ten, family and friends told her this was exactly where she would thrive. That conviction grew into a concrete goal: a career in anesthesiology. Marlene even began taking classes at a local college to work toward that dream.

To get closer to her goal, Marlene took a job as a housekeeper at Villa at the Park, a nursing home facility in Highland Park, Michigan. Working in the building put her in daily contact with residents, and they noticed her right away. Her warm, caring presence naturally drew people to her.

But even with her foot in the door of healthcare, Marlene kept her sights set higher. Then she spotted the flyer about certification opportunities supported through the H-CAP Nursing Home Stabilization Program grant, and she jumped at the chance.

Through the program, Marlene enrolled in CNA classes at YES WE CAN in Detroit. She dove in headfirst and hasn’t looked back.

When asked how it’s going, she lit up: “It’s going great! It’s fun learning new things. I’m comfortable with my classmates and instructors. I’ve even set up a group chat with my classmates.”

That sense of community has been a real source of strength. And the opportunities are already taking shape, especially since Marlene's graduation with her CNA certification with a job waiting for her at the facility where she formerly worked as a housekeeper.

“My current administrator says there is already a CNA position waiting for me,” Marlene shares with a smile.

But she’s not stopping there. Marlene is also exploring applying for an H-CAP scholarship award as a pathway to continued education because, for her, this certification is just the beginning.

Beyond her own journey, Marlene is eager to pay it forward. She’s excited to share what she’s experienced with other facility staff members because she knows firsthand how much of a difference it makes when someone shows you what’s possible.

The H-CAP Nursing Home Stabilization Program does more than fund training—it opens doors for workers like Marlene who have always had the drive but needed the support to make their success real.

Congratulations, Marlene, on becoming a CNA and getting one step closer to your dream career in healthcare!