When Juma Nakayiza joined Country Meadows of West Shore in 2018, she already knew that caring for others was meaningful work. What she did not yet know was how far determination, education and community support would take her.
How did Juma begin her career in senior living?
Before coming to Country Meadows, Juma worked as a home health aide. The older adults and families she met through that role encouraged her to apply at Country Meadows because they recognized her natural ability to care for others. She began as a personal care associate and soon started thinking about becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA).
“I feel like I want to be with the residents most of my time because when I’m with them, I feel comfortable,” Juma says. “When I’m giving care, I feel so great.”
How did New Hope Ministries help Juma pursue CNA certification?
Although Juma was eager to continue her education, she was also supporting six children and managing rent, household bills and other responsibilities. She contacted New Hope Ministries without knowing exactly what would happen next. That decision became an important step in her educational and professional journey.
Through New Hope Ministries, Juma received assistance with tuition, scrubs, shoes, books and other supplies. The organization also connected her with the United Way of the Capital Region, which assisted with transportation and other practical needs that could have otherwise made attending class difficult.
Juma began her CNA training in Dillsburg and later continued her education at Harrisburg Area Community College. Along the way, she worked with case managers who helped her navigate educational requirements and everyday responsibilities.
“I call them my American family,” she smiles. “They helped me gain more knowledge and meet different people who have helped me with different personal and professional challenges.”
The assistance extended beyond the classroom. Juma received help with budgeting, tax preparation, food and transportation. She credits that practical support with allowing her to keep moving forward during a demanding period in her life.
How did Juma balance work, education and family?
Juma’s path was not easy. She worked long hours to support her family while taking classes and paying the educational expenses that were not covered by assistance programs. At times, the competing demands left little time to prepare for exams. Her team at Country Meadows was supportive in creating a balance and encouraging her to pursue her goals.
She came close to passing certain tests, sometimes missing the required score by only a point or less. Still, she continued studying and repeated courses or exams when necessary.
“People would ask me, ‘Are you going to be a doctor?'” Juma recalled. “I would laugh and say no, but if I want to, I can. They just saw that I was in school for so long.”
When one nursing program’s entrance requirements presented an obstacle, Juma explored other options. She learned that the Lancaster County Career and Technology Center would accept her entrance exam score, so she applied and completed its licensed practical nurse program.
Her willingness to consider another route proved to be an important part of reaching her goal. Rather than allowing one requirement or setback to end her plans, she looked for a path that recognized the work she had already completed.
What does Juma like about Country Meadows?
Although Juma earned her LPN credential as a nurse at another organization, she continues working directly with residents at Country Meadows. The role allows her to remain close to the aspect of senior living she values most: providing personal care.
“I like giving residents directly. It’s comfortable for me.” she explains. “That’s what makes me happy.”
We are grateful for co-workers like Juma who bring patience, compassion and persistence to their work with residents. Her story also demonstrates that professional development does not always follow a simple or direct course. Career growth can require trying a different program, asking for assistance and continuing even when work and family responsibilities make progress difficult.
What advice does Juma have for others pursuing career advancement?
Juma encourages others to begin with faith, hope and confidence in their ability to grow. She also emphasizes that determination must be paired with a willingness to ask questions and seek assistance.
“Have hope in yourself and have the determination to do what you want to do,” she said. “Pursue your goals.”
As someone who once considered herself unfamiliar with computers, Juma understands how intimidating it can feel to enter a classroom without every skill a student may need. Instead of staying quiet, she approached instructors and classmates when she needed help.
“I knocked on every door of the instructors,” she said. “I stopped them on the way and asked them where I needed help. If you ask someone and that person is not able to help, reach out to another one.”
Juma also believes that respect and kindness are essential in school and at work. Her advice is to respect instructors, fellow students, co-workers and employers while also showing patience and kindness toward oneself.
“Go to work with positivity,” she said. “You will find hardships and you will find easier times. You have to deal with both in a way that matters to you and matters to the company you are working with.”
Juma’s journey is still unfolding, but her experience already offers a valuable lesson: progress does not require a perfect path. It requires the courage to begin, the humility to ask for help and the determination to keep going.