I have been a volunteer involved with CNAP for about 26 years. I helped with getting it incorporated, and set up our first bookkeeping system by hand. It has been an act of love & devotion, her mission, for Jeni Gipson to create & run this program. No other non-profit I have been involved with has made so little money go so far. It is remarkable how much support, esteem-building, and honor Jeni has been able to produce for NAs all over the USA and all over the world. CNAP is an incredible program helping to improve healthcare in our lifetime! Among the specialties of the program are the 20 Year Club to honor "stayers"- caregivers with 20 years of service or more (some have spent more than 50 years as caregivers & are finally being recognized as exceptional), and The Male TaskForce to network male caregivers. I have seen Jeni testify in Congress on safe-lifting legislation & improved working conditions for caregivers, and she got a Presidential Proclamation making June Career Nursing Assistant Month.
My first job using my accounting degree in 2002 was an a part-time bookkeeper at Career Nurse Assistants Program (CNAP.) When I left to go to a full time job and then on to law school, CNAP was supportive and encouraging. Throughout the years, I've returned as temporarily to help train new bookkeepers, and assist with convention. I currently serve in an advisory capacity as legal counsel to the Director. It never stops amazing me how much gets done by CNAP on a modest annual budget. The dollars raised go to promoting safety for NAs, as well as some lobbying for better training and working conditions for NAs. Additionally, the organization puts on the annual NA Week Convention in Akron Ohio. Convention Day is one of fun, awards, skills and support. Facilities routinely send both their longest serving and their newest NAs to this program. The time leading up to Convention week at CNAP is often crazy as last minute registrations come in, programs back to the printer for a second run due to higher attendance, and last minute negotiations with the caterer are handled to try and minimize the cost of adding in the last minute registrations for the food service at the program. Yet when the dust settles, Convention is carried off without a hitch as if there had been twice the staff available to put it together.
I have been involved with Career Nurse Assistants Program for almost 30 years on a voluntary basis. I help in the office and present awards at the annual banquet. I can truly say Career Nurse Assistants Program is a beacon of light to illuminate the needs and accomplshments of Career Nurse Assistants in our area for decades. Most of the hands-on care giving is done by Career Nurse Assistants. They deserve recognition, encouragement, and educational opportunities to grow in their field of service. The Career Nurse Assistants Program has dedicated itself to focusing on the educational, professional, and personal needs of this specific target audience...the Career Nurse Assistant. They have become electronically networked, acknowledged nationally, and developed professionally year after year by Career Nurse Assistants Program, originated and current still run by Geni Gipson of Norton, Ohio. This sterling organization has advanced awareness and interest in a growing field of long term care and deserved the highest and the best thank you we can offer.