Marano Fellows Class of 2010

Name: Norma J. Gaines
Organization:

Milwaukee Area Healthcare Alliance (MAHA)

Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Primary Industry Sector: Healthcare
Type of Organization: CBO

“I am excited about being able to drive an initiative that is focused on making a positive difference in the lives of others.”

Organizational Mission: In January 2009, Milwaukee Area Healthcare Alliance (MAHA) was created to be responsive to regional healthcare employer needs by specializing in customized talent development services to prepare future healthcare employees for entry level and middle skill positions.

Interest in Sector Work: MAHA is an innovative collaboration between the YWCA of Greater Milwaukee – which brings it comprehensive knowledge of the support services and training needs of low-income individuals - and the Milwaukee Area Health Education Center (AHEC) – which brings its expertise in diversifying the healthcare workforce and its established relationships with healthcare employers and educational institutions.

MAHA is using a sector-based strategy to create industry-specific, employer-responsive training programs that will prepare unemployed and low-skilled workers for skilled positions in high growth healthcare areas.

The healthcare sector, one of the fastest growing industries in the Greater Milwaukee region, offers entry level positions with access to career path opportunities that we can prepare unemployed and low-skilled workers to fill in a fairly short time frame.

It is our goal to prepare workers for entry level positions and to open up opportunities for career advancement for incumbent workers so all can achieve family sustaining wages.