"Volunteers of America Michigan helped me realize my life had a purpose."
Robert Armstrong, LPN
Health Profession Opportunity Grants Program
Helping Detroit Wayne county residents break the cycle of poverty through training and education in the healthcare industry.
Robert Armstrong served proudly as a United States Army reservist for eight years. Transitioning back into the civilian world would prove to be challenge for him. Robert was not able to pay into the Montgomery GI bill, which left him wondering how he would cover the education expense to pursue his dream of becoming a nurse. Then he learned about Volunteers of America Michigan’s Health Profession Opportunity Grants Program (HPOG).
Robert is very eager and persistent in moving forward with his degree. He recently completed his Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) and Patient Care Tech (PCT) certificates with honors at Red Cross. Robert will be attending school at the same time as his wife, Samantha, who is pursuing a nursing degree of her own.
Robert has seen a major difference in his self-confidence since HPOG came into his life. He went from not knowing how he would be able to provide for his family, to watching his dream become a reality.
Robert graduated from the Practical Nursing Program (LPN) at Altierus Career College in 2018. In five years, Robert sees himself finished with school, having his Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and continuing to urge others to pursue their dreams.
The Health Profession Opportunity Grants Program
Also known as HPOG, is an innovative approach in providing education, training, support services, and job placement in the healthcare industry for hundreds of residents in Detroit and Wayne County.
Our staff supports our participants and their families to ensure successful completion of healthcare training programs and positive retention of meaningful employment. HPOG looks for participants nearing the end of receiving welfare benefits, with a focus on single moms with young children, and an additional focus on veterans. The goals include 250 enrollments and 150 living wage job placements per year.
HPOG is a five-year grant that amounts to a $10.3 million investment in Detroit Wayne County's health care industry. Not only will participants find living wage employment, but employers will find much needed qualified applicants.
Are you a healthcare employer in need of a highly qualified, trained and well supported candidate to add to your team?
Attend one of our orientations to learn more:
Mondays (except Federal Holidays) at 10:30 am, 11:30 am or 2:30 pm
Located at:
Volunteers of America Michigan's HPOG Offices
New Center One Building
3031 W. Grand Blvd Suite #465
Detroit, MI 48202
We accept applications from Wayne County residents who are actively receiving state food assistance benefits, on Federal Cash Assistance, or Low-Income Military Veterans that are interested in healthcare training support.
To see if you are eligible for state food assistance please visit MIBRIDGES.
- For more information contact the HPOG offices
- Phone: 313-394-1052
- HMassaquoi-Carter@voami.org
HPOG was awarded to and is managed by Volunteers of America Michigan. This document was supported by Grant 90FX0053-01-02 from the Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of HHS.
HPOG is a study funded by the federal government which is being conducted to determine how these training opportunities help people improve their skills and find better jobs. During the study, all new eligible applicants will be selected by lottery to participate in these training opportunities. Not all eligible applicants will be selected to participate in these opportunities.