Event Calendar

Date(s): August 27, 2024

Time: 11:00 AM  EST - 12:00 PM  EST

The United States is significantly unprepared for the strain anticipated from an aging population on the healthcare and senior living system. This is especially true regarding workforce requirements and the necessary support systems, both formal and informal. The shortage of workers, especially healthcare workers, has been exacerbated by the pandemic, with long-term care facilities facing particularly acute challenges. 

Join VALA for our Inaugural Senior Living Summer Workforce Webinar Series, June through August 2024, where each month different speakers present topic areas providing information and guidance to address the growing workforce crisis. At the end of the series, an informational toolkit will be available for registrants and VALA members to put into action and to have as a printable and electronic resource. 

Tuesday, August 27, 11 AM - 12 PM
The Big Picture: Innovating and Expanding the Senior Living Career Journey: Argentum
Increasing the availability of assisted living facilities for seniors and cultivating a skilled workforce to address future needs will alleviate financial strain on crucial public health initiatives and enhance the well-being of our swiftly growing elderly demographic. VALA’s last session of our summer workforce series will provide insight into Argentum’s vision in achieving these goals. Argentum is the leading national trade association serving companies that own, operate, and support professionally managed senior living communities. Being proactive now with operational practices and legislative actions will provide a better future for seniors and senior living personnel.

Presentation:
Show Me the Money: Cost Recovery Resources for Senior Living Employers
 
It is estimated that each year companies leave hundreds of millions of dollars in Federal and State funding, including tax credits, on-the-job training reimbursements and other employment related incentives undiscovered and unclaimed. Argentum, through its third-party partnership, can now assist member owners and operators in claiming and securing these resources through our Direct Workforce Services (DWS) group.
 
Argentum’s Workforce Development program in partnership with Dan Passarella, Argentum's Resource Consultant, will walk through how cost reimbursement works, and how they can assist with the process.

Speakers:

Ashante Abubakar
Vice President, Workforce Development, Argentum
Bio: Ashante is the vice president for workforce development at Argentum. Argentum is the leading national association exclusively dedicated to supporting companies operating professionally managed, resident-centered senior living communities and the older adults and families they serve. During his time in the military, Ashante served as a staff action officer (NCO) to the Commander-in-Chief, United States Army Europe (and NATO) where he executed protocol, security, and operational functions for the commanding general of a 200,000-soldier and civilian Army command. Following his military service, he served as Special Assistant to the President and CEO, National Association of Chain Drug Stores, Alexandria, VA where he directed, managed, and supervised special projects and staff actions on behalf of a (former) White House appointee, and CEO/President of 1200 member trade association.In workforce development, he served more than 10 years as the Director for Continuing Education and Workforce – Center for Business and Industry Training with a primary focus on Science, Technology, Engineering & Math.

He has taught Management, Leadership, and Communications at the community college level, as well as Operations Management and Small Unit Combat Tactics while serving on active duty.  Ashante lives in the Washington DC area and during his free time, is an accomplished martial arts student.

Daniel Passarella
Resource Consultant, Argentum
Bio: Mr. Passarella has been working with the Workforce Development Division of Argentum for the past five years. As a grant specialist, Dan worked with Argentum in securing the five-year National Apprenticeship Grant and was then retained to conduct required grant evaluation and reporting. Mr. Passarella has over 35 years workforce experience with Department of Labor funding including: Planning Director for the Monmouth County Workforce Board. As an independent consultant, Dan provided Oversight and Monitoring Services for: Bergen County NJ, Middlesex County NJ, Ocean County NJ, Passaic County NJ, Somerset County NJ, Hunterdon County NJ, Union County NJ, Putnam County NY, and Sussex County NJ.