When Homewatch Caregivers of Austin launched in December 2023, their mission was clear: deliver compassionate, personalized in-home care to individuals and families across the Austin area. But like many new businesses, they faced a critical challenge—how to build a strong, reliable team with limited resources.
Through the Earn & Learn service offered by Workforce Solutions Capital Area, Homewatch found more than just staffing support—they found a strategic partner committed to workforce development and long-term business success.
Why it matters: As a newly established in-home care agency, Homewatch needed a dependable workforce to meet growing client needs. However, with tight startup budgets, recruiting and training qualified employees posed a significant hurdle.
That’s where the Earn & Learn service made the difference. By providing funding support for on-the-job training, Earn & Learn is assisting Homewatch to build its team without compromising service quality or financial stability.
Through our Earn & Learn service, Homewatch accessed a diverse talent pool and filled essential care positions using WFS Capital Area’s Reverse Referral model, which allows employers to directly refers a current employee or a candidate for employment to Workforce Solutions.
This streamlined approach allowed Homewatch to refer promising candidates for subsidized training and employment, reducing hiring risks and accelerating onboarding. The partnership also opened doors to attend local hiring events and tap into a network of job-ready individuals seeking purpose-driven careers in healthcare.
Angelica Hernandez
What’s happening: Since joining the Earn & Learn initiative in November 2024, Homewatch Caregivers of Austin has made significant strides in workforce development:
- They successfully placed candidates through community hiring events, including Workforce Solutions’ healthcare-focused job fairs.
- Homewatch advanced their employee Angelica Hernandez to a Care Coordinator role earning $21 per hour through On-the-job training.
- Another employee is being upskilled through the Reverse Referral process and will be transitioning into a new role as an Office Administrative Assistant, showcasing Homewatch’s dedication to internal growth and employee advancement.
Driving the news: Homewatch recruited Carilu Ledezma (at top) as a caregiver at a healthcare industry job fair hosted by WFS Capital Area in July.
- Carilu is earning $17.25 an hour in her new role.
What they’re saying: “As small business owners, the board’s hiring events and employer services have been a turning point for us,” Maresha and Imo Eshiet, owners of Homewatch Caregivers of Austin, said.
- “Running a new agency means every hour matters, and this support gave us the time to focus on building the right team from within. We have been able to empower our employees with opportunities, resources, and confidence to grow alongside us,” Maresha and Imo said.
More: “That investment has not only strengthened our business, it has allowed us to stay true to our purpose of providing compassionate care while creating a workplace where people feel valued and supported. We are deeply grateful for this partnership and the difference it has made for our business and our team.”
The success of Homewatch Caregivers of Austin’s participation in Earn & Learn illustrates the true power of collaboration. With support from WFS Capital Area, they have filled vital positions and invested in their employees’ futures—building a stronger, more resilient workforce.
Our tailored solutions at various levels of support can assist your business with awareness-raising, training, placement, and upskilling. Learn more and contact us to begin.
