California GROWs – CDA’s Direct Care Workforce Initiative

CalGrows will include a multi-pronged approach to improving the skills and retention of the direct care workforce sector.

• The CalGrows program leverages the IHSS Career Pathways Program, enabling CalGrows program participants access to the curriculum offered through the IHSS training pathways, including participation stipends.
• The CalGrows Innovation Fund provided grants to fund novel approaches to training and retention. 76 organizations received funding to meet the specialized and culturally competent needs of California’s home and community-based Direct Care Workforce. The Innovation Fund totals approximately $89 million.

You can find a list of free courses offered through the CalGrows program at www.calgrows.org

• Direct Care Worker Survey and Focus Group Report
• Stakeholder Interview Synthesis
• Promising Practices Scan

The target population includes non-IHSS direct care workers who provide direct support to Medi-Cal recipients in the home and community, including home care aides, unlicensed social workers, personal care assistants, activities coordinators, care coordinators, community health workers, and transportation providers.

The CalGrows program will run through September 30, 2024.

• September 30, 2022
  Video | Presentation | Transcript
• June 14, 2022
  Video | Presentation | Transcript
• February 1, 2022
  Video | Presentation | Transcript

• Budget Revision Guidance (Rev. 04/24)
• CalGrows Final Narrative Report Template - Due 30 days after completion of the program, no later than October 31, 2024
• CDA 3049 CalGrows Reimbursement Template
• CDA 3049i CalGrows Reimbursement Template Instructions
• Grant Management Procedures Guide
• Incentive Report Template (Rev. 04/24, v2)
• Learner List Course Attendance Template (Rev. 04/24)
• Procuring Goods and Services

For direct care worker questions regarding:

• Program eligibility or course selection, please call 888-991-7234 or visit https://calgrows.org/.
• Stipend payment or status of your application, please call 855-916-4091 or email help@calgrows.org.

For CalGrows Innovation Fund grantees questions regarding:

• Finance, contracting, or program related items, please email cagrows@aging.ca.gov, please call 916-931-1932 or visit https://www.aging.ca.gov/Providers_and_Partners/Cal_Grows/.
• Incentive payment process or calgrows.org course listing, please email grantees@calgrows.org.