Photo by Jennifer BruseHealth
Angel Reach and Memorial Hermann celebrate One Year Anniversary of Partnership
Today Angel Reach and Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center celebrated the one year anniversary of their partnership that opened a direct pathway into healthcare careers for young adults aging out of foster care or facing homelessness.
The partnership, which initially placed five Angel Reach residents into paid Patient Care Technician roles at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands, began not with a committee or a proposal, but with a site visit and a personal conviction. John Voight, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands, initiated the relationship after visiting Angel Reach’s facility and meeting with George Lindahl, one of the organization’s founders.
Through Memorial Hermann’s entry-level Patient Care Technician program, Angel Reach residents are hired into paid clinical support roles with no prior health care experience required. Participants receive full training, onboarding, and ongoing mentorship. They gain hands-on experience supporting patient care, including assisting with daily living activities, obtaining vital signs, contributing to a safe and compassionate patient environment, and cross-training in patient transport and observation roles.
Today the five Angel Reach young adults that were hired into the program were honored with a special breakfast held at the Woodforest Terrace at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center. All five are thriving in their roles, developing clinical and professional skills while gaining the stability and confidence that comes from meaningful, sustained employment. Several are also exploring long-term careers in healthcare.
As the partnership expands and Memorial Hermann continues to hire Angel Reach residents, the original participants are volunteering as mentors to the incoming employees, creating a peer support structure that extends the program’s reach and reinforces its impact from within.
View moments from the event on the Hello Woodlands Facebook and Instagram pages:
Angel Reach serves young adults ages 18 to 24 who have aged out of foster care or are at risk of homelessness, providing housing, life skills training, and pathways to long-term self-sufficiency. To find out more, visit the website at www.angelreach.org.
