Strengthening the Workforce, Empowering Caregivers

Accesso Care was founded to solve a growing crisis: healthcare facilities staffing shortages and the lack of support for immigrant caregivers.

Our Story

Accesso Care was born in 2023 out of a crisis in care. With over 15 years of work experience in long-term care facilities, Jimmy Zhang founded Building Care after witnessing CNAs leaving the profession in record numbers—exhausted, undervalued, and overworked. Facilities struggled to retain staff, and residents suffered from the instability. Something had to change.

In 2024, Jimmy’s partner, Dr. Esther Castillo, an immigrant and workforce development expert, joined the mission. As an immigrant herself, she understood the financial, cultural, and emotional barriers caregivers faced. Together, they transformed the organization into Accesso Care, a name that reflects access, opportunity, and dignity for immigrant caregivers.

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About Accesso

At Accesso Care, we believe that every community deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.

Our vision is simple: we build communities of caring.

We empower Philadelphia’s immigrant communities to invest in individual achievement by becoming Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) as a path for career development and partner with Nursing Home and Senior Living facilities within the community to provide reliable staff trained to understand and respect the diverse cultural backgrounds of its residents.

How We Support Our CNAs

1. Guaranteed Jobs: Job opportunities upon CNA licensure, matched with nearby facilities.

2. Financial Help: Up to $1,300 in tuition reimbursement after six months of full-time work.

3. Academic Support: Study groups, practice tests, and help with exam scheduling and transportation.

4. Resource Connections: Access to nonprofit and government resources for additional support.

5. Inclusive Environment: Welcoming space for immigrants, refugees, and non-native English speakers.

6. Community Building: Peer connections through WhatsApp groups and events.

Join Accesso Care in building a future where every caregiver and every resident feels respected, valued, and understood.

Become a Partner Facility today or join our growing CNA team!

Our Story

Left: Jimmy Zhang, Founder of Accesso Care
Right: Dr. Esther Castillo, CEO of Accesso Care

Accesso Care was born in 2023 from a profound need for change. Founded by Jimmy Zhang as Building Care, the organization was his response to the growing struggles CNAs faced in delivering the compassionate care every resident deserves. After witnessing the devastating impact of staffing shortages in nursing homes following the COVID-19 pandemic, Jimmy knew something had to be done. Caregivers, often overworked and underappreciated, were burning out at alarming rates, leaving residents without the stability and connection they so desperately needed.

In 2024, Jimmy’s life partner, Esther Castillo, joined this mission with unwavering determination. As an immigrant herself and an expert in workforce development, Esther brought not only her skills but also her heart. Together, they reimagined the organization as Accesso Care, grounded in a mission to uplift immigrant caregivers like themselves. Esther understood the often invisible struggles these caregivers faced—not just the financial challenges but the emotional toll of navigating a system that seldom recognized their humanity. Under her leadership, Accesso Care became a lifeline, a space where caregivers are seen, valued, and supported.

Today, Accesso Care is much more than a program—it’s a thriving community. Through emotional support, peer networks, and essential resources, caregivers find the strength and stability to succeed. The organization’s advocacy and partnerships with community organizations amplify its impact, ensuring holistic support for every participant.

The stories emerging from Accesso Care are transformative. Caregivers who once faced instability are now building meaningful careers. Some have even advanced to higher-paying hospital roles, creating brighter futures for themselves and their families. These successes ripple out, uplifting entire communities.

At the core of Accesso Care lies an unshakable belief: quality care starts with caring for the caregivers. By investing in those who dedicate their lives to others, we nurture a cycle of dignity, compassion, and hope for all.