Our Story

Cuidado Casero Foundation was founded by Dr. Carmen Santiago, a dedicated nurse with over 51 years of experience in the nursing and healthcare fields. Throughout her career, she has worked in both hospital settings and the private sector of home health and hospice. This experience revealed a critical need for bilingual Spanish/English-speaking nurses to meet the demands of our diverse community.

Doricelys Martinez, our Executive Director, has been instrumental in this mission. With 17 years of experience in human resources and recruitment at Medica Health Management and Cuidado Casero Home Health & Hospice, she witnessed firsthand the challenges of filling nursing positions and the growing need for more nurses in the healthcare system.

Driven by a heartfelt commitment to serve and a vision to bridge the gap in nursing representation, Cuidado Casero Foundation transformed from an idea into reality. Together, we aim to empower the next generation of healthcare leaders and ensure quality care for all.

Why Invest in CCF?

  1. Rising College Enrollment: More students are pursuing higher education than ever before, but many face financial barriers that hinder their success.
  2. Supporting Low-Income Students: Our applicants come from low-income households and depend on scholarships to access and complete their education.
  3. Focused on Graduation: Our scholarships not only provide financial assistance but also encourage recipients to apply annually, increasing their chances of successfully graduating.
  4. 100% Donor-Funded: Every scholarship we award is made possible by the generosity of our donors and sponsors. Your contribution is crucial to the ongoing success of these students and their future careers in healthcare.

Investing in CCF means investing in the future of healthcare and helping deserving students achieve their dreams.

Our Impact

The Cuidado Casero Foundation is dedicated to inspiring bilingual English and Spanish nursing students to become future leaders in the healthcare industry. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and donors, we have made a significant impact since June 2018:

  • 111 scholarships awarded
  • 85% of scholarship recipients have graduated with their nursing degree and entered the workforce
  • Over $320,000 in scholarships granted
  • More than 1,200 students participated in our Passport to Success Leadership Conferences

Together, we are shaping the future of healthcare, one student at a time.

Show Your Generosity At These Events

“When you educate one person you can change a life, when you educate many you can change the world.”

Shai Reshef

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”

Nelson Mandela

“Magic is believing in yourself, if you can do that, you can make anything happen.”

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

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