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Welcome

At IMPART Alliance, we’re dedicated to transforming Michigan’s direct care workforce to meet the growing needs of our communities. As the demand for skilled Direct Care Workers (DCWs) intensifies, we need a workforce that's large enough to meet the challenge and trained to deliver compassionate, high-quality care. Together, we’re helping create a future where every person receives the care they deserve, and every DCW is empowered to make a lasting impact.

Read more about our mission and goals

Latest News

Dan and Jen, a married couple hugging each other and smiling to the camera.

A Love Story: ‘I met the woman I’m going to marry’

Dan and Jennifer Digmann’s love story is one of resilience, devotion, and the power of direct care. Their journey together is deeply intertwined with their experiences living with multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system. Dan was diagnosed with MS on…
Read More About A Love Story: ‘I met the woman I’m going to marry’

Featured Training

Two direct care workers standing at the center of the picture and hugging.

Direct Care Fundamentals – Level 1

Who Should Attend: This FREE course is for individuals interested in starting a career in direct care work or those seeking to build on their caregiving experience with additional professional training. The 12-hour virtual course covers essential topics from professional ethics to emergency response. Students…
Read More About Direct Care Fundamentals – Level 1

What is a Direct Care Worker?

Direct Care Worker (DCW) is a general term that refers to individuals who provide essential services through behavioral health, community mental health, and long-term care systems to support older adults and individuals living with disabilities in a range of settings including private homes, group homes, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and community living supports settings.

They are distinguished by core assignments that generally include assisting with hands-on personal care, activities of daily living such as bathing and dressing, instrumental activities of daily living such as cooking and shopping, rehabilitation, vocational assistance, and other tasks that support an individual’s highest level of independence and quality of life.

Job titles include, but are not limited to, certified nursing assistants, home health aides, hospice aides, personal care assistants, home care workers, direct support professionals, job coaches, self-directed home care workers, and companions.

Read More About Our Urgent Need For Direct Care Workers

Videos

Video thumbnail for Western Michigan Community Lab Partnership

Western Michigan Community Lab Partnership

As a result of the collaborative efforts of IMPART Alliance and the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan, a new direct care community training lab is in the making. The initiative aims to enhance the skills and confidence of direct care workers, ensuring high-quality…
Watch Video - Link to more about Western Michigan Community Lab Partnership
Video thumbnail for Dr. Clare Luz Podcast

Dr. Clare Luz Podcast

On this month’s podcast episode, we are joined by IMPART Alliance’s director, Clare Luz, Ph.D. Clare shares her journey from being a direct care worker until co-founding IMPART Alliance as well as exciting developments in the organization such as the mini-grant request for proposals and other achievements…
Watch Video - Link to more about Dr. Clare Luz Podcast
Video thumbnail for Caregiver Incentive Project

Caregiver Incentive Project

This video highlights the partnership between the Caregiver Incentive Project (CIP) and IMPART Alliance, united to strengthen Michigan's direct care network. Together, CIP and IMPART Alliance are addressing the state’s growing need for direct care workers by creating meaningful incentives, providing support, and career-building opportunities…
Watch Video - Link to more about Caregiver Incentive Project

Did You Know?

190K
Direct Care Workers serving Michigan residents
36K
more Direct Care Workers needed in Michigan
8.2M
projected Direct Care Workers job openings nationally by 2028