United Interfaith Action (UIA) held its first graduation of a class of thirteen participants in its community health worker Basic Level Training on July 29, 2012 at the First Baptist Church in Fall River. Graduates had completed nine sessions between April 14th and June 16th covering topics Including Nutrition, Chronic Illnesses and Healthy Lifestyles, Cancer Detection and Prevention, Community Resources, Self-Esteem and Personal Development, and Alcohol and Drug Abuse. Courses were put together with the assistance of local providers. Graduates also received certification in First Aid and CPR from the American Heart Association. "This project is not only intended to raise the skill levels of these students, but also to improve their job prospects," commented UIA Executive Director Francisco Ramos. Certificates were given to the graduates by Mayor Flanagan after they heard from Rev. Paulo de Tarso Ribeiro of the Brazilian Presbyterian Church and Mr. Michael Coughlin of the Massacusetts Department of Public Health. Click here to see a 23-minute video of the ceremony. For more information about UIA, contact Francisco Ramos at 508-673-4670.
 

(Top row) Rev. Donald Mier welcomes graduates, family members and guests to the ceremony in the sanctuary of the First Baptist Church. (Row two, right) Graduates Jenny Rios, Linda Mae Pittsley, Lucia Gonzalez and Leonard Pittsley sing a hymn together during the ceremony. (Row three) Rev. Paulo de Tarso Ribeiro, Francisco Ramos and Michael Coughlin address the graduates. (Bottom row, left and center) Mayor William Flanagan hands a certificate to Ms. Gonzalez before the ceremony concludes with prayer. (Bottom row, right) Graduate Sarah Mendoza is congratulated by a friend following the ceremony.