The days are getting longer, the sun is shining brighter, and there's a sense of momentum in the air that's driving Cornerstone further into a great year. We're grateful to be part of a community that inspires us to grow and expand our caregiving workforce. This month, we're continuing to bloom with exciting travel plans, new exam updates, and a whole lot more. Learn what we're up to below!

Cornerstone is hitting the road to five cities in June for the Long-Term Care Foundation's (LTCF's) 2026 Summer Conference series. This year's theme, Workforce Development Best Practices for Adult Family Homes: 2026 Industry Trends, brings providers together to learn, train, and collaborate on what's next for the caregiving workforce.

Come connect with us to learn how Cornerstone is partnering with the LTCF to expand access to quality training for caregivers. Each event includes breakfast, lunch, and 6 CE credits on workforce development topics. 

Plus, we'll be giving away a gift basket to a lucky attendee at each location. Stop by to meet our team in person and join the conversation that's shaping the future of long-term care.

Take your stress-free HCA exam with Cornerstone at our new Tri-Cities testing location! Due to increasing demand, we have established a permanent exam offering in this area to serve more students.

When you schedule with Cornerstone, you won't be stuck waiting months for an available date. We have multiple testing dates scheduled throughout May so you can take your exam as soon as you're ready. Get a full list of upcoming testing dates at all of our locations at our dedicated HCA exams page.

Our HCA exam is open to all students, regardless of where they completed their training. Take your final step to official HCA certification and get scheduled today!

So blessed to have Cornerstone at the other end of all of our healthcare training needs. The staff are amazing. Thank you Ryan for helping me today.

— Veronica

The Healthcare Enforcement and Licensing Management System (HELMS) just received its final update last month. The system has a new look and new functionalities for managing your professional credentials to make licensing more efficient and simple to access.

HELMS is your first step in the HCA licensing process and hosts a robust database on all healthcare credentials throughout the state. With such a complex system, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Get links to helpful guides and videos below:

• For caregivers who need to submit their HCA application:
  • Learn how to apply online with DOH's online guide or
  • Watch a video on how to get started
• For caregivers who need to renew their HCA credential:
  • Follow DOH's Portal User Guide for more information
• To find your credential, search for an employee's credential, or check your facility's information:
  • Use the HELMS Provider Credential Search

For more information about the credentialing system and who to contact for support, click the link below to visit the HELMS informational webpage.

Our live, instructor-led virtual classes give care professionals the chance to build specialized skills that make a real difference in their work. Register for a live class to engage with peers, build your confidence, and learn strategies to better serve your clients.

Create small moments of choice to support client independence. Offering options like choosing between outfits, meals, or activities, or asking how they prefer something to be done, can make a meaningful difference. These small decisions help restore a sense of control and strengthen trust to create an empowering care experience.