Jung Shik Lee is looking forward to going out into the community. "It is with pride that I take on the responsibility and calling to serve by helping people in a way that I have long desired," he said.
Lee, who was speaking in Korean but provided a written copy of his remarks in English, was one of 31 people to graduate as certified personal care aides in a Dec. 14 ceremony at the Korean Presbyterian Church in Vienna.
The Korean Senior Center is based in the church in partnership with Inova Hospital, the Fairfax County Health Department and Northern Virginia Community College, among others groups.
The groups designed a program that allows Korean speakers to become certified as aides and assist area residents who speak Korean.
"It will allow culturally sensitive and appropriate care," said Supervisor Linda Smyth (D-Providence), one of many speakers at the ceremony.
This first class of graduates will be able to provide individualized care for people in need. "Compassion is what we all want when we have a great need, and compassion is what we can all give when we have a chance," said the Rev. Ron Christian, chair of Faith Communities in Action.