When you look at the current condition of the United Sates economy, it won’t take you long to figure out that it’s seen better days. The economic hardships that the country is currently undergoing influence each state, county, and city within, down to even the smallest communities.
These effects stretch far beyond the dip in the average weekly paycheck. American towns, much like the well-known Jacksonville, Florida, are also seeing increases in violence, unemployment, and overall community morale. A logical place to start the journey in eradicating these issues would be the healthcare industry, especially considering it has been named the fastest growing industry in today’s economy. In simpler terms, healthcare is the gold-mine of the average 21st-century American community.
One man has certainly been doing his part to improve his community, and his name is Dr. Albert Chester. There’s been a lot of buzz, lately, surrounding that name, and the name of the institute that has recently launched in the Jacksonville community, The Capstone Institute. The Capstone Institute is a pharmacy tech school that, according to Dr. Chester, doesn’t only strive to train students to become employed as pharmacy technicians, they strive to develop future leaders that will affect positive change in the community. In his eyes, any university or tech school can train someone to be a decent employee, but it takes special care and passionto train someone to be a leader that thinks outside of the box, inspires change, and pushes their community into a positive direction…the latter is the type of experience that The Capstone Institute aims to provide.
What better time to launch such an inspiring project than right now, when the community is a low point, alongside many other American communities? Lieutenant Colonel Ricky L. Pope, USA (Retired), seems to believe that there is no better time. He recently stated: “The Capstone Institute is another ember on the fire of progress within the community. We must continually support such ventures so that the fire will grow stronger”. Dr. Chester agrees because from what he has seen throughout the first session of The Capstone Institute, the community is already responding well to the education and support that the institution is offering.
It is worthy to be noted that all demographics within the community are being affected in a positive way by this new institution, as well as the new way of thinking that it has brought to the citizens of the Jacksonville community. The first class at The Capstone Institute consisted of individuals aged 22 to 56. This is just one of the many indications that The Capstone Institute is sparking inspiration and interest of members of the community across all generations. This is a good thing, considering it will take the wisdom of the older generations in combination with the energy and passion of the younger generations to not simply inspire, but establish in the Jacksonville community and surrounding areas.
Speaking of which, Dr. Chester has proudly announced that he does plan to expand this program outside of the area in which it currently resides. “In 2018”, he says, “we are looking to expand further into Jacksonville, Florida, as well as branch off to other main cities in the state and southeast region.”. It is a refreshing thought for many Americans that an institution with such high aspirations and community support may be coming to a city near their own in the upcoming years. It is the responsibility of the community, within Jacksonville as well as hundreds of miles away, to ensure that this institution, along with the many others that are popping up around the country with similar values, can expand and inspire every individual that is within their capabilities. As the founder himself, Dr. Albert Chester, has said: “The opportunity to change the community must come from within the community.”.
If you feel the need to support, or even get more information on, The Capstone Institute, as well as the difference they are making in the lives of their students and sponsors, you’re invited to visit www.thecapstoneinstitute.org or visit The Capstone Institute locally at 3416 Moncrief Road, Suite 101, Jacksonville, Florida 32209. If neither of these contact options are suitable for you, then you may also contact the institute through email at albertdchester2@yahoo.com or by phone at (904)-993-1800. We encourage you to support this organization, and we also encourage you to inspire change in your community, however you deem possible.
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There’s good news coming in this new year to anyone in the Jacksonville, Florida area that’s looking to better themselves and continue their education. Albert Chester, a former student at Episcopal School of Jacksonville and Florida A&M University, as well as the current manager and pharmacist at the Walgreens in Jacksonville’s north side, will soon be known as the founder of the first pharmacy tech school located in the heart of the Northside. The Capstone Institute is a movement in the right direction, in the eyes of many in the community. “I think The Capstone Institute is another ember on the fire of progress within the community. We must continually support such ventures so that the fire will grow stronger,” said LT. Colonel Rickey Pope (ret.) USA. Albert is quite excited about the anticipation surrounding the project, and he’s looking forward to providing opportunities for a community that is so close to his heart, and so unfortunately deprived of similar options. In his own words: “I don’t think I would want it anywhere else because of the need here.”
So, what exactly will this pharmacy tech school offer the 30 new students that they’ll soon be accepting? The answer is simple. The students that choose to enroll in the brand-new Capstone Institute will be registered through the State of Florida, and eligible to take the state pharmacy certification test. If they keep up with all of the materials they’re given, the program should not only make them eligible for the test, but completely prepared for passing it, as well. Not only will they be studying from textbooks like the common college student, they will be receiving useful, hands-on training through the program too. The best part of this program, and probably the most promising as well, is not the materials or training that the students receive, but the fact that the students will have an opportunity to train through a complete, comprehensive program for less than $3,000, which is the cost of one semester through similar programs. The students can also rest easy knowing that they won’t have to wait a lifetime, or even years, to get out into the job force and start giving back to their community, as well as supporting themselves and their families. The entire program, up to the day they choose to take their certification test, is only 15 weeks.
The establishment of this new institute is a positive light in the Jacksonville community. Even the individuals who aren’t interested in attending the institute are excited about the new direction it will hopefully begin to lead the community in. “We are determined to help the determined succeed,” Chester stated. However, many members of the community are aware that The Capstone Institute will not only begin helping individuals succeed but the institute can also boost the local economy exponentially and provide a beacon of hope for those otherwise unsure about what they are going to do outside of their high school education.”The opportunity to change the community must come from within the community. The Capstone Institue is a life changing initiative,” said retired NFL star Drayton Florence.
Generating healthcare industry job opportunities is one of the greatest steps a community can take towards improvement for current and future generations. Especially, considering the healthcare industry is the fastest growing industry in today’s economy. With just one visit to the Capstone Institute’s website, you’ll find their refreshing and uplifting mission statement: “Capstone Institute looks to develop ethical, accountable, and inquisitive members of the healthcare industry. This institute hopes to create a student-centered environment catering to the academic and professional needs of its pupils. We seek to inspire a more purpose driven life in our students.”. Albert Chester and his great team of supporters should be proud to know that they are achieving those goals, exactly.
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