Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheretta Joseph
Hi Sheretta, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In 2008, the company I had worked for over 10 years went out of business, leaving me at a crossroads. I had spent years in retail, and suddenly, I found myself wondering, “What am I going to do next?”
Determined to find a new path, I became a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in 2009. That same year, I also started Caring Hands Supports and Services, initially providing home healthcare and CPR training. My passion for healthcare grew, and in 2013, I advanced my career by becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
Over time, my focus shifted, and in 2022, Caring Hands CPR Jax was born. We transitioned to exclusively offering CPR and First Aid training, along with business coaching for aspiring entrepreneurs.
My commitment to community service led me to expand even further. In 2019, I launched free community CPR classes after a personal experience where a family member needed CPR, and no one in the house knew how to perform it. That moment made me realize that CPR education is essential for everyone, so I started teaching my family and later extended it to the community.
In addition to CPR training, I also founded a nonprofit housing initiative to help men transitioning out of incarceration. After witnessing loved ones struggle to find stable housing due to their backgrounds, I knew I had to step in. We provide housing for as long as needed, helping residents build rental history and regain independence.
In 2023, I opened an in-home daycare, combining my passion for education with early childhood development. One of our standout features is our children’s garden, where kids engage in hands-on learning and develop a love for nature. Gardening has become a personal passion of mine, and I enjoy sharing it with the next generation.
Through every challenge and transition, my journey has been about service, growth, and community impact. From retail to nursing, to CPR training, business coaching, and nonprofit work, my mission remains the same: helping others thrive and equipping them with the tools to succeed.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like any journey, there have been challenges, setbacks, and moments of uncertainty.
One of the biggest struggles I faced was when the company I worked for went out of business in 2008. After spending over 10 years in retail, I found myself wondering what to do next. That uncertainty led me to healthcare, but even then, the transition wasn’t easy. Becoming a CNA in 2009 and later an LPN in 2013 required hard work, dedication, and balancing responsibilities while also building Caring Hands Supports and Services from the ground up.
As I shifted my focus to CPR training and business coaching, I faced the challenge of rebranding and redefining my services. Transitioning from a home healthcare provider to Caring Hands CPR Jax in 2022 meant adjusting to a new business model and finding ways to reach more people.
Another challenge was launching free community CPR classes in 2019. My passion for this came from a deeply personal experience when a family member needed CPR, and no one knew how to help. That moment changed my perspective, but getting the community involved and spreading awareness took time and effort.
Starting a nonprofit housing initiative also came with struggles. I saw firsthand how difficult it was for men coming out of incarceration to find stable housing, and I wanted to help. However, securing funding, overcoming societal stigmas, and ensuring long-term sustainability for the program has been an ongoing challenge.
Then, in 2023, I opened an in-home daycare, adding another layer to my journey. While it has been rewarding, running a daycare comes with its own set of challenges—ensuring compliance, creating a nurturing environment, and balancing multiple business ventures at once.
Through it all, the road has been anything but smooth. However, every challenge has shaped me into the person I am today. I’ve learned to adapt, stay persistent, and trust my vision—knowing that everything I do is about helping others, whether through CPR training, housing support, or early childhood education. The journey has been tough, but the impact makes it all worthwhile.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Caring Hands CPR Jax is dedicated to equipping individuals with life-saving skills through CPR and First Aid training, while also providing business coaching to aspiring entrepreneurs. We specialize in community-based CPR education, offering free classes to empower people with the knowledge and confidence to act in emergencies. We also cater to first-time moms, teaching them essential infant CPR and choking prevention techniques.
What sets us apart is our commitment to accessibility and service. Every year, we provide free community CPR training because we believe that CPR is a skill everyone should have, regardless of financial circumstances. My passion for this work was ignited after a personal experience where a family member needed CPR, and no one in the household knew how to help. That moment changed my mission—starting with my own family and expanding to the broader community.
We also offer CPR and First Aid classes to anyone who may need them, including Bloodborne Pathogens training and Babysitting Safety courses for teens. These courses provide critical skills for young caregivers, healthcare workers, and anyone looking to be prepared in emergencies.
In addition to CPR training, I run a nonprofit housing initiative that provides stable housing for men transitioning out of incarceration. Many individuals struggle to secure housing due to their background, so we offer them a place to live for as long as they need, helping them establish rental history and regain independence.
In 2023, I also launched an in-home daycare, providing a nurturing learning environment for young children. One of our standout features is our children’s garden, which has become an interactive and beloved part of their daily learning. Gardening has become a personal passion of mine, and I love incorporating it into early childhood education.
What We’re Most Proud Of:
We are most proud of our impact on the community—whether it’s training people in CPR, helping formerly incarcerated men rebuild their lives, or nurturing young minds in our daycare. Our mission is rooted in service, education, and empowerment, and we strive to uplift those we serve.
What We Want Readers to Know:
Caring Hands CPR Jax is more than just a training center—it’s a movement dedicated to saving lives, strengthening communities, and creating opportunities. Whether you need CPR certification, business coaching, or a supportive place to restart your life, we are here to help.
We welcome anyone interested in learning, growing, and giving back to connect with us. Together, we can make a difference!
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Absolutely! The COVID-19 crisis was a time of uncertainty, but it also taught me valuable lessons—both personally and professionally.
One of the biggest lessons I learned was the importance of adaptability. When everything shut down, I had to rethink how I operated my businesses. Caring Hands CPR Jax had to transition to smaller class sizes and strict safety protocols, ensuring we could still provide life-saving training while keeping people safe.
COVID-19 also reinforced how essential CPR and first aid training are. During the crisis, medical professionals were overwhelmed, and many families found themselves caring for sick loved ones at home. More people became interested in learning CPR, First Aid, and Bloodborne Pathogen training, realizing that these skills could make a life-or-death difference in an emergency.
For my nonprofit housing initiative, the pandemic amplified the need for stable housing. Many men coming out of incarceration struggled even more to find a place to stay, as housing options became more limited. This experience reminded me of why I started the program in the first place—to give people a chance to rebuild their lives, even in tough times.
Overall, the pandemic reinforced that life is unpredictable, but when you have a strong mission, a willingness to adapt, and a heart for service, you can overcome any obstacle. It also reminded me to never take human connection for granted—whether it’s through teaching CPR,or providing housing, community and support matter more than ever.
Pricing:
- CPR $65
- CPR First Aid $75
- First Aid $45
- Blood Bourne Pathogens $45
- Baby Sitting Class $150
Contact Info:
- Website: https://caringhandssupports.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caringhandscprjax/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SherettaQJ
- LinkedIn: https://caringhandscprjax.setmore.com/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RettasWorld
- Other: https://linktr.ee/sherettaj
