BOSTON – Building on decades-long tradition of supporting employees working to achieve their goals of a career in long term care, the Massachusetts Senior Care Foundation announced its 2019 Foundation Scholars. This year’s class of 35 recipients will use their scholarships to help pay for tuition, books, and other out-of-pocket expenses as they work towards advancing their personal and professional goals in the long term care profession.
“It’s an honor to announce this year’s scholarship recipients. The 2019 Foundation Scholars are some of the most dedicated individuals who provide compassionate care to residents within long term care facilities,” said Bill Bogdanovich, President of the Massachusetts Senior Care Foundation.
“Many of our wonderful recipients are immigrants who work hard to support their families, while exceling in school, and achieving outstanding evaluations from their employers,” said Tara Gregorio, President of the Massachusetts Senior Care Association. “We commend this year’s Foundation Scholars and applaud their commitment to further their education in long term care.”
This year’s recipients were chosen out of a pool of over 100 applicants. They are pursuing certifications and licensure as Nursing Assistants, Licensed Practical Nurses, Registered Nurses, therapy, admissions and other facility staff.
“It is my goal to always provide the best care possible to my residents. My motto is ‘come to work happy and leave even happier.’ It gives me great sense of pride to know that I can make a difference for my residents by helping them when they need it most,” said Zipporah Irari, a 2019 Foundation Scholar and a native of Kenya. Irari has been a Licensed Practical Nurse for six years at Westfield Center, and is now pursuing an Associate Degree in Nursing at Holyoke Community College.
Massachusetts Senior Care Foundation began the flagship scholarship program in 1985 and has since awarded nearly 1,600 scholarships and more than $2.9 million.
For more information, visit www.maseniorcarefoundation.org
###