Investing in the Future: Lutheran SeniorLife Awards $7,000 in Scholarships to Outstanding Team Members Posted on February 27, 2025March 10, 2025 Lutheran SeniorLife is proud to support the professional growth of its team members by awarding $7,000 in scholarship funds to five exceptional employees pursuing higher education. These scholarships, made possible through the Lutheran SeniorLife Foundation, provide financial assistance to individuals who are dedicated to both their academic pursuits and their meaningful work within the organization. At Lutheran SeniorLife, exceptional care begins with exceptional people. Many generous donors, including our own residents, who are deeply invested in the future of healthcare, support our scholarship fund. Their contributions help change lives, providing opportunities for growth while strengthening the quality of care at Lutheran SeniorLife. Every dollar donated is a step toward building a more skilled, supported, and empowered workforce. Scholarship recipients shared their appreciation with us and include: Hunter Hughes, Dietary Assistant at Passavant Community shared his appreciation: “It is an honor to receive this scholarship from the Lutheran SeniorLife Foundation. It inspires me to continue working while in school to help make a difference in the lives of the residents. I am proud to work at a place that supports my education and gives so much back to the local community.” Hunter is an Information Technology major at Slippery Rock University. Likewise, Jason Adamson, a CNA/Medtech at St. John Community commented, “I am deeply grateful to the Lutheran SeniorLife Foundation for this scholarship. It is a testament to their commitment to empowering caregivers and healthcare professionals. This support motivates me to further my skills and continue helping seniors regain their strength and independence at St. John Community.” Jason is currently attending the Butler County Community College to become a Physical Therapist Assistant. Zoe Stebbins, Program Assistant at Passavant Community, shared her appreciation: “This scholarship means so much to me and my journey in serving our senior community. The Lutheran SeniorLife Foundation’s generosity reminds me that my work at Passavant Community is valued and that I am supported in my efforts to create meaningful experiences for those we care for.” Zoe is attending Gannon University in the Physician Assistant program. Sydney Thompson, a Nurse’s Aide and Med Tech at St. John Community gratefully shared, “Receiving this scholarship from the Lutheran SeniorLife Foundation is both humbling and inspiring. It reaffirms my dedication to providing quality care to seniors at St. John Community, who feel like my own grandparents. With this support, I am one step closer to achieving my goal of being a practicing physician and making a lasting difference in the lives of those I serve as a medical provider.” Sydney is a biology major in her third year at Allegheny College in Meadville and plans on attending medical school after graduation at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. The final recipient was Erich Barth, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at St. John Community. “I have found so much joy participating as part of a team to help others at St. John Specialty Care Center these last few years. The relationships I have built with other employees, residents and their families have helped me to grow up and pursue my associates RN at the Community College of Allegheny County. Throughout that process I have received valuable help from my coworkers and the company, and especially the Lutheran Senior Life Foundation scholarship which has helped me balance work and school and even make the Dean’s List last fall.” Each of these individuals has demonstrated a strong commitment to both their studies and their roles within Lutheran SeniorLife, helping to enhance the lives of those they serve while furthering their own professional development. The Foundation has distributed nearly $20,000 since the program’s inception. Jane Bittcher, President of the Lutheran SeniorLife Foundation, emphasized the importance of supporting employees in their educational endeavors. “Our mission is to create abundant life for those we serve, and that includes investing in the dedicated team members who make our organization exceptional,” Bittcher said. “We are thrilled to support these students as they continue their education and grow in their careers. Their hard work and compassion truly make a difference in the lives of our residents and participants.” By providing scholarship assistance, Lutheran SeniorLife continues to foster a culture of learning and career advancement, ensuring that its workforce is well-equipped to provide the highest level of care and service.