For many Lifespace residents, contributing to their community's Foundation Scholarship Fund is an easy decision. Residents want to support the team members who serve them and help further their careers. The residents understand the significance of continued learning or higher education and the value of providing financial assistance.
The scholarship recipients are thankful for their support; their stories are heartwarming. One scholarship recipient was the first in her family to attend college. She began her journey as a nurse’s aide at a Lifespace community and developed a passion for the people she was assisting. This experience led her to realize that a career in nursing was the right path for her, and she is now working towards becoming a registered nurse.
This is one of many inspiring stories that drive Lifespace residents to extend a helping hand. Residents Diane Haines, Dave Humphreys, and Virginia Olson graciously share why they are so passionate about the scholarship program:
“Every scholarship transforms a life.”
-Virginia Olson, resident of Friendship Village, Bloomington, Minnesota, and chairperson of her community’s Foundation Advisory Committee
Virginia and the Foundation Advisory Committee work hard to encourage the residents of Friendship Village to participate in the scholarship program. In 2024, Friendship Village donated $100,000 for 40 team members, the highest amount ever donated to recipients. “We want to help bring our young people further in their lives, enrich their lives, and help them in their careers,” she says. “Every scholarship transforms a life.”
“The team members here have their whole lives ahead of them. They’re gaining work experience, building relationships, and becoming friendly with the residents. The way we give back is to recognize them,” adds Virginia, adding that the team members are grateful for the scholarships.
“I can’t begin to tell you how much I hear their thankfulness,” Virginia concludes. “We’re here to reward their loyalty for working at Lifespace. It’s extremely worthwhile, and I’m pleased our foundation supports this scholarship program.”
“We’re all part of a community, and the scholarships are a way to truly serve each other.”
-Dave Humphreys, resident of Oak Trace, Downers Grove, Illinois, and chair of his community's Foundation Advisory Committee
“I truly respect and love the team members who support me as a resident. The servers, the housekeepers, the maintenance people, the custodians, the drivers, the lifestyle people, all our team members. They may want to begin or enhance their careers,” says Dave. “We want to help these people follow their dreams.”
“I’m passionate about the scholarship program. This place wouldn’t exist without our team members. This is one way we can show our gratitude for them.”
Dave tirelessly promotes the scholarship program at Oak Trace, encouraging team members to apply and residents to donate. He emphasizes that everyone in the community is family and that family members help each other.
“The scholarship program makes dreams a reality.”
-Diane Haines, resident of Harbour’s Edge, Delray Beach, Florida, and member of her community’s Foundation Advisory Committee
“The scholarships form the cornerstone of our foundation. They help people achieve their professional aspirations and go to school,” Diane says. “They help people follow their dreams in a career-minded way, and that’s very heartwarming. Not everyone is in a position to help like this.”
“Our staff is wonderful,” adds Diane. “This is another way to thank people who work hard and do their best to serve us.”
Through outreach efforts, Diane and her Foundation team have expanded their scholarship program, increasing the number of recipients. The team also pioneered a pilot program to extend the scholarship eligibility to include team members' children.
Celebrating generosity - THANKS to our Lifespace residents and team members for their generous support of the Foundation Scholarship program.
