WEST BRANDYWINE, PA — Residents at Freedom Village at Brandywine raised $115,000 to fund college scholarships for 27 employees this year, surpassing the retirement community’s fundraising goal and continuing a two-decade effort to support workforce education.
The scholarships were awarded during the community’s 20th annual scholarship ceremony held this week at the Greg Welch Auditorium on the Freedom Village campus.
The employee scholarship program is funded entirely through contributions from residents, along with support from their families and friends through the Freedom Village Brandywine Scholarship Fund, a nonprofit organization.
This year’s fundraising total exceeded the program’s initial goal of $75,000 by $40,000.
The scholarships are available to employees pursuing higher education and are awarded through a competitive application process. Applicants must have worked at the community throughout the previous year and submit academic transcripts and recommendation letters, including one from a direct supervisor.
The program reflects a growing trend among senior living communities and employers seeking to support workforce development through educational assistance, particularly in sectors facing ongoing recruitment and retention challenges.
Catherine Rosfelder, a caregiver at Freedom Village and one of this year’s recipients, said the support will help advance her education.
“I’m incredibly grateful for all of the residents who have made this possible,” Rosfelder said.
Since its founding two decades ago, the scholarship fund has provided educational assistance to employees while relying on resident-led fundraising and volunteer support.
According to Freedom Village, the annual awards ceremony has become a longstanding tradition within the community, recognizing employees pursuing college and career advancement opportunities.
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