b'R E M O V I N G B A R R I E R S Integrity T O Learning A V A L U E I N A C T I O Nhe evidence has been mountingJ essica Himes, a nurse at Spang T for decades: Programs thatCrest, confronted a series ofJessica Himes, help children learn and grow inroadblocks in pursuit of her dreama nurse at their earliest years can change theto become a nurse. Expelled fromSpang Cresttrajectories of their lives. high school and expecting a baby at the same time, Jessica still believed Unfortunately for many, qualitynursing was her destiny. Determined childcare is unaffordable and oftento follow her dream, she completed hard to \x1e nd. We believe in the the coursework to become a Certi\x1e ed Access to quality childcare isNursing Assistant. After her daughtereducation and growth of important for everyone, but especiallywas born, she completed her GEDour team members.important for children in familiesand enrolled in Harrisburg Area living near or below the federalI am so grateful. Community College. Five years later,Tammy Schucker, Director of Clinical poverty threshold who often faceshe became a registered nurseandSystems Integrationbarriers to success from the dayNesseline Clocius discovered Luthercare. they are born, says Lorita Valente,Currently a nurse at Spang Crest, Luthercare\'s Executive Director ofmother, Nesseline, to leave her job able to send Leah back when she isJessica is pursuing a BSN (BachelorCommittee. Learning is one ofit\'s our hope that this connection will Community Programs. "Luthercareand her paycheckto care for her.better means I can return to work.of Science in Nursing) at WesternLuthercare\'s core values, and we arespark a new passion for senior living for Kids Early Learning Centers offerWithout this assistance, it wouldnt beGovernors University. She is alsopleased to offer opportunities forand the work we do at Luthercare.high-quality childcare in a nurturingA single mother, Nesseline is a nursepossible. a 2019 recipient of the Luthercareteam members as they advance in environment where children learnanesthetist who works for a nursingNursing Scholarship Fund.The schools were eager to participate. through play and are better preparedstaf\x1e ng agency. Leah and Wyatt are"High-quality and affordabletheir careers. Tammy says, Choosing a career in for life success." both students at Luthercare for Kids childcare continues to be one ofLuthercare has offered nursingScholarships of up to $5,000 arenursing means entering a meaningful Marietta. Without being able to workthe highest barriers to obtainingscholarships to CNAs, LPNs and RNs\x1eChildcare assistance is one of the mostin the past, but in 2019, the programawarded to employees. Scholarships eld that has a positive outlook for important things necessary to helpfor a long period of time, Nesselineand maintaining employment. Theinclude nursing tuition forgiveness.job growth as well as increasing feared she would not be able to keepscholarships provided by Luthercarewas expanded to include anyTuition Reimbursement Programsopportunities for advancement."parentsespecially single parentsWyatt in the Marietta Pre-K Countsoffer families the needed \x1e nancialLuthercare employee who has been on remain employed. Placing one orprogram where he was thriving. Shesupport that allows them to go toboard for longer than 90 days. are also available. LuthercaresHOW YOU CAN HELPmore children in day care can takecommitment to continuing education up to 50% of gross income. Moreover,was also concerned about the abilitywork knowing their children are in aTammy Schucker, Luthercare\'splays an important role in hiringThe scholarship is funded through making job changes or leavingto afford tuition for Leah after hersafe environment where their childrenDirector of Clinical Systemsand retaining staff, says Tammy.Luthercare donorsprimarily the workforce due to unforeseenrecoveryjeopardizing her return towill \x1f ourish," says Lorita. Integration, is chairperson ofIt shows we truly value our teamresidents and private donors. circumstances or events can havework.Without Luthercare\'s help, I wouldthe Luthercare Scholarship Fundmembers. Employees also contribute to the tangible consequences for familiesThankfully, Luthercare\'s Childcarenot be able to provide Wyatt with theCommittee. We believe in thefund through the Team Member education and growth of our teamHIGH SCHOOLCampaign.economic security. Scholarship Program put her fears toquality of care that he is receiving,members, says Tammy. TheirSCHOLARSHIPSThe Clocius family is one such familyrest. Scholarships provide \x1e nancialsays Nesseline. He has some special assistance with childcare costs toneeds and the staff have helped himdedicationdedication and2020 is the \x1e rst year the scholarship who experienced an unexpectedeligible local families. Wyatt wasprogress so much. I am so grateful. determination like Jessicasis trulyprogram was extended to local high circumstance. awarded a scholarship so he couldinspiring. school students. One student at each While with their father, Leah andcontinue attending the MariettaSupporting and nurturing ourof the seven area high schools will be Wyatt Clocius were involved in acenter.team members is a testament toawarded $1,000 scholarships that will serious car accident. Wyatt, age 5,Luthercares promise to providebe distributed at graduation. sustained no serious injuries, butThe scholarship helped me tremendously, says Nesseline.quality care, says Ryan Fisher,By extending scholarships to Leah, age 3, suffered a brain injuryWith Wyatt at school, I could focusLuthercares Director of Philanthropystudents, says Ryan, we are that required surgery and severalon caring for Leah. Knowing Ill beand member of the Scholarshipintroducing them to our industry, and weeks of recuperation, forcing her 10 11'