Clermont Park certified nursing assistant Ijeoma Dogo juggles full-time work, three wonderful children and has now added college to her full plate. Thanks in part to the generosity of supporters, Ijeoma, who is pursuing a nursing degree, was one of 11 CLC associates who received tuition assistance through the Employee Scholarship program last year.
In total, $22,500 in tuition assistance was awarded last year – all made possible by the generosity of donors. The amount awarded per team member varies depending on how long they’ve been employed by CLC, their employment status and what they plan to study.
Applications are reviewed and decided upon by the Employee Scholarship Committee, comprised of staff, residents and a board member.
Here’s some background information about those receiving scholarships last year:
Frank Asiedu, CNA, Holly Creek, Assisted Living
Frank was born in Ghana and earned an economics degree in his home country. His intention was to pursue a business/economics job in the United States but a chance conversation with an elder encouraged him to go into nursing. He is set to graduate from the CU College of Nursing in May.
Bonface Atika, Registered Nurse, Holly Creek
Originally from Kenya, Bonface has worked at Holly Creek for four years. He was awarded funds to obtain his Masters of Science Degree in Nursing at Colorado Christian University.
Ijeoma Dogo, CNA/QMAP Clermont Park Assisted Living
Ijoema has been accepted into Regis University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Her goal is to first become a Registered Nurse and then a Nurse Practitioner.
MaryBeth Gerkin, Certified Nursing Assistant, Clermont Park
MaryBeth was awarded scholarship dollars to support her desire to become a certified Phlebotomist. This is just step one on the path to become a Registered Nurse.
Karol Marquez, Resident Services Associate Assisted Living, Clermont Park
Karol began her career with CLC over seven years ago. Her tuition assistance has enabled her to take online studies of American Sign Language. She currently shares her love of sign language with residents and team members through a weekly class at Clermont Park.
Pete Martinez, former Skilled Maintenance Coordinator, Holly Creek
Pete received assistance to take classes to become a certified end-of-life doula. An end-of-life doula is trained to learn the dying process in order to offer emotional and spiritual support to those who are dying.
Kendra McClister, Assisted Living Coordinator, Clermont Park
Kendra, who has been with CLC for two and a half years, applied for a scholarship to attend the Point Click Care Summit last November, in Nashville, TN. PCC is a medical records computer program that encompasses assessments, charting, medication, doctors’ orders and other functions.
Rebecca Miller, Executive Assistant, Clermont Park/Manager of the Concierge team
Rebecca joined CLC three and a half years ago and has discovered a desire to become a professional in Human Resources. The scholarship funds have allowed her to take classes towards a Human Resources Certification, her first step in becoming a nationally certified HR professional.
Alyssa Shelby, Certified Nursing Assistant, Clermont Park, Assisted Living
Alyssa loves connecting with residents and wants to expand her skills and scope of practice by becoming a Registered Nurse. Her scholarship dollars supported prerequisite classes at Metropolitan State University and then will support her transition into the Denver School of Nursing.
Cindy Simpson, Chaplain, Someren Glen
Cindy sought scholarship funds to pursue ordination through the Evangelical Covenant Church. The ordination consists of four 1-week intensive classes. Cindy sees a big part of her job is offering emotional support to team members.
Hanna Woldemariam, RN, Holly Creek
Hanna has worked for CLC as a CNA, LPN and RN since 2013 and through the scholarship will be participating in a Skin and Wound Management Course. Born and raised in Ethiopia, Hanna moved to Denver with her family for a better life.
If you are interested in helping team members achieve their educational goals, you can make a tax-deductible donation here, or send a check made out to Christian Living Communities with Employee Scholarship Fund in the memo line and send to: Att: Donor Relations, Christian Living Communities, 9570 S. Kingston Ct., Englewood, CO 80112. Questions? Contact Donor Relations at 720.974.3555 or donate@clcmail.org.