It’s a “win-win-win-win,” is the way Asbury Methodist Village resident Terry Byrne describes the Asbury Foundation’s associate scholarship and education program. Applications for the 2023 program are currently under review by a committee of residents and local foundation staff at each Asbury community and will be announced in the coming months.
Fostering the further education of associates, a focus of Asbury Foundation’s strategic plan, yields exponential benefits. It not only helps Asbury fill critical health care positions, but also provides a career track for associates who want to stay with the organization. And more satisfied and higher-skilled associates provide better care to residents.
For these reasons and more, Terry and wife Sally, recently created an endowment to fund associate education in a variety of health care fields. While nursing education makes up the majority of associate scholarships, Sally, a retired physical therapist, wanted to be sure their endowment covered study in other areas of health care.
The Byrnes wanted to assist associates who often come from families of modest means and don’t have the resources for continuing education. “They aspire to higher-level jobs in the field, and they have the talent to do more,” says Terry. “But they need financial help.” The couple’s endowment will provide associates educational opportunities for decades to come.
Asbury is committed to providing associates with multiple opportunities for personal and professional growth. But what makes Asbury such a special and unique place to work is the relationship between residents and associates.
Anthony Durski, recently promoted to Director of Clinical Education at Asbury Methodist Village, completed his Master of Nursing with assistance from an Asbury scholarship.
“The conversations and guidance I received from residents during my studies emphasized the dedication they have for associate growth and prosperity,” says Anthony. “The advancement in my career could not have happened without their support.”
A sentiment shared by Jodi Bales, a licensed practical nurse at Bethany Village’s Health Care Center, who says that the scholarship committee “was her biggest cheerleader,” as she pursued her degree.
The Byrnes plan to add to their endowment while they remain at Asbury Methodist Village, and they invite other residents to join them in doing so.
“This endowment will benefit residents who receive care and associates who provide it and are able to move to more skilled positions because of it,” says Terry. “It’s very satisfying to make a lasting impact on the community we love and on the lives of our valued associates.”
Talk to your local Asbury Foundation representative about how you can support or apply for a scholarship.
