The gift of education is a profound one. An investment in an individual that rewards their potential; offers enlightenment; and has the power to influence the course of their life. Every year, select RVNAhealth staff members are fortunate to receive such a gift  — through scholarships offered by Fairfield County Bank and the Couri Family Foundation, both longtime donors and believers in RVNAhealth.

“I had been contemplating going back to school for nursing for quite some time,” says Taylor Daniels, RVNAhealth Intake Coordinator, “but there were always obstacles and distractions. Once COVID hit, however, I stopped questioning. I wanted to return to nursing more than ever. Working for an agency that cares so much for the community and gives back at any opportunity made it feel like everything was falling into place. Thanks to Fairfield County Bank, I’m on my way. I can’t wait for the day I can say I’m an RVNAhealth nurse!”

“Neither can we,” smiles Theresa Santoro, MSN, RN, CHCA, President & CEO of RVNAhealth.  “Taylor is but one of five RVNAhealth scholarship recipients this year, all of whom have been given the chance to grow professionally and pursue advancements in their careers because of the values of our donors and the generosity of their gifts. Over the years, these scholarships have supported undergraduate and graduate degrees, specialty certifications, and clinical growth.  They have expanded the horizons of our staff, and have made our team stronger.”

The 2021 recipients of the Couri Family Foundation and Fairfield County Bank Scholarships are, respectively: RVNAhealth GetWELL nurses Stacy Carney, RN, and Bridget Helsley, RN (Couri Family Foundation); Liz Dladla and Hilary Stubbs, both from the StayingWELL team, and Taylor Daniels, Intake Coordinator (Fairfield County Bank).

With the Couri’s support, Carney, a bright-eyed, forward-thinking RN Case Manager, is now working toward her master’s degree in Nursing and Healthcare Administration.  Helsley, equally motivated, recently obtained her RN license after completing her associate’s degree in Science in Nursing and is now working as an RN Case Manager.

Thanks to the Fairfield County Bank scholarships, Hilary Stubbs and Liz Dladla recently earned their CNA certifications and continue to work as StayingWELL Certified Nursing Assistants, beloved to their clients and team. Taylor Daniels is pursuing her dream and degree in nursing.

All the scholarship recipients echoed the sentiments of Taylor Daniels, recognizing the gifts as ‘priceless’ and ‘humbling.’  Hilary Stubbs, CNA, a longtime caregiver for RVNAhealth StayingWELL Services, treasures the gifts her recent education has offered. “This scholarship has helped me to gain greater knowledge and skills to apply to my clients, as well as all those I care for,” she says.

Experience and instinct have made Hilary, and her counterpart, Liz Dladla, exceptional caregivers, and their CNA certifications have refined their confidence and competencies.

A precious gift indeed.

RVNAhealth, and our scholarship recipients, are extremely grateful to Fairfield County Bank and the Couri Family Foundation for their investments in our future and for their ongoing kindness and generosity.