At Friendship Village of Dublin, residents see the value in education and were recently able to award five $3,500 scholarships to hard-working associates. These scholarships, available to both associates and their dependents, are funded through Friendship Village of Dublin’s Charitable Giving, a program in which residents are able to donate funds that result in scholarships for continuing education. Seventy-nine scholarships have been awarded over time, with a total of $170,000 awarded to deserving individuals.  

In mid-July, the annual Friendship Village of Dublin scholarship ceremony was held to honor five recipients and the many donors who help make these scholarships possible. These five scholarship winners were associates who provide a helping hand to residents on a daily basis. 

All bright, talented women with exciting futures ahead, Caroline, Rainbow, Melike, Lena and Sara were very grateful, with each commenting on the impact FVD has had on their professional development. And, these scholarships were near and dear to each recipient as each mentioned their relationship with the residents as a driving factor in their enjoyment of their work.  

“It was special to see the residents come in and find a seat next to a scholarship recipient with whom they have a special relationship,” said Betsy Gillespie, charitable giving director at Friendship Village. “It says a lot about the culture here.”

With grateful smiles, warm company and delicious refreshments, the ceremony was one that will be remembered by all. 

Learn more about the recipients and their future plans:

Ms. Caroline Gorey-Yepez

Caroline began her time at Friendship Village of Dublin as an STNA in 2012, where she later became an LPN in 2015. She is now studying to become an RN at Central Ohio Technical College. After obtaining her RN licensure, her goal is to pursue her BNS and become a Certified Nurse Practitioner. 

Ms. Rainbow Johnson

Rainbow has been working part-time as a server at Friendship Village of Dublin for three years. She is a full-time student at Columbus State where she plans to complete an associate’s degree in psychology. Ms. Johnson’s goal is to become a caseworker where she can use her heart and experience for helping vulnerable populations. Once she receives her Associates Degree, Rainbow will complete her Bachelor’s Degree at The Ohio State University. 

Ms. Melike Baspinar

Melike has worked part-time as a server at Friendship Village of Dublin for three years. A recent Dublin Coffman High School grad, she graduated with a cumulative GPA of 4.365 and has been accepted into The Ohio State University College of Education and Human Ecology program where she will pursue her career goal of obtaining an Education Specialist PhD. She will continue working at Friendship Village of Dublin while attending OSU. 

Ms. Lena Sawalha

Lena Sawalha has worked part time as a server at Friendship Village of Dublin for three years while attending Hilliard Davidson High School. She recently graduated from Hilliard Davidson with a cumulative GPA of 3.995 and has been accepted into both Ohio University and the University of Akron with academic scholarships. With hopes of becoming a physician, Lena plans on completing her undergraduate education in biology, and will then pursue medical school. 

Ms. Sara Brubaker

Sara Brubaker has worked at Friendship Village of Dublin for five years as both a server in the culinary department and a care partner in Home Care Services. Her time here has inspired her to pursue a career goal of improving quality of life within senior living facilities. She will obtain a Master’s Degree in public health with a focus on geriatrics after completing her undergraduate degree at Ohio Wesleyan University, where she is currently a junior.