Friendship Senior Options Foundation Invests in Our Youth

The Friendship Senior Options Foundation announced on Friday the launch of its new scholarship program, offering four exceptional students graduating high school the opportunity  to receive a $500 scholarship to college.

Stephen A. Yenchek, President and CEO, explained the organization’s commitment to seniors extends beyond their current services. “Friendship Senior Options (FSO) is a proud leader within the senior care industry. Our mantra is ‘Get Set!’ and we believe that education is key to preparing for the future. We’re proud to offer these scholarships to students advancing their education and consider this to be one of the many ways we invest in the future of our communities.”

FSO operates two retirement communities, Friendship Village of Schaumburg and GreenFields of Geneva. Both communities have strong ties to young people, with their senior-citizen residents volunteering extensively with local schools and nonprofits. Residents enjoy intergenerational events regularly and form strong bonds with the high school students who work in their communities, most frequently as associates in dining services.

“At any given time we employ approximately 50 high school students, many of whom work multiple days a week while in school. Our residents appreciate their service and dedication, and frequently get to know these students on an interpersonal level. Our students are important to us and this scholarship gives us the opportunity to show our support and empower their future” said Yenchek.  “We are pleased to have the opportunity to contribute to the future educational accomplishments of our area high school students.”

The four Friendship Senior Options Foundation scholarships will become an annual part of the Foundation’s efforts to impact its communities. Two of the scholarships will be awarded to FSO employees or their children.  Two additional community scholarships will be awarded to support young men and women in the corridor between Schaumburg and Geneva:  Bartlett, Batavia, Elk Grove Village, Hanover Park, Hoffman Estates, Geneva, Roselle, Saint Charles, Schaumburg, Streamwood, South Elgin and West Chicago.

Applications and additional information on scholarship requirements can be found at www.FriendshipSeniorOptions.org/Scholarships. Applicants must be graduating from high school in 2014, must be pursuing a degree, licensure or certificate to advance his or her education, and demonstrate at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.  An essay, school transcript and letter of recommendation are also required. Submissions must be made by March 14, 2014 for consideration.

Friendship Senior Options is the not-for-profit organization that sponsors two of the Chicago area’s leading Continuing Care Retirement Communities:  Friendship Village of Schaumburg and GreenFields of Geneva.  We are at the forefront of developing innovative solutions to satisfy the critical needs of the senior living marketplace.  Friendship Senior Options provides a range of services for seniors in Chicago including independent living assisted living, skilled care, rehabilitation therapy, home services and memory support.  For more information, visit www.FriendshipSeniorOptions.org or call 847-884-5300.