Foundation Scholarship Makes Dreams a Reality

More than 20 years ago when Kohar Kelkelyan earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from Rhode Island College, she intended to immediately continue her education and pursue her master’s degree in the same field. However, she said, “life got in the way.”

“I ended up getting married and raising a family,” Kohar said. “I put my master’s degree on hold to focus on other priorities. And then there was the cost. I was not in a position to continue my education at that time.”

Flash forward almost two decades, and Kohar is now the director of social services at Villa Gardens in Pasadena, a position she has held for 17 years. “It was always a personal and professional goal of mine to get a master’s degree. I felt the time was right, but the cost was a barrier. Fortunately, thanks to a Front Porch scholarship, I was able to make it a reality.”

Four years ago, Villa’s executive director encouraged Kohar to apply for an educational scholarship through the Foundation. “The process was easy, and I was thrilled when I found out I qualified for a $1,000 scholarship to use toward my degree at Cal State LA. I couldn’t be more grateful. Earning my master’s degree gave me the confidence and empowerment to do an even better job at Villa. When I first came here, I knew immediately that this is where I wanted to work and build my career. The support Villa Gardens and the Foundation have given me over the years has confirmed that.”