Dreams in Bloom: Team Members Recognized Among 2025 OHCA Educational Scholarship Recipients

This year, six team members from United Church Homes (UCH) affiliated communities were awarded scholarships through the Educational Foundation of the Ohio Health Care Association (EFOHCA), marking a record-breaking year for the program. In 2025 alone, 79 individuals across the state were awarded a total of $280,000 in scholarships—an all-time high in both applications and impact.

The recipients were honored during the Opening General Session of the OHCA Annual Convention on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, in recognition of their commitment to professional growth and exceptional care for Ohio’s aging population.

United Church Homes and its affiliates received a combined total of $28,000, representing 10% of all scholarship funds awarded statewide—a strong reflection of the dedication and excellence embodied by UCH team members.

Since 1989, EFOHCA has awarded more than $3.5 million in scholarships to over 1,230 professionals who are advancing their education in long-term care fields, furthering the mission to improve lives across the state.

The following team members were honored in 2025:

· Kerri Speakman (United Church Homes) – Mount St. Joseph Rehab Center Platinum Scholarship, $8,000, pursuing a degree in Human Resource Management

· Kylie O’Brien (Parkvue Health Care Center, UCH) – Mount St. Joseph Rehab Center Platinum Scholarship, $8,000, pursuing a degree in Social Work

· Jessica Waldbillig (SEM Haven Health Care Center) – District III Don Desch Premier Scholarship, $4,000, pursuing a degree in Nursing

· Diana Smith (SEM Haven Health Care Center) – District III Penny Bercaw Premier Scholarship, $4,000, pursuing a degree in Nursing

· Melissa Levy (SEM Haven Health Care Center) – Vrable Healthcare Scholarship, $2,000, pursuing a degree in Nursing

· Kelly Frederick (Parkvue Health Care Center, UCH) – Mount St. Joseph Rehab Scholarship, $2,000, pursuing a degree in Nursing

Ken Young, President and CEO of United Church Homes, offered his congratulations, saying:

“We are incredibly proud of Kerri, Kylie, Jessica, Diana, Melissa and Kelly for this well-deserved recognition. Their commitment to continued learning is a testament not only to their dedication to personal and professional growth but also to the mission of United Church Homes—to support older adults with dignity, compassion and excellence. These scholarships affirm the vital role our team members play in shaping the future of senior care in Ohio.”

United Church Homes owns The Parkvue Community in Sandusky and manages SEM Haven in Milford, both of which are known for their culture of service and excellence in care. These scholarship recipients are shining examples of the heart and dedication found across the UCH network.