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Smith awarded $1,500 developmental disabilities scholarship from Bethesda

061011/01

Each year, Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc., gives out a number of awards and scholarships to deserving Lutheran students who are interested in pursuing an education in the field of developmental disabilities services.

Bethesda is pleased to award Erin Smith of Brownton, Minn., with a $1,500 scholarship for entering the field of developmental disabilities. To be eligible for this scholarship, the student must have successfully achieved sophomore or junior status at an accredited college or university and be a full-time student with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The students had to complete 100 hours of work to benefit people with developmental disabilities and submit a 250-500 word essay on the career they have chosen to pursue.

Smith, who is a senior at Concordia University in Seward, Neb., is pursuing a degree in special education.

In high school, Smith was able to work with a boy with developmental disabilities through a child care program. She enjoyed the work so much that she decided to become a personal care attendant (PCA) so she could work with him, and others, outside the child care program. Her experiences working with children with special needs inspired her to pursue special education as her career.

Smith has also had the opportunity to work at a camp for individuals with developmental disabilities last winter, and again this past summer. In addition, she has worked with a government agency to assist a 26-year-old woman with developmental disabilities in her home.

“I have been preparing for this career through my educational studies as well as my occupational choices,” says Smith. “I have had a multitude of experiences in this field and I am eagerly anticipating what lies ahead in my future vocation.”

Now in its second century of service, Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. provides services and supports to individuals with developmental disabilities throughout the country and throughout the world. It is Bethesda’s mission to support the needs of the individual—both physical and spiritual—and as a result, Bethesda offers many different types of services for the individual and their family, including a variety of residential facilities, supported-living programs, outreach services and secular training workshops. For more information on Bethesda’s services and support programs, call the public relations office at 800.369.4636, ext. 3817, or email: pr@mailblc.org.