The staff and residents of Sarah's... an Oasis for Women are thrilled to announce its new Scholarship Fund, which began fall 2022. With notable donations of $6,700 from The Guild of Catholic Women and $8,300 from The Minneapolis Women’s Rotary, Sarah’s was able to put together two rounds of scholarships in fall 2022 and spring 2023 totaling $20,000. The first $10,000 disbursement was allocated among five of Sarah’s residents for fall semester.
Despite the first installment only going into action in the last couple of months, the lasting impacts are apparent. The fund makes every penny count, going towards registration, tuition, and book fees for the residents’ plethora of pursuits. For many, higher education would not be possible without this aid. One recipient, who is utilizing the scholarship to complete a course for IT certification, says, “Though I am educated and have rich work experience back home, it’s not enough [to obtain a job in the IT field in the US]. I need to get more skills [and education], specifically in IT to meet the job market, [and] I don't have the resources to take those courses on my own. This scholarship helps me to get short term training to fulfill the missing elements and prepare myself for the future towards my goals.”
You planted in a productive land which will bring back a lot of harvest. Your support is giving me a way to reach my dreams. Your support is invaluable for me and my sisters.
These residents look forward to the knowledge and stability their schooling will provide for them without fearing its financial burden. Having a mind unburdened by hefty debt allows Sarah’s women to focus on their studies. Without this support, residents have to work multiple jobs to pay for schooling in addition to supporting family back home and taking care of individual expenses. Another recipient, taking nursing courses, was surprised to see her grades improve beyond her expectations: “I am not worried about anything now. My mind is eased [about the financial burdens] and I can study well. . . I am surprised, I am even doing well in Chemistry!” These recipients are able to reach their full potential with their schooling costs supplemented.
Sarah’s thanks this year’s Scholarship Fund donors, and is looking to establish a recurring scholarship fund so residents can continue to pursue their passions and build towards a sustainable life beyond Sarah’s. One recipient testifies to the prosperous future that the scholarship cultivates. To the donors, she says, “You planted in a productive land which will bring back a lot of harvest. Your support is giving me a way to reach my dreams. Your support is invaluable for me and my sisters.”
To contribute to Sarah’s Scholarship Fund, visit the donation page on Sarah’s website. Specify that the donation is for the Scholarship Fund in the comment box. Sarah’s also accepts checks written out to the Sisters of St. Joseph Ministry Foundation. Monthly donations towards the fund are a great way to contribute as well. We are especially looking for donations to the scholarship fund for the next fiscal year, starting July 1st, 2023.