Pictured left to right, seated, are Lenoir Community College Executive Director of the Foundation Jeanne Kennedy and Founding Board Member of the Caswell Center Foundation Debbie Chused; and standing, Caswell Center Foundation Executive Director Danielle Howell and Caswell Center Foundation President Danny Rice.

The Caswell Center Foundation recently presented a $60,000 check to the Lenoir Community College Foundation Scholarship Program to assist students interested in pursuing a degree in developmental disabilities and health-related fields.

“The mission of the Caswell Center Foundation is to enhance the quality of life for people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in eastern North Carolina,” says Caswell Center Foundation Executive Director Danielle Howell. 

Caswell Center Foundation President Danny Rice says the board wanted to provide scholarships to those students entering the field to assist those with developmental and intellectual disabilities. This scholarship will be awarded to those qualifying students in the field of mental health and health-related fields such as nursing and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our foundation to continue to advance the workforce in the fields of developmental disabilities and healthcare,” says Howell.

Rice and founding Caswell Center board member Debbie Chused agreed. “Our board wanted to keep the funds local and support young people in our area,” says Rice.

“The funds were raised in the community through various fundraisers like our golf tournament and through charitable contributions,” says Chused. “It is an honor to support the community and to support students who want to work with persons with disabilities,” she said.

“We are so appreciative of the Caswell Center Foundation and the contribution to our scholarship fund,” says Lenoir Community College President Dr. Rusty Hunt. “This support not only empowers students to pursue their educational dreams but also strengthens our community by investing in the leaders of tomorrow. Thank you to the Caswell Center Foundation for making a lasting impact on their futures."

LCC Executive Director Jeanne Kennedy echoed Dr. Hunt’s gratitude. “These scholarships will help students pursue their passion of helping others in the fields of developmental disabilities and healthcare with the hope they will stay and work in our communities,” she said.