In January of 2005, two local chapters of the P.E.O. Sisterhood began working with the PVE Scholarship Committee to offer their educational loan and grant applications to qualified Paradise Valley Estates female employees.  P.E.O., one of the pioneer societies for women, was founded in 1869 on the campus of Iowa Wesleyan College, Mount Pleasant, Iowa.  P.E.O. has become an international organization with broad philanthropic and cultural opportunities for women.  P.E.O. is entirely independent and has no affiliation with any fraternal or benevolent organization.

Five educational projects are supported by P.E.O. and include scholarships, grants and loans.  They are:

1. P.E.O. Educational Loan Fund
2. Cottey College
3. P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship Fund
4. P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education
5. P.E.O. Scholar Awards

Patti met all the eligibility requirements under the Program for Continuing Education.  The money is intended as a grant-in-aid for expenses such as tuition, books, transportation, or childcare, necessary to reach the applicant’s education goal.

Patti Luccioni with Health Services Director Yvonne Wood, Donna Eames and another PEO Sister.

Patti is attending Saint Mary’s College of California/School of Extending Education located in Moraga, California, which offers a B.A. in Management degree completion program for working adults.  To qualify for the excelled program, Patti needed at least 50 transferable college units to enter the program, plus 3-5 years working experience.  While working full-time Patti earned her A.A. and A.S. degrees at Solano Community College in June of 2003, graduating with honors, and has been a dedicated employee at Paradise Valley Estates for the last 9 years, currently as the Community Relations Coordinator.

The Paradise Valley Estates Scholarship Fund was established to assist part-time and full-time employees of Paradise Valley Estates in earning a Nursing License and degree from an accredited college or university.  Scholarships are funded through the generosity of Paradise Valley Estates residents, friends, and are managed by a committee that includes residents, the Health Services and Executive Directors.

Ashley met all the eligibility requirements to qualify for the scholarship.  The money is intended for expenses such as tuition, books, or childcare, necessary to reach the applicant’s educational goal.

Ashley Hurley with Executive Director Ron Ridley and Yvonne Wood, Health Services Director

Ashley will be attending Folsom Lake College in Folsom, California, beginning in the summer of 2005.  She has selected general education classes that are geared towards a B.S. Degree in Nursing.  Ashley graduated High School with honors and as class valedictorian.  After graduation she went directly into Nursing School and became a nurse in 2003.  She has been a valued employee at Paradise Valley Estates for the past year and is currently the Assisted Living Manager at Laurel Creek Health Center.

"Helping others realize their dreams is a goal for all of us at Paradise Valley Estates" says Yvonne Wood, Health Services Director. "Congratulations to both Ashley and Patti for their hard work and dedication on furthering their education.  We are proud of you."



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