Marion County Women Complete CNA Training with South Shore Funding
January 2003

Shirley Lodge and Jennifer Harper have completed Certified Nursing Assistant training as recipients of scholarships from Advocates for the Elderly with funding by South Shore Foundation. Both were selected as recipients of the scholarships due to their place of residence in Marion County and their commitment to completing the CNA course at Arkansas State University Mountain Home’s Center for Business, Industry and Workforce Development. They are now employed in long-term care nursing.

Lois Torgersen, a board member for Advocates for the Elderly, said the organization offers scholarships to help motivated individuals receive training. “Our aim is to select recipients who will become dedicated CNAs and add stability and continuity to the health care delivery system in our area,” Mrs. Torgersen said.

Mrs. Lodge sought the scholarship to qualify for employment, and Ms. Harper sought the scholarship to begin training for a nursing career, with a goal of becoming a registered nurse. Both said they were very thankful for the scholarships. Mrs. Lodge is married to Jim Lodge. Ms. Harper is the daughter of Mary Berry and Jason Berry and has two brothers, Jacob and Isaac Berry.

Advocates for the Elderly still has funding available from the South Shore Foundation grant to help Marion County residents receive training as CNAs. AFTE offers additional scholarships throughout the area using its own funds. Anyone interested in obtaining an AFTE scholarship for CNA training should apply at Arkansas State University Mountain Home with the Center for Business, Industry, and Workforce Development, 210 First National Hall or call 870-508-6106.

AFTE is an independent, all-volunteer group, working to prevent elderly abuse and neglect, to inform the public about problems the elderly face and about resources for good care. For more information about AFTE, Mrs. Torgersen may be reached at 870-425-7810.

The South Shore Foundation is the charitable arm of NATCO, the telecommunications company serving a 658 square-mile area in Marion and Boone counties. The foundation makes grants to nonprofit organizations to advance education, preserve the environment, develop the local economy, and assist in community betterment. For more information or a grant application, call toll-free 800-775-6682.