Jewish Vocational Service has support from the Intrater Family Scholarship Fund through the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City.
The Intrater Family Scholarship Fund is to provide educational and professional development opportunities to those employees of JVS who wish to obtain continuing education, certifications or degrees in areas of interest that will improve their career prospects. The fund hopes to collaborate with other organizations, foundations and individuals that share this vision and are committed to the work that JVS does.
The Intrater family made the lead gift to the fund and is joined by several anonymous donors. The Jewish Community Foundation manages the fund and application process. The selection committee is composed of community members including Robert Gershon, Tracy Mandel McHugh, Jasper Mullarney, Clara Van Draska, and Obed Zungura.
“The work of JVS is done out of kindness and has historically been focused on removing obstacles from client’s lives to assist them in achieving their personal aspirations,” Bill Intrater said. “We became inspired to establish the Intrater Family Scholarship Fund to support the educational pursuits of JVS employees in the hope of addressing some obstacles they may face as they try and improve their own lives. We are driven to make a difference in the lives of JVS employees knowing they will continue to enhance our community in meaningful ways.”
The fall 2022 recipients of the the Intrater Scholarship Fund are Lina Oleik, Refugee Education and Orientation Coordinator; Sara Pitia, Refugee Social Services Manager; and Sabrina Scholz, Career Pathways Manager.
“It’s been a pleasure serving on the scholarship committee. I’m truly blessed and honored that we get to play a small part in the future of these exceptional individuals,” Zungura said, reflecting on his experience serving as one of the committee members.
Recently, the recipients of the Intrater Scholarship Fund joined the Scholarship Fund Committee members and JVS staff to celebrate and be recognized. During the celebration, Oleik, Pitia and Scholz each shared their plans for their scholarships.