Posted by Dr. Honora Norton
The Rotary Club of Scottsdale welcomed Dennis Haberer, Chairman of the Board of The Rotary Vocational Fund of Arizona, Inc (TRVFA).  Mr. Haberer updated the Rotarians about TRVFA being a non-profit organization under IRS Code 501(c)(3) whose purpose is to assist those people who qualify under Arizona law to obtain financial assistance to further their vocational studies. 
 
During Mr. Heberer's talk to the Rotarians, he noted that TRVFA is a partner with Rotary Clubs to provide financial and personal support to qualified candidates in obtaining education, training and skill development so they may, in turn, attain career-oriented employment, financial stability to raise their families and become productive citizens contributing to their communities.  Because of their increased earning potential, they help grow the economy of the state of Arizona.
Mr. Haberer shared a few examples of how TRVFA and local Rotary Clubs have helped students achieve a better and more rewarding career and life:
 
  • Sofia was sponsored to study phlebotomy.  She was hired immediately after graduating and has since completed other studies and advanced in her medical profession.  She has enjoyed many positive transitions in her personal life as a result of the beginning her TRVFA grant provided.  
  • Jocelyn was sponsored to begin a surgical technology program.  The grant enabled her to enter a career where she will earn a livable wage while she seeks to achieve her goal of becoming a surgeon.
  • Sarah earned her certified nursing assistant license and a patient care technician certification.  She was hired as soon as she graduated and has been working in a hospital for 3 1/2 years.  Sarah will go back to school soon to get her RN.
  • Corey graduated with a degree in medical radiology.  Going back to school later in life with kids was challenging for Corey, but is was worth it and very rewarding. 
 
Per Dr. Honora Norton, a Rotary Club of Scottsdale TRVFA liaison, the Rotary Club of Scottsdale has sponsored many TRVFA scholarships to low income working poor, especially men and single mothers struggling to survive on multiple low paying part-time jobs with no benefits.    Dr. Norton stated - I am honored to support TRVFA and its blessed workings.  Each applicant that I have met is deserving, eager to learn and ready to make productive career moves after completing his/her TRVFA funded courses at Trade Schools which encompass a wide variety of hands-on education, from HVAC to carpentry to cosmetology to healthcare.
 
A college degree or vocational training beyond high school are necessary tools to obtain a well paying job. The days when a person graduated from high school, entered the workforce, and stayed with the same company until she or he retired are over.  The cost of college tuition and books is prohibitive for many people in low income households who wish to better themselves by furthering their education. TRVFA scholarships give them the leg up to provide for themselves and their families.  TRVFA provides financial aid to those who need it most. 
 
See www.trvfa.org for more information about vocational scholarship opportunities and/or to make a charitable donation. TRVFA is 100% funded by donations from individuals, local businesses, as well as, Rotarians and Rotary Clubs. TRVFA is an organization which meets Arizona’s Credit For Contributions To A Qualifying Charitable Organization requirements (QCO Code is 20698).