UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation Scholarships Benefit Avenues Member Navigators; Enhance Health and Wellness for Avenues Members

In April, the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation celebrated its Scholarship recipients, part of the Foundation’s Team Member Support Services program, at two reception events. Two of those Foundation Scholars are Avenues Member Navigators Princess Mahabir and Jessica Lincolnhol.

Princess began her career at Brio Living Services in 2018 as a med tech in the Birch Court neighborhood at Porter Hills Village. During the Covid-19 pandemic, she transitioned to her current role at Avenues, later pursuing nursing school and earning her LPN. Jessica also worked at Porter Hills Village, leading the Martindill Wellness Center, for two years prior to the pandemic. She has now been with Avenues for the past year.

Avenues by Brio Living Services is a life plan community at home program for adults 55 and up. With a focus on individuals’ health and wellness, the Avenues team provides personalized navigation services for its members to help them remain living as vibrantly and independently as possible in their own home.

Both Princess and Jessica are pursuing certifications in Wellness Coaching, thanks to their scholarships from the Foundation. Both say this added credential will be beneficial in their roles with Avenues members.

“We provide very personalized health and wellness coaching for our Avenues members who want to be proactive in maintaining their health and fitness as they age,” says Jessica who also holds certifications in yoga and personal training. “My favorite piece is the wellness side, visiting members in their homes to help them work on strength so they can lift a grocery bag or their grandchild, or to help them improve their balance.”

Princess echoes this sentiment. “The Wellness Coach certification will elevate my role as a Member Navigator and empower our members throughout their aging journey. Our members thrive when they have input into their goals and the wellness path they wish to follow. It’s an honor to walk alongside each of our members, helping them feel confident in aging well and remaining independent in a place they call home.”

Avenues Executive Director Paige Hendrickson says, “The strength of any organization lies in its people, and Princess and Jessica have certainly enhanced the Avenues Wellness Team. With their Wellness Certifications, Princess and Jessica tailor our Members’ lifestyle programming with empathy and creativity. Their presence and guidance make a difference in someone’s life every day!”

Jessica, who was a caregiver for her own grandparents, says she wants to share her experience with others. “Stepping into this role was like a dream job. It’s in my makeup, to help people where they are. I feel blessed to be in this role.”

With three children attending college, Jessica is grateful for the assistance she has received through the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation Scholarship. Princess encourages other Brio Living Services team members to apply for the Foundation Scholarship, adding, “If you feel a desire deep within to pursue higher education, a career, or your dreams, but you face financial barriers, don’t hesitate. Don’t let anything stand in your way.”

The UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation has provided more than $881,000 in Scholarships to 171 team members since the program began in 2014. There are three Scholarship rounds each year; Brio team members may apply for up to $3,000 per semester with a cap of $12,000.

Learn more about Avenues by Brio Living Services or the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation’s Team Member Support Services Fund. Visit MyBrioCareers.org/ to find out more about a career you’ll love.