Vinfen is pleased to announce that the 2022 Board of Directors’ Scholarship winners are Adult Community Clinical Services Outreach Worker Brian Gregory and Residential Program Director Teresia Thuo. Each year, this award is presented in recognition of outstanding achievement by a staff member with the goal of helping employees further their skills, education, and career enhancement at Vinfen.

Mr. Gregory has worked at Vinfen for 12 years and is currently working to obtain his master’s degree in social work from Salem State University. Once he obtains his MSW, he hopes to become a team clinician and continue the important work he is passionate about with the people Vinfen serves. “This scholarship means that I will be able to finance my degree through the support of Vinfen and have all the resources I need to acquire my master’s degree. In doing so, I will be able to continue my career at Vinfen in an entirely new role and become a team clinician. Just a few years ago, I would not have believed that this was possible. I have been encouraged by many people along the way; the director of service, my team leader, my assistant team leader, and members of my team have all played a role in my success thus far. I have always felt supported at Vinfen and have grown so much in the various roles I have held over my twelve years with the organization,” Mr. Gregory commented.

Working at Vinfen for 21 years, Ms. Thuo is currently looking to earn her master’s degree in mental health counseling from Springfield College. With her new degree, she looks forward to continuing to help further Vinfen’s mission of transforming lives. “I am deeply grateful to be a recipient of the generous Vinfen Board of Directors’ Scholarship. This financial assistance will help me pay for my educational expenses and allow me to focus on studying. I will work hard to earn my master’s degree and give back in any way I can to the Vinfen community. Thank you so much for investing in me and my career,” shared Ms. Thuo.

The Board of Directors’ Scholarship is generously funded by members of Vinfen’s Board of Directors who firmly believe in supporting continuing education and professional development opportunities for Vinfen staff members. A big congratulations to both winners and thank you to all applicants!