Investing in the people who make Vinfen’s mission possible is one of the Board of Directors’ most meaningful traditions. This year, the Board awarded two $5,000 scholarships to employees pursuing higher education while building careers in human services. 

The 2026 scholarship recipients are Adedayo Toyin-Oyebande, a lead residential counselor at Vinfen’s ACCS Lee Street program, and Oluwatoni Omidiji, an autism support broker in West Roxbury. Both recipients exemplify the dedication, compassion, and commitment to lifelong learning that strengthen Vinfen and the communities we serve. 

Adedayo is pursuing an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) at the MGH Institute of Health Professions, with plans to graduate in 2027. A single mother and dedicated leader, she mentors colleagues while supporting individuals living with mental health challenges as they build independence and confidence.  

“My education is deepening my understanding of the systemic barriers that affect people living with mental illness—the ways in which poverty, trauma, and limited access to resources compound the challenges they already face,” she says. “That understanding shapes how I approach my work and the relationships I build with residents.” 

Oluwatoni began his Vinfen career five years ago as a certified nursing assistant and home health aide. Today, he is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology at UMass Lowell with the goal of improving services for people with developmental disabilities through better training, program design, and person-centered care. 

“I want to move beyond reacting to crises and begin preventing them through improved program design,” he says. “I envision a future where I can utilize my education and experience to help new staff understand not just the ‘how’ but the ‘why’ behind person-centered care.” 

The Board of Directors’ Scholarship program is funded through the generosity of Vinfen Board members, whose ongoing commitment to professional development helps employees advance their education while strengthening the future of our organization and the people we serve. 

Congratulations to Adedayo and Oluwatoni on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you to our Board of Directors for investing in the future of Vinfen’s workforce.