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Celebrating Future Social Work Professionals

Five students from �鶹��Ʒ��Ƶ’s College of Social Work and Criminal Justice were recognized among Palm Health Foundation’s 56 health professions scholarship recipients at its fall Scholarship Reception at The Center for Philanthropy in West Palm Beach.

The honorees from the Phyllis and Harvey Sandler School of Social Work included Bachelor of Social Work students Jade Hill and Akayla Peart and Master of Social Work students Jeneka Admore, Kawtar Elbekhty and Rebecca Krakow.

More than 100 guests gathered in the tropical courtyard, bringing together students pursuing careers in nursing, mental health and behavioral health with the donors and fundholders investing in their education. Orchestra students from Grace Notes Music Foundation, a foundation grantee, provided musical entertainment.

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Investing in Students, Strengthening Communities

For Florida Atlantic’s social work scholars, the recognition connects their academic preparation to a shared commitment to healthier communities. An investment in a future social worker can reach far beyond a classroom—to a family navigating a crisis, a young person seeking support or a community working to improve access to care.

Social workers help people navigate challenges that often intersect, from mental health concerns and family stress to housing instability and barriers to essential services. Supporting their education helps prepare professionals who can respond with knowledge, compassion and an understanding of the circumstances shaping people’s lives.

“We are deeply grateful to Patrick McNamara, president and CEO of Palm Health Foundation, and to the foundation’s team, donors and fundholders for investing in our students and the communities they will serve,” said Naelys Luna, Ph.D., dean of Florida Atlantic’s College of Social Work and Criminal Justice. “These awards help our scholars move forward with purpose as they prepare to support individuals and families, expand access to care and affirm the dignity and potential of every person. This generosity reflects our shared belief that healthier communities begin with people, and with the opportunities we create for them. Palm Health Foundation’s emphasis on scholars who can bridge languages, cultures and experiences aligns with social work’s commitment to understanding people within the context of their lives and communities,” she said.

“These awards help our scholars move forward with purpose as they prepare to support individuals and families, expand access to care and affirm the dignity and potential of every person. This generosity reflects our shared belief that healthier communities begin with people, and with the opportunities we create for them. Palm Health Foundation’s emphasis on scholars who can bridge languages, cultures and experiences aligns with social work’s commitment to understanding people within the context of their lives and communities,” she said.

Kawtar Elbekhty and Patrick McNamara

Expanding Access to Compassionate Care

The five scholars also reflect Palm Health Foundation’s commitment to supporting future professionals who understand the communities they serve.

“Palm Health Foundation seeks scholars who have the ability to bridge languages, cultures and experiences and help ensure that more people can access care that is not only high quality but also understanding and responsive to individual and community needs,” said Patrick McNamara, president and CEO of Palm Health Foundation.

Together with its donors and fundholders, the foundation has awarded more than $4.6 million in health professions scholarships since 2001.

For Hill, Peart, Admore, Elbekhty and Krakow, that investment supports the next steps in their education. For the people they will serve, it promises informed, compassionate care and a stronger connection to the resources and opportunities that support well-being.

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