Home > News > Investing in Our Staff’s Professional Development Now Helps Youth & Families Reap the Benefits for Years to Come!

Investing in Our Staff’s Professional Development Now Helps Youth & Families Reap the Benefits for Years to Come!

We are thrilled to announce that long-time Board Member, Mr. Theodore L. Koenig, along with his wife, Nancy, and four children, developed and sponsored “The Koenig Family Foundation Scholarship Fund,” available exclusively to Allendale employees, to offer financial support towards the pursuit of educational and professional development goals. The Koenig family’s sincere hope is that through contributing towards Allendale’s culture of continuous learning and development, staff will feel more supported and empowered to reach their full potential.

Professional Development is one of Allendale’s core values.

We recognize that not only must learning be a never ending process, but it must also be reflexive and adaptive to evolving needs that will allow us to better serve children, families and adults. As part of our shared commitment to the promotion of individual, academic, and professional growth as well as the expansion of the talents and skills of all our employees, the Koenig family made a significant contribution to further support the education and development of those dedicated to serving children and families.

Over 30 years of commitment and service

Since joining Allendale’s Board of Trustees in 1994, Mr. and Mrs. Koenig have supported the critical work Allendale provides to youth, individuals, and families across all our programs and services. Committed to addressing the expanding mental health crisis, The Koenig Family Foundation believes ensuring youth and families have access to high quality care and treatment is essential. The Foundation’s vision is fully aligned with the mission of Allendale, as they are equally dedicated to the care, treatment, education, and advocacy that support youth and families who are struggling with emotional, mental, and behavioral health challenges and other life circumstances. Mr. and Mrs. Koenig understand that to effectively support a community in need requires capable and committed professionals devoted to serving and helping others in need.

Mr. Jason Keeler, Allendale President/CEO, shared his excitement about the newly implemented scholarship program, stating, “As our team members pursue further education and training, we are confident they will bring back valuable insights and skills that will enhance the excellence of our programs and services, positively impacting those we serve.”

The Koenig Family Foundation plans to offer up to eight scholarship awards annually to eligible, full-time Allendale employees who have obtained 6 months of service. Scholarships must be utilized at an approved accredited academic institution for the purpose of completing a degree program or an approved trade/certification program. Scholarship awards range from $5,000 – $10,000 per year and applicants are encouraged to apply annually as funds are available.

Congratulations to the 2024/25 Koenig Family Foundation Scholarship Award Recipients:

Cristhian C. – Community Support Services Program

Jeanette A. – Accounting & Business Services

Lixandra H. – Accounting & Business Services

Robert S. – Career & Technical Education Program/Woodshop

Tyler E. – Stepping Stone Therapeutic Day School

“It is my honor and beyond a privilege to approve these applications and to let you know how impressed I am with the applicants and the program. I am so proud of the employees that you have hired. I also am grateful for the direction and support that Allendale is providing for their employees and clients. Thank you for your thoughtful and steadfast dedication to the development of the employees, clients, and programs at Allendale,” says Nancy Koenig sincerely.

Jason Keeler, Allendale President/CEO, and the leadership team walked around campus to surprise each of the 5 recipients of The Koenig Family Foundation Scholarship Award this May. A reception for the award winners, which the Koenig family hopes to join, is planned for later this summer!

A tradition of care and service.

For 125 years, Allendale, a private, not-for-profit organization, has led youth with serious emotional, mental, and behavioral health challenges and their families on a journey towards resiliency.

If you have a passion for helping youth & families get back on the track of hope and healing, apply now for a rewarding and fulfilling career at Allendale!

At Allendale, our aim is to offer every chance for healing and growth – through a myriad of programs and services and a continuum of care including 24/7 therapeutic residential treatment, therapeutic day school programs, outpatient counseling services, foster care, emergency shelter and transitional living and intensive in-home community support services. Allendale is a place where kids and families have the opportunity to restore their lives and discover a better future.