Monessen resident awarded scholarship
April Kolick, of Monessen, a Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Section 8 participant of the Westmoreland County Housing Authority (WCHA), was recently awarded with the Paul G. Pecharko Memorial Scholarship by the Pennsylvania Association of Housing and Redevelopment Agencies (PAHRA).
The $3,000 scholarship was presented to Ms. Kolick at PAHRA’s Annual Spring Conferenc
e and Showcase that was held at Wind Creek in Bethlehem on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.
After obtaining her associate degree from Westmoreland County Community College, Ms. Kolick intends to transfer to PennWest University to pursue a Bachelor of Social Work Degree in the field of Drug and Alcohol Services followed with a master’s degree at PennWest University.
A mother and grandmother, Ms. Kolick, 46, is currently employed full-time at Southwestern Pennsylvania Human Services (SPHS) – Center of Excellence in Drug and Alcohol in Monessen.
“At SPHS, I am immersed in the field, witnessing the transformative power of compassion and support,” she stated. “Remaining in the drug and alcohol field is not just a career choice for me; it is a personal mission. My goal is to utilize my education and experiences to help as many people as possible, proving them with diverse resources to overcome the challenges of addiction.”
WCHA Chief Executive Officer Michael L. Washowich (right) along with Kevin Bartko, Director of Operations – Housing Choice Voucher Program were on hand at the conference to congratulate Ms. Kolick.
“It’s not often that we get a chance to honor one of our residents. April’s commitment, dedication and passion to help others is commendable,” said Mr. Washowich. “She is a mother, grandmother, student and a committed professional in the social service arena. I want to congratulate her on behalf of all of us at WCHA.”
