Genworth has announced a $100,000 gift to Virginia Commonwealth University, strengthening the university’s ability to remove barriers to care for communities and train the next generation of leaders in gerontological care. The donation will be split between the Mobile Health and Wellness Program (MHWP) in the School of Nursing and the Department of Gerontology’s administrator-in-training mentored internship program in the College of Health Professions.

The investment ensures students at VCU will continue to benefit from opportunities to gain real-world experience, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to lead efforts in   access and improving care for older adults.

Support for tomorrow’s health care leaders and providers

For 12 years, MHWP has been transforming health care delivery by bringing services directly to communities. The program provides wellness checks, assistance with long-term health conditions, wellness coaching, and care coordination—all with a focus on personalized, holistic care. Operating at nine community sites in and around central Virginia, the innovative care model is powered by students from VCU’s schools of Nursing, Pharmacy, and Social Work, along with the departments of Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy in the College of Health Professions.

Since the program’s start, 2,725 students have gained invaluable hands-on experience through MHWP while helping individuals manage chronic conditions, access preventive care and connect with vital support services.

This generous support from Genworth allows us to continue our dual mission of helping communities that need it most and training tomorrow’s health care providers. We are committed to helping people lead healthier lives, no matter their circumstances, and ensuring that our students are prepared to meet the most pressing health care challenges with a collaborative spirit.

Lana Sargent, Ph.D.
Associate Dean of the Office of Community Engagement
School of Nursing

The administrator-in-training mentored residency program in the Department of Gerontology provides hands-on experience and professional guidance for Masters in Gerontology students pursuing leadership roles in older adult services and licensure in senior living administration. Since becoming accredited by the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards for assisted living administration in 2016, the program has trained 15 gerontologist administrators, who have gone on to take on leadership positions in senior living communities, improve care and service delivery in senior living communities, and drive policy initiatives that enhance the lives of older adults.

“One of the biggest barriers for many individuals pursuing their license as an assisted living administrator is that required training programs are often unpaid, requiring folks to make tough decisions about whether to juggle their employment or temporarily give up working while they complete hundreds of hours,” said Jennifer Yañez Pryor, graduate program director for the Department of Gerontology and co-director of the Assisted Living Administration Concentration. “This generous gift from Genworth allows our administrative students to receive financial assistance during their residency to help offset the costs that are often associated with the pursuit of licensure. I see this truly as an investment in developing the future administrative workforce in senior living.”

Elevating awareness and support for aging services and care

In addition to their recent financial contribution, Genworth has partnered with VCU to raise awareness of the needs of older adults and caregivers through a broader commitment to community engagement. As part of their support, Genworth sponsored VCU Women’s Basketball Senior Day on February 23, using the event as a platform to spotlight aging and caregiver support. In collaboration with their subsidiary, CareScout—whose CareScout Quality Network is the first-ever network of home care providers vetted for rigorous quality standards—Genworth hosted a pre-game community open house featuring local organizations sharing valuable resources on aging and senior care. Caregivers and residents of senior living communities from across Central Virginia were invited as honored guests, celebrating the critical role they play in the well-being of older adults.

“Supporting VCU’s work is about more than a financial gift—it’s about standing with students, caregivers, and communities as they work toward a healthier, more inclusive future for older adults,” said Lewanda Sims-Gallimore, Genworth and CareScout senior director of community relations. “We are inspired by the impact these programs are making, and proud to be part of that journey.”

This gift in support of the Mobile Health and Wellness Program and the administrator-in-training internship program is a significant step in advancing VCU’s work to enhance health care access and develop the senior care workforce. These initiatives are laying the groundwork for a stronger, more sustainable network of health care providers and services, ensuring that care for older adults remains accessible, equitable, and effective both now and in the future.