Atria crafted its employee benefits program with twin goals in mind. The first was to offer robust financial assistance to help employees navigate life in the moment. The second, but equally important, was to provide employees tools they could use to create a better future – for themselves and for their families.

As part of Atria’s commitment to lifelong learning and to help harness the power of education, employee benefits include the Ronnie Boatman Scholarship Program which offers academic financial aid to employees’ children.

Founding the Boatman Scholarship Program

Ronnie Boatman was a long-tenured and respected Atria leader who spent his career shaping lives and managing senior-living operations in Texas.

He served as a mentor to many within the company – even CEO John Moore recalls learning from Ronnie when he started in the industry.

Sadly, Ronnie passed away from cancer in 2005. His absence is still felt today, and he is remembered fondly by all who knew him. Because Ronnie had a passion for helping others succeed, creating a higher-education scholarship was deemed a natural and apt way to carry on his legacy.

Since its founding in 2007, the Ronnie Boatman Scholarship Program has awarded over $740,000 to family members of Atria employees to pursue their dreams.

Qualifying for the Boatman Scholarship

Awarded annually, the Boatman Scholarship is given to children of Atria employees who have an enthusiasm for education.

In addition to stellar academic credentials, applications are assessed for community involvement, volunteerism, and an essay that reflects the aspirations of the applicant.

Students can re-apply every year – in fact, scholarships can even be awarded to members of the same family. Winners are eligible for up to $12,000 to put toward tuition, books, and other fees associated with their higher education.

As one parent of a scholarship recipient put it:

“I’m so proud to work for a company that promotes education the way that Atria does. Education is so critical to a young person’s success, especially in this day and time.”

Atria Cares: Fostering Dreams Through Company and Employee Support

Funding for the Boatman Scholarships comes from Atria Cares.

Atria Cares is a nonprofit organization that – in addition to scholastic awards – provides emergency financial help for employees facing unforeseen financial hardships.

The organization is funded by Atria contributions, as well as by donations from Atria employees in the form of payroll deductions.

Over the years, Atria Cares has grown into a unifying, positive source of support that has helped countless employees overcome obstacles in their personal lives.

As a Boatman Scholarship and Atria Cares recipient recalls:

“My mother lost her job during the first year of the pandemic, and my family and I struggled financially. With this support, my family was able to assist my mother. My experience has taught me that you don’t always get what you want in life, and there is no such thing as a right time. There is only time, and you decide what you want to do with it.”

Where Employee Benefits Go Beyond the Ordinary

Atria Cares and the Boatman Scholarship reflect Atria’s belief that lives can be transformed when we put our resources, talent, and energy squarely behind our values.

For more information about the Ronnie Boatman Scholarship Program, visit AtriaCares.com.