Scholarship News!

We are pleased to announce that the Laura Allen Haberer Scholarship partially funded a travel experience of a lifetime for one of our travelers in 2024! Laura was a longtime Volunteer Escort. Laura’s sister Cathleen shared these words:

“My sister Laura was the embodiment of what makes a great travel escort for People and Places, a wonder Mom and Grandmother, Daughter, Sister-in-law, Sister and Friend, Employee and Volunteer.  All these qualities are great, but what really makes the difference is caring; the special one quality that ensures people are safe and feel connected.

Laura began her caring career within weeks of graduating from high school.  For 37 years she worked for the Western New York Developmental Disabilities Services Office. She worked in group homes, at the West Seneca facilities, in the retail setting Heaven Sent and as a job coach in the vending operations.  Most of the individuals that she worked with became important to her and in turn important to our family. We celebrated many holidays and birthdays with them.  Many people go to work each day, simply put in their hours and go home.  Caring makes the difference; and that might look like getting to know someone’s favorite sports team, maybe taking your work crew for lunch at their favorite park or simply asking how your day is going.  Somewhere along the way Laura’s sister-in-law, Joanne, introduced her to People and Places and the trips began!

Through the years we have all met some travelers who left a real impression. One such person is Glenn.  Joanne and I met Glenn in 2023 when he was on our trip to Las Vegas.  Every other individual on the trip said they were excited to see Vegas and the shops and shows, but Glenn signed up because he was looking forward to going to Zion National Park and The Hoover Dam.  By going to Zion, he would be able to hike some in Utah and then touring the Hoover Dam would allow him to walk the rim of the dam from Nevada into Arizona; a three-state trip!  Glenn is kind, curious, quiet, loves nature and willing to try most anything.

When my sister Laura died very unexpectedly in 2020, her children started a scholarship fund in her honor for a People and Places traveler.  Glenn was the perfect recipient to receive the scholarship so that he could continue his quest to visit all 50 states!  The summer of 2024, Glenn went on the cruise to Alaska and managed to add Washington and Alaska to his list of states. On our second night aboard, he celebrated his 38th birthday while also seeing his 38th state!  Glenn soaked up all the information our guide in Sitka shared (who, by the way, was born and raised in Salamanca NY), attended travel lectures aboard the ship, and  marveled at the sights.  Glenn was very humbled to receive the scholarship.”