PASADENA, CA – Foothill Family proudly celebrated twelve outstanding students at the 2026 Helen Morran-Wolf Educational Scholarship Reception, held June 1 at The Shakespeare Club of Pasadena. The annual event honored students whose academic achievement, determination, and commitment to their communities earned them scholarships to support their educational journeys.
The scholarship program was established through the generosity of Edward Wolf and Helen Morran-Wolf. Helen served as Chief Executive Officer of Foothill Family for more than 21 years, helping expand access to mental health, early childhood, and family support services throughout the San Gabriel Valley. Her leadership helped strengthen Foothill Family’s impact and created lasting opportunities for children and families across the region.
“When I was a student, I was fortunate to receive a scholarship at a time when I truly needed it,” said Edward Wolf. “That support helped make my education possible and opened doors that shaped my future. Being able to help provide that same opportunity to these students is incredibly meaningful. Helen and I have always believed that education can change lives, and it is a privilege to invest in young people as they pursue their goals.”
Now in its second year, the Helen Morran-Wolf Educational Scholarship continues to grow, expanding its reach to support students from communities throughout the San Gabriel Valley. The scholarships help ease financial barriers to higher education by assisting with tuition, books, supplies, transportation, and other educational expenses.
“Education has the power to change the trajectory of a life,” said Steve Allen, Foothill Family Chief Executive Officer. “These students have demonstrated exceptional drive, character, and commitment to their futures. We are grateful to Edward and Helen Morran-Wolf for helping remove barriers to higher education and for investing in young people whose talents and leadership will strengthen our communities for years to come.”
The event brought together scholarship recipients, their families, members of the Wolf family, and Foothill Family leadership to celebrate the students’ accomplishments and recognize the impact that access to education can have on future success. This year’s scholarship program was further strengthened by the generosity of Vanessa Wolf Alexander and Matthew Alexander, who funded one of the twelve scholarships awarded. Each recipient received a Certificate of Achievement and shared reflections on their educational journeys and future aspirations.
The scholarship reflects Foothill Family’s ongoing commitment to empowering children and families and increasing access to education. By supporting students as they pursue higher education, the program carries forward Edward and Helen Morran-Wolf’s belief in the potential of young people and helps create opportunities for future generations.
2026 Helen Morran-Wolf Educational Scholarship Recipients
Amy Benihya
Daniella Menjivar
Ethan Hatum
Hannah Wilkerson Sanchez
Kenneth Bereal
Poyan Lam
Cassandra Ojeda Espinoza
Eliezer Likem Agamah
Hannah Hou
Kailen Timbadia
Kelie Huang
Richard Varela
About Foothill Family:
Celebrating 100 years, Foothill Family works to create healthier families and stronger communities across Southern California. This community-based nonprofit supports children and families through prevention, intervention, and treatment services through four core areas: mental health, early childhood development, school-based services, and youth and family services. These services are delivered in Foothill Family Centers, homes, schools, and community settings, all to improve emotional well-being, and build stability so children, adults, caregivers, and families thrive.
The organization has received COA accreditation for the highest standards of service delivery, awarded the GuideStar’s Platinum Seal of Transparency, and is recognized as a Top Place to Work 2026. Visit: foothillfamily.org.
Foothill Family is a registered 501(c)3 – Tax ID: #95-1690990
Media Contact: Patti Johnson news@foothillfamily.org
2026 Helen Wolf-Morran Educational Scholarship Recipients with Meg Bennett, Director of School-Based Services; Steve Allen, Foothill Family Chief Executive Officer; Matthew Alexander, Vanessa Wolf Alexander and Edward Wolf