Thanks to you, in July 2022 the Capitol Lakes Foundation was able to cut the first checks to our professional staff to help with their student loan debt. According to a 2024 Forbes article the average student loan borrower owes just under $29,000 for their degrees. Our staff are not immune to the crushing burden student loans can have on their finances and future. That's why two years ago we asked for your help to pilot a program that would alleviate some of the financial stress for those staff members who are continuing to pay off loans for degrees and licenses they need to work at Capitol Lakes.
Two years after we cut our first five checks, Student Loan Repayment has graduated from the pilot phase to become a permanent staff support program. And it's impact continues to improve the lives of staff members like HR Generalist, Lauren Sczepanski. Lauren is a graduate of UW-Eau Claire and first came to Capitol Lakes as a student working as an Administrator In Training under Capitol Lakes' Health Center Administrator, Kristi Vater.
"I learned healthcare administration during the height of Covid," explains Lauren, "and while I loved the Capitol Lakes community the experience of the pandemic made me change my career aspirations." After graduation, Lauren took an HR job in Madison and made the move back to Capitol Lakes as soon as an HR position opened here.
"I felt I could excel in HR, still work with and help people, just in a different capacity," Lauren explained. "I enjoy being a point of contact for new hires and employees, assisting with their positions and benefits."
While Lauren often helps employees navigate the many benefits available to them, she is also grateful for the support she receives personally from the Student Loan Repayment program. “When I was younger I didn’t always take advantage of applying for scholarships that could have helped with my tuition. Now that I’m older, I’m grateful for the chance to receive funds that I can apply against my student loans. Everything helps, and it also gives me comfort to know that if a financial emergency comes up my loans will be covered. As an HR professional I also understand that benefits like this aren't standard.
Offering this type of help really shows employees that they are valued."
In December Lauren will celebrate her third anniversary as an HR Generalist at Capitol Lakes. We're grateful that thanks to your gifts two years ago as well as your ongoing support we can show great employees like Lauren how much they are valued and keep them working here in support of our residents.
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