05/27/2026
Memorial Fund Supports Team Members Who Care
“We knew we needed to do something to say thanks.”
When lifelong South Omaha residents Dale and Estella Black passed away several years ago, their children wanted to find a way to show their appreciation for the tremendous care their parents received at Brookestone of Papillion and Trinity Village.
“It was a real privilege for us to watch the compassion and love that everybody showed them. As they became more dependent, (the care staff) let them keep their dignity,” said Papillion Mayor David Black.
Talks of a new ice cream machine for the break room were tossed around, but the Black siblings landed on a memorial scholarship fund for care staff who were pursuing higher education in the healthcare industry.
With support from Midlands Community Foundation and HUMANeX Ventures, opportunities to apply for these scholarships were opened to team members at both facilities where Dale and Estella lived. Six years later, over $20,000 has been awarded to a dozen deserving individuals.
This year, Alexa Epley, a CNA at Brookestone of Papillion, was honored with the final scholarship. She’s on her way to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where she’ll pursue a pre-health degree after graduating from Papillion-La Vista South this spring. Epley spoke about what this accolade means to her.
“As they’re closing that chapter, it means a lot that I was chosen as the last one to be able to honor their legacy,” said Epley.
Jenn Breitweiser has worked in guest relations for many years at Brookestone of Papillion and is now a two-time recipient of the Dale and Estella Black Scholarship. She’s currently enrolled in an LPN program at Methodist and she talked about the impact these funds have had on her career growth.
“It’s definitely helped give me the confidence to feel like I can move forward in bettering myself and my family and growing as a person.”
What makes this scholarship unique is the online talent assessment each applicant is required to take. This is inspired by Brad Black’s dedication to talent development which earned him a spot in the Gallup Hall of Fame.
According to David Black, Epley’s strength-based assessment scores were off the charts and one of the greatest they have seen over the years. This goes along with administrator Ashley Walters’ sentiments on Epley: “Alexa treats everyone like the most important person in the world.”
Behind a legacy built upon strong work ethic, community involvement and a deep understanding of the meaning of family, Dale and Estella Black also left behind a sense of generosity to their children.
As Mayor Black puts it, this memorial fund was a way to encourage more of what they witnessed during his parents’ time in senior care.
“We saw the best, and it’s a small way to invest in another one like the best.”
