Sophia Donnellon (née Kincaid) is the latest to be awarded a Come Home Talent Attraction Award from the Community Foundation. The $7,500 award coincides with several major milestones in Sophia’s life, including her recent wedding to Matt Donnellon and the completion of a master’s degree in physical therapy.

“Going through seven years of college was not the easiest, and having the support to aid in my student loan payments once I was finished is very comforting from a financial standpoint,” Sophia said. “Also, this support truly makes me feel like a part of this community where I am able to make a difference in my patients’ lives, which I am so grateful for.” 

Since being offered a Come Home Award, Sophia has accepted a position at Ivy Rehab for Kids in Fort Gratiot as a pediatric physical therapist. She treats kids from ages 0-18 and aids in helping kids reach their fullest potential through maximizing their functional mobility, strength, and improving any limitations they may have.

She earned her master’s degree from Grand Valley State University in the Grand Rapids area.

Returning from the west side of the state, Sophia and Matt currently live with her parents in Yale while they house hunt. “We are hopeful our dream home will be on the market soon,” she said. “We still would like to be in Marysville, but have expanded our search to near Fort Gratiot.”

The Community Foundation launched the innovative Come Home Award in 2017 in an effort to address the region’s lack of college graduates moving back home.  Since then the award has been given to 22 individuals and couples.

“This program has helped us dispel the myth that young people won’t move back home to small town America,” said Randy Maiers, president & CEO of the Community Foundation. “Our Foundation focuses heavily on regional growth and prosperity, and providing a little financial incentive for young people like Sophia will help our region continue to prosper.”

To learn more about our talent attraction initiatives, click here.