A Family’s Gift Grows: Twelve Students Awarded Scholarships From Pasadena’s Foothill Family

Edward Wolf was once a student who needed a scholarship to get through school. Decades later, he and his wife, Helen Morran-Wolf, created a scholarship that has played an important local role — and their daughter and son-in-law just helped it grow.

Foothill Family, the Pasadena-based nonprofit celebrating its 100th year, awarded scholarships to twelve students at the 2026 Helen Morran-Wolf Educational Scholarship Reception, held recently at The Shakespeare Club of Pasadena. 

The annual event honored students whose academic achievement, determination and commitment to their communities earned them the awards, according to a Foothill Family press release. The program, now in its second year, grew from ten recipients in 2025 to twelve this year, according to the organization and Pasadena Now coverage of the inaugural ceremony.

The scholarships help ease financial barriers to higher education by assisting with tuition, books, supplies, transportation and other educational expenses, the press release stated. Each award provides up to $5,000, according to Foothill Family’s scholarships page.

“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.”

The scholarship bears the name of Morran-Wolf, who served as Foothill Family’s chief executive officer for more than 21 years, helping expand access to mental health, early childhood and family support services throughout the San Gabriel Valley, according to the press release. Her leadership helped strengthen the organization’s impact and created lasting opportunities for children and families across the region. She retired in June 2013, according to Foothill Family.

Wolf and Morran-Wolf established the scholarship program through their generosity, the press release stated. A separate February 2025 announcement from the organization said the fund was created through a legacy gift in 2024, and the couple said in a joint statement at the time that it was created “to honor” Foothill Family and the community it serves, and as “a celebration of Helen’s long career devoted to helping them.”

“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. Scholarships like these open doors, expand opportunity, and give talented young people the support they need to pursue their goals and make a lasting difference in their communities.”

This year’s scholarship program was further strengthened by the generosity of Vanessa Wolf Alexander and Matthew Alexander — Morran-Wolf’s daughter and son-in-law — who funded one of the twelve scholarships awarded, the press release announced.

The 2026 Helen Morran-Wolf Educational Scholarship Recipients are:

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