Abraham Moran cooks dinner for residents at Smith Ranch Homes in San Rafael. In 2026, those same residents are helping send his daughter to college.

Valeria Moran is among the latest recipients of the Marin Retirement Communities Scholarship Fund, a program established in 1994 that channels donations from senior living residents to employees and their families pursuing higher education. She's using the award to attend Saint Mary's College of California.

"I'm proud of her," Abraham Moran said. "She's a very nice student and daughter."

The fund draws contributions from residents at five Marin County retirement communities: Smith Ranch Homes, Aldersly, Drake Terrace, The Tamalpais and Villa Marin. The Marin-based nonprofit 10,000 Degrees administers the awards, which can be used for four-year university degrees or trade school certifications. The nonprofit reports it has provided $113 million in scholarships since its founding.

Moran isn't the only Smith Ranch Homes employee benefiting. Ramiro Rivera, a server at the San Rafael community, is using his scholarship to attend trade school and earn an HVAC technician certification. Isabelle Berkson, who works in the communications department, is putting her award toward a four-year degree.

Marcie Leach, a Smith Ranch Homes resident who serves on the scholarship committee, described the emotional weight of notifying recipients. She said one mother held up her phone during the call, then responded in Spanish about what the award meant to her family.

The program's reach extends across generations at Smith Ranch Homes. Executive director Scott Newman once worked there as a busser and server and received one of the scholarships himself, according to CBS News San Francisco. He now oversees the community where the fund continues to operate.

Newman said he gets to watch the program thrive and see other employees take advantage of it, calling Smith Ranch Homes "a special place" where the retirement communities of Marin come together to give back.

Employees and family members interested in applying can visit 10000degrees.org when the next application cycle opens in fall 2026.