One Parent Scholar House makes a difference across the generations

Almost 20 years ago, my life was changed by a local organization that is still alive and still investing in our community today. At the age of 17 years old, I became unexpectedly pregnant. Like many teen-age moms, I didn’t know where to turn. Growing up in a low-income, single-parent home myself, I knew I wanted to give my child more opportunities by attending college and finding a good career that would support my family.

One Parent Scholar House, formerly known as Virginia Place, helped me reach those goals. Because of the support I received at One Parent Scholar House, the roadblocks that would have otherwise prevented me from seeking higher education were lessened. One Parent Scholar House helped me prepare for my future by giving me a path to self-sufficiency. I was surrounded by other young mothers with goals just like me.

At One Parent Scholar House, I had a team of leaders who held me accountable, taught me necessary life-skills, and cheered for my success as a student and as a mother.

Because of One Parent Scholar House and the opportunities for safe housing and 5-star childcare it provided, I was able to focus on my education while knowing that my son and I had a safe place to live and reliable childcare while I attended classes.

Today, almost 20 years later, One Parent Scholar House is still helping young single parents reach their personal and educational goals through mentoring, programming, quality childcare, affordable housing, and so much more.

I never dreamed when I went into the program as a young and scared single mother that I would grow into a confident mother and a college graduate. After completing my degree in Paralegal Studies, I went on to work for one of the best law firms in the state, helping people who were hurt or injured.

In 2017, I transitioned into local government and now work as a legislative aide for the Urban County Council. In every professional role I have held, I have been blessed with the opportunity to help others. I know, without a doubt, I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for One Parent Scholar House.

This year, I watched my son graduate high school with a 3.75 GPA himself. You see, not only did One Parent Scholar House change my path, it changed his, too. I have read that children born to teen mothers are less likely to graduate high-school, and I am so thankful that because of One Parent Scholar House, my son beat that statistic. Because of One Parent Scholar House, the cycle of poverty was broken. My son is full of hope for his future, and I am proud to be a role model for him. I hope our community will continue to embrace and support this amazing program.

To learn more about One Parent Scholar House and support its efforts by registering for its free virtual luncheon Education Builds Hope on Aug. 13, visit: http://oneparentscholarhouse.org/.

Buckles is the legislative aide for Lexington’s 7th District Councilmember Preston Worley. The One Parent Scholar House is a locally-based, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization providing affordable housing, child care and support services to 80 single-parent families, including over 100 children. The parents must be pursuing a post-secondary degree full time in order to qualify for the program.