Alrighty, this one was one I've been looking forward to for awhile because it was the first organization that I ever volunteered with upon coming to Lexington: the One Parent Scholar House. I came to know Mirsada Simic, Program Director, when working for Nabisco, where our team would bring cookies and crackers to make care packages for families.
This organization is truly special to me because I know how much of a struggle it can be to be a single parent raising children, and how much of a gift this program is to those in that situation. Though not a mother myself, my mom raised me and my brother while working full-time to make ends meet--I never knew until I was older how much of a struggle it was at times, because she hid it so well and did such a remarkable job juggling it all. So for that, Mom, I'm incredibly grateful for the life and childhood you gave me. I love you to the moon and back.
This organization is truly special to me because I know how much of a struggle it can be to be a single parent raising children, and how much of a gift this program is to those in that situation. Though not a mother myself, my mom raised me and my brother while working full-time to make ends meet--I never knew until I was older how much of a struggle it was at times, because she hid it so well and did such a remarkable job juggling it all. So for that, Mom, I'm incredibly grateful for the life and childhood you gave me. I love you to the moon and back.
Ok, off the tear-jerking soapbox...
In the past with the OPSH, and also to give you a taste of things volunteers can help with as well as events they hold, I once helped to hold a Dress for Success workshop for the mothers, helped with handing out snacks at the Christmas performance (um, adorable), and was also delighted to be a part of a luncheon fundraiser at the Carrick House (absolutely one of the most beautiful events I have ever attended) where I got to see Janette Walls, my favorite author of the Glass Castle, speak... but was too shy to meet her. Eek!
In the past with the OPSH, and also to give you a taste of things volunteers can help with as well as events they hold, I once helped to hold a Dress for Success workshop for the mothers, helped with handing out snacks at the Christmas performance (um, adorable), and was also delighted to be a part of a luncheon fundraiser at the Carrick House (absolutely one of the most beautiful events I have ever attended) where I got to see Janette Walls, my favorite author of the Glass Castle, speak... but was too shy to meet her. Eek!
So... clearly, I was excited to return here finally!
The One Parent Scholar House may again be one that you have never heard of, and understandably so since it sits in a cozy nook behind off-campus apartment complexes on Red Mile Road near the Red Mile race track. It is a program
for single parents who are full-time students in a post-secondary educational institution. The primary purpose of the program is to help parents and their young children develop the educational and family life skills needed to achieve self-sufficiency.
for single parents who are full-time students in a post-secondary educational institution. The primary purpose of the program is to help parents and their young children develop the educational and family life skills needed to achieve self-sufficiency.
The OPSH opened in 1986 and was then called "Virginia Place", with 15 apartments. When the program moved to its current location, it then included 56 two-bedroom apartments. More were added in the second phase in 2006.
In 2010, things got too big! The Board asked the Hope Center to take over the management, and then the name was made more clear as it changed to "The One Parent Scholar House".
Today, there are 88 total apartment spread over 15 buildings that the single parents live in, with strict criteria and rules. More on this is explained below and on their website.
The program focuses on single parents and their dependent children. It is a broad program that provides housing, child care, parent counseling, workshops, support, and many special activities that focus on several areas. These could include maintaining health and wellness, parenting skills, family resource management, nutrition, problem solving, work and career skills, and job-searching techniques.
My Day with the Kiddos
Since I have been here many times before and am quite familiar with it, I didn't schedule a huge project today. I just simply want people to know about this impressive organization. I did want time to spend with the kids and get the experience of working the daycare or classroom since it's not something I've done much of before here. And, of course, it was great to see Mirsada again!
Just a note: With some of the places I am volunteering, I need to be extremely careful with photos due to the vulnerable situations these kids may or may not be in. Their safety is crucial, so we need to ask permission from each parent for pictures for the blog. Though there were many other children, I was only able to take face pictures of little miss Lexi and Maddy. They will be the models for today's post!
I spent today in the room with the preschoolers, where I met Rebecca and Ashley, who are in this classroom daily. I signed up to read to the kids, and they were excited to finish eating their bananas and Nilla wafers before choosing three of their favorite books.
We first read about hunting bears, and the kids made all of the sounds and hand motions while we "weren't scared" trekking through the forest, mud, water, and snow to hunt bears. We then read "the Deep Blue Sea" and learned about colors, though this effort was quickly forgotten after I wore out their attention spans. Two books too many!
I was quickly introduced to the guinea pig, Olaf (from Frozen, of course), who stays in the classroom during the week and taken home by Ashley on the weekend, where she says her two big pups like to play with him. (I love animals, so if there is ever an animal present during a project, it's going to be mentioned here.)
With only a few girls in the room after many mommas came to pick up their little ones, they were quick to discover my long hair. For nearly 45 minutes, I was treated to a FREE salon treatment (volunteering gives back, eh?)!! The young ladies combed, brushed, curled, and "braided" my hair so I could look just like Elsa from Frozen. Of course. They were careful not to "burn" me with the curling iron, which was actually a purple magnifying glass--I miss the days of being so imaginative--but I sadly left with no said hairstyle despite all their hard work.
After playing with some foam shapes and reviewing colors, Emma sang "chicka chicka boom boom" and danced wildly while I read a book with the same name to Maddy. I then read a Barny book about animals at the zoo. Maddy was very familiar with each animal and had a very strong yet very cute opinion on each one. She liked the giraffe, she told me, because he was "gorgeous!" and only likes camels "some of the time". She prefers dinosaurs. Finally, we read a book about poop in the potty--I have never seen a little one so focused! I tried not to laugh at her seriousness about poop and pee, but she was simply adorable. I could have taken her home with me.
A short and sweet day it was, but with an emphasis on the "sweet". The One Parent Scholar House will always be a place I return to and talk about, as it holds a very near and dear spot in my heart.
Tell Me More About the One Parent Scholar House
Basic to this self-sufficiency program is educational development. Parents fulfill academic or vocational training coursework as full-time students, while the children attend the One Parent Scholar House Child Development Center. The Child Development Center takes children from 6 weeks to 4 years old. It is a 3-Star developmental curriculum based program under the guidance of competent, loving teachers. The Child Care Center is a partner with the Early Head Start and the Head Start programs.
Completing the One Parent Scholar House program prepares families to live and work successfully. As each family succeeds and leaves the facility, another family moves in and begins to profit from this unique, integrated and comprehensive program.
Completing the One Parent Scholar House program prepares families to live and work successfully. As each family succeeds and leaves the facility, another family moves in and begins to profit from this unique, integrated and comprehensive program.
Read resident stories here. These will touch your heart!
It is important to note that this program is NOT a handout, and the parents are very aware of this. It's clear that they are also incredibly grateful that it is not a charity simply being given to them--it must be earned, and they work hard for it. Criteria to be a part of it are as follows:
- You must be a full-time student or have been admitted for full-time enrollment in a post-secondary educational program that requires a minimum of one year to complete.
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must be a single parent with primary custody of your child/children.
- You must have at least one child who will attend One Parent Scholar House Child Development Program.
- You must be eligible for Section 8 rent subsidized housing.
- If applicable, you must provide divorce documentation (decree) to One Parent Scholar House.
The Child Development Center
This is where I got to play and read to the kids today. It is a fully-staffed program with supportive and loving teachers.
Per their website,
This is where I got to play and read to the kids today. It is a fully-staffed program with supportive and loving teachers.
Per their website,
- Children will be challenged, but not pushed, to learn skills they do not currently have the readiness or maturity to handle.
- Children will be fed non-processed, fresh and nutritious breakfasts, snacks and lunches. The One Parent Scholar House believes in wholesome, organic meals for our children’s health and well-being.
- One Parent Scholar House Child Development Center provides our children with a warm atmosphere encouraging school-readiness, learning, friendship and fun.
How Can I Help??
Make a Monetary Donation
Volunteer Your Time
More detailed information can be found at the link, but volunteers are always needed for:
Volunteer Your Time
More detailed information can be found at the link, but volunteers are always needed for:
- Life Skills Facilitators
- Special Celebrations
- "Birthday Buddy" Sponsors
- Corporate donations
- Welcome Baskets
- Other ways you can spend time with the kids!
You can contact Carey Cairo at [email protected] or call (859) 225-4673 for more information or to get involved with volunteering at One Parent Scholar House.
Contact:
One Parent Scholar House
1156 Horsemans Lane
Lexington, KY 40504
Telephone: 859.252.4828
Fax: 859.231.0893
Email: [email protected]
Contact:
One Parent Scholar House
1156 Horsemans Lane
Lexington, KY 40504
Telephone: 859.252.4828
Fax: 859.231.0893
Email: [email protected]