Scholar House opens in eastern Ky.

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (AP) - Officials in eastern Kentucky are celebrating the opening of the Scholar House of Central Appalachia.

The goal of the facility in downtown Pikeville is to help single parents pursue a college degree by offering a place to live, childcare and guidance on topics such as finances and stress management.

“This program is dedicated to helping single parents pursue an education and become a role model for their children so they can become contributing members to society,” said Samantha Rogers, executive director for the Scholar House of Central Appalachia.

WYMT-TV (https://bit.ly/1iIYGaE) reports the ribbon-cutting ceremony last week came after months of hard work and planning. Since opening last year, more than half of the 45 apartments have been occupied.

Officials say it gives parents and children the tools needed to succeed.

“There are the housing and childcare components but then there is also the programming and that is the really important part of engaging families and giving them hope,” said Cathe Dykstra, President of Family Scholar House Inc. “We have a growing number of single parents and when I say single parents I do not just mean those who have never been married. I mean those who are divorced or widowed and find themselves without the skills that they need to have a career…not a job…a career.”

Ashli Bryant, who has two children, said she ended up there after a broken marriage. She said she thought she would have to put improvements to her life on hold but then found out about services that were offered through the facility.

“I met with a lot of people at UPike and they all rallied behind me and said you can do this! I walked out of there sure I could,” said Bryant.

Despite some health setbacks, Bryant says she is doing well and passed her first semester of college.

“There is no reason for me to leave without a degree, and there is not going to be. My kids deserve this and so much more,” says Bryant. “With everything that has been so bad, this has been my good.”

___

Information from: WYMT-TV, https://www.wkyt.com/wymtnews