It would be an understatement to describe the Scholar House as a great place. It is so much more than that. I can honestly say that without it, I would not be where I am today.
I discovered Brighton Center when my children’s dad and I separated two years ago. For the first two months, he and I basically lived on separate ends of the same house until we could plan appropriate living situations. I had just started attending classes full time and worked part time at a daycare. I didn’t know how I was going to make it. I lived on my own before, but never with two kids.
My parents taught me a lot growing up, but never how to budget. I sat down to make a financial plan; factoring in rent, car payments, gas, and how much I even spent at the grocery every week. My only option was quitting school. There was no way I would have the time or child care.
I attempted to apply for food stamps to save money toward rent. I was still residing with my children’s father, so I was denied any government help because we made too much on paper. My parents advised me to look into homeless shelters for the kids and I. That was the only way I would start from the ground up.
A man named John was my savior. As I was walking out of Catholic Services where I attempted to get government help, he told me about this program for single parents that offered child care assistance and a place to stay as long as you are in school. I thought it was too good to be true but I set up an appointment.
I can remember walking in to the Scholar House and gaining the confidence that this could work. It gave me hope. I could stay in school, have time with my kids, and afford a life on my own.
Before this appointment, I was looking at studio apartments and thinking ‘my kids and I will sleep in one bed, but we will make it through.’ Instead, I was welcomed into a place with a washer and dryer, clean carpet, and people who care about me and want me to succeed. Without the Scholar House, being in school would not have been an option. I now have time to sit with my kids while working and going to school. I wouldn’t have that and that’s time you can’t get back.
I will receive my associates in December then continue my education toward a bachelor’s degree in mortuary science. I have also been involved with financial classes and IDA accounts through Brighton Center. This has become a huge support to my success. They are not only giving me a home to live in but they are teaching me how to do it on my own.
Scholar House has given me the building blocks to create a foundation that can get me ahead. I’m building a future for me and my kids, one block at a time.
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