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Making A Difference: School supplies needed for single-parent homes

Program helps single parents continue college education
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LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — It's almost time for kids to go back to school, and a long list of schools supplies can make money tight for some households.

Making ends meet can be a daily struggle for some single-parent homes, so when things like crayons and backpacks are added to the shopping list, families can be faced with tough decisions. Single mom Ashley Martin said she knows the struggle well. The mother of two is a resident at the One Parent Scholar House in Lexington, a program built especially for parents like her.

"I wouldn't even be able to afford regular housing if it wasn't for here,' said Martin.

Eighty families are currently in the program, which provides affordable housing and on-site child care, while the single parent continues their college education.

"It's really a place that allows you to grow and to become the best version of yourself," said One Parent Scholar House Development Director Carrie Thayer.

While the parents continue their education, their kids go to school as well, wither to an elementary school or to the program's child development center.

"The staff here is really passionate about getting the kids who come through here kindergarten ready," Thayer said.

The One Parent Scholar House needs your help in the form of school supplies, tools necessary to help not just kids, but families achieve their goals.

Donations can be dropped off from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays at the One Parent Scholar House Child Development Center at 1156 Horsemans Lane in Lexington.

To learn more about the One Parent Scholar House, click here.

The following school supplies are needed:

• Notebooks

• Pencils

• Erasers

• Pencil sharpeners

• Pens

• Crayons

• Markers

• Highlighters

• Watercolors

• Paper (any variety and color)

• Glue sticks

• Safety scissors (don’t forget about the lefties!)

• Folders

• Binders

• Dividers

• Lunch boxes

• Backpacks