LEXINGTON – Christmas shoppers are encouraged to pick up extra gifts for One Parent Scholar House (OPSH), which provides single-parent families with affordable housing, higher education opportunities and participation in a child development center with a five-star rating.
“In this season of giving, this is an easy way to make a big difference for our families,” said Mirsada Simic, program director of OPSH. “While you are shopping for family and friends, pick up an extra gift for our participants, who are working hard to achieve self-sufficiency and security by improving the entire family’s education and training.”
Simic said the 77 families who are part of the program need sponsors for Christmas. Any new toys or new clothing items for children ages birth to 18 years old would be appreciated.
There are two ways to participate.
You can sponsor a family by contacting 252-4828 to pick up your family wish list. Or, you can drop off individual gifts such as:
- Clothing
- Winter gear, such as coats, mittens, hats and boots
- Toys for all ages
- Pajamas
- Children’s books
- Gift cards for parents to shop for their children
While living at one of the 80 apartments, families receive affordable housing, child care and counseling all on site. The program is designed to help participants achieve personal growth and self-sufficiency through health maintenance, parenting skills, financial management, problem-solving, work skills and job search techniques. There are currently 77 families with 111 children being served.
Parents complete their college education or vocational training course work as full-time students, while children attend the Child Development Center or, if they are older, a local school. Parents have gone on to receive degrees such as biology, education and go on to pursue master’s degrees.
In addition, 100 percent of the children in the program enter kindergarten ready to learn vs. 50 percent for the state.
Donations can be dropped off from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays at the One Parent Scholar House’s at the Child Development Center at 1156 Horsemans Lane in Lexington.
