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Addressing their mental health needs is critical, she said, because many of the Opportunity House residents have been affected by negative family interactions, leading them to feel unsuccessful or wrangle with self-doubt.

While the Brighton Center does not have a counselor on site, the staff connects the residents to as many resources as it can, knowing that motivation might suffer when individuals are placed on monthslong waitlists. The COVID-19 global pandemic – with its lockdowns, long periods of isolation and layoffs – compounded access challenges, Kassis said.

As for how Opportunity House residents are regarded by those outside the program, Fulmer hopes people are kind, understanding and keep an open mind. Things that seem like a given to many people – such as being able to drive a car, and how much easier that makes dating – may create big hurdles for people like Fulmer, for whom affording a car was never feasible.

“People get cars at 16. It’s like this social norm that people (are able to) get around – and I’m stuck,” he said. “People look at me like I’m a child because I can’t drive. It’s crazy to me, because I didn’t have the opportunity.”

At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about for Fulmer and the other young adults learning and growing through their experience at the residence hall and support center – being given an opportunity through the Opportunity House.

To learn about ways to assist opportunity youth, call the Brighton Center at 859-4918303 or visit www.brightoncenter.com.

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an experience centered around five Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® Distilleries.

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