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Sees Opportunity in the Challenge as He Leads Lexington’s Hope Center And One Parent Scholar House by Peter Chawaga | photos courtesy Hope Center
Heartbreaking as it is, you only need to spend a few minutes driving around the Lexington area to realize that homelessness, substance abuse and mental health are significant challenges for our community. And while those challenges may seem insurmountable at times, there are local groups working tirelessly each day to prove otherwise.
for my life,” said Jesse, who was brought to the facility from Nicholasville, per the organization’s website. “If it weren’t for [Hope Center], I’d probably be dead, I was out of options, addicted to drugs and homeless… I don’t have to preach recovery; I’m living proof of before and after and what the Hope Center can do.”
In his newly-appointed role at Hope Center and One Parent Scholar House, Rufus Friday now leads one of those groups.
It’s progress from individuals like Jesse that fuel Friday’s inspiration, based on the knowledge that despite the size of the challenge, there is always hope to overcome it.
Hope Center is a non-profit offering substance abuse and detention center recovery services, mental health programs, emergency food, shelter and clothing, housing services, outpatient programs and more for those who seek its help. Meanwhile, One Parent Scholar House helps single parents earn college degrees by providing affordable housing for their families, onsite childcare and additional support. “Every day, I have a ‘stop and smell the roses’ moment — just a, ‘wow, this is where I am now,’ and every time, my thoughts come back to the Hope Center and what it’s done
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“Working together, we can help more of those in our community and Central Kentucky who are in need of overcoming substance abuse, provide stabilization and solutions for those with mental illness challenges and to make sure that we keep those who are temporarily homeless from freezing on the streets,” Friday explained. “My ultimate vision and goal is to ensure that every single client that comes to the Hope Center and One Parent Scholar House has a means to achieve self-sufficiency and a happier, productive life.”
September 2021 | TOPS in Lexington
