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Making an impact on your community can happen in a variety of ways. For me, becoming an AmeriCorps VISTA at Family Scholar House was the first step on my path to make a difference in my community. After two years at Family Scholar House, I am sad to leave but I now feel prepared and excited to see what’s next!

I chose to spend my summer working at Family Scholar House. There are many reasons why I chose the Family Scholar House, but the biggest reason is that this used to be my home. In 2005, my mom and I were one of the first people to move into the very first Family Scholar House campus, the Louisville Scholar House. My family was going through a hard time, and FSH welcomed us with open arms.

Since first coming to Family Scholar House in April of 2020, I have had the honor to serve our families and watch them grow in each avenue of their life. As Family Scholar House’s Health and Wellness Coach, it is my job to make sure our families are succeeding in all parts of their wellness. From supporting families in their mental wellness through therapy resources, to helping improve nutrition and physical activity, to providing opportunities for self-care; wellness is something everyone can use in their journey to self-sufficiency. Supporting families in their wellness goals and watching them make their all over health a priority, has been a very moving part of my job.

I had my daughter in June of 2018. My situation wasn’t the best, so my friend who was already taking advantage of Family Scholar’s House’s programs and services recommended them to me. I don’t have a lot of family in Louisville, and the family I do have, have so much on their plate that they cannot offer much assistance. I am a single mother and I knew when I was pregnant with my child that I would be doing this alone. Once I got into the program everything changed for me. Shortly after orientation and completing my workshops I moved into Family Scholar House.  A place we could call home, and a place I was able to focus solely on my education and our future.

Trevon has been a part of the FSH family since his mom first walked in our doors over a decade ago. While he lived on campus he was often found in our building asking staff how he could help, attending every workshop and looking out for his younger neighbors. Trevon and his family moved out years ago but he has never been a stranger around our campuses. He has volunteered, mentored current FSH kids and been a constant bright light for our staff. A few weeks ago he arrived at Louisville Scholar House to volunteer in assembling and distributing casseroles for our moms in honor of Mother’s Day. On this particular day, Trevon was in for a surprise when First Lady Britainy Beshear presented him with a certificate declaring him as an official Kentucky Colonel!

Have you ever been to a place where you instantly felt like you belonged and don’t know how it took you so long to get there? In the small amount of time I’ve been employed at Family Scholar House, those are just a few things I reflect on almost everyday. I don’t think I could tell you specifics of the first time I interacted with Family Scholar House, but I can sure tell you about how much it has impacted me as of recently.