And that difference matters.

More Than Students. More Than Parents.

Our residents are both, and they are not doing it alone.

Each parent is supported by program staff who meet with them regularly to develop individualized plans, track progress, and provide guidance toward long-term independence. They are also surrounded by a community of peers who understand the weight they carry, because they are carrying it too.

This is a place where encouragement is shared, progress is celebrated, and no one walks the journey alone.

More Than Support. A System Built for Success.

One Parent Scholar House residents have access to life skills and parenting workshops that build confidence in budgeting, problem-solving, and long-term stability. They receive consistent program support and guidance, ensuring that challenges are met with direction rather than isolation. And they follow a structured path forward where education leads to employment, and employment leads to independence.

More Than Receiving. Giving Back.

Something powerful happens when people are supported well. They begin to support others.

At One Parent Scholar House, residents are not only investing in themselves, but they are investing in each other and the broader community. Through shared experiences, resident involvement, and community engagement, they help create a culture of accountability, encouragement, and growth.

They become leaders.
They become role models.
They become proof that change is possible.

Be Part of Something More

As part of the Hope Center’s More Than campaign, One Parent Scholar House represents what is possible when housing, education, and support come together with purpose.

Whether you are a parent looking for a path forward, a donor seeking to make a deep community impact, or a partner interested in investing in real, measurable change, this program offers something unique:

A proven model that helps break cycles and build futures.

This is more than a place to live; it is a place to start again, to grow, and succeed.

And for many families, it is the place where everything changes.

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Stewardship goes beyond financial oversight. While we are accountable for every dollar entrusted to us, we are equally responsible for people, our staff, our clients, and the trust of the community.

This responsibility is more complex as government funding tightens and costs continue to rise. We must balance immediate needs with long-term sustainability while maintaining quality. That requires discipline, often saying no to good ideas to stay focused on the right ones. It also requires transparency, ensuring our board and partners understand not just what we do, but how and why we do it.

Strategic Planning in an Uncertain Environment

Strategic planning today is not static. It is ongoing and shaped by external factors we cannot control. We manage multiple revenue streams, such as philanthropy, grants, government contracts, and earned income; each with different expectations. Meanwhile, demand for services continues to grow. We are constantly evaluating where to invest, where to scale, and where to adapt.

Strategy must also translate into action. It must guide daily decisions and reflect the realities our teams face on the front lines. 

Compassion with Accountability

Compassion is essential in human services, but it must be paired with accountability.

We serve individuals facing addiction, homelessness, mental health challenges, and trauma. Supporting them requires empathy, as well as structure and consistency. Leadership means creating an environment where both exist: staff are supported but held to high standards, and clients are treated with dignity while encouraged to move forward.

This balance requires clear expectations, strong communication, and a culture focused on outcomes.

Managing Across Systems

Running a large nonprofit means working across multiple systems simultaneously. We deliver clinical services while managing compliance. We maintain government relationships while advocating for better solutions. We oversee finances and reporting while supporting board governance. Each area requires coordination. Leadership is about integration and ensuring the organization operates as a cohesive whole.

The Reality and the Opportunity

The challenges are real: rising costs, constrained funding, and increasing demand. But so is the opportunity. Every day, we see individuals move from homelessness to housing, from addiction to recovery, and from instability to employment. These outcomes reflect disciplined, compassionate leadership.

This work is not easy, but it is meaningful. It requires focus, accountability, and commitment. At its core, leadership is about ensuring that, even in complexity, people are supported and given a path forward.

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You may also start noticing ongoing updates and improvements to our website. We are actively working to make it more modern, easier to navigate, and more user friendly. Our goal is to ensure that anyone who visits our site, whether they are looking to get help, support the mission, or learn more about what we do, can quickly find the information they need about our services and programs.

Alongside these updates, we are also excited to launch a new storytelling initiative called the More Than campaign. Many people know the Hope Center as a shelter or a recovery program, but we are so much more than that. The Hope Center offers a wide range of programs designed to meet people where they are and help them take steps toward stability, recovery, and long-term independence. From recovery programs and housing assistance to job training, support services, and community outreach, the Hope Center works to address a variety of needs for individuals seeking a fresh start.

Of course, none of this work would be possible without the support of our community. We are always looking for volunteers who want to give their time and talents to help others. Whether it is serving a meal, helping with events, or supporting our programs, volunteers play a vital role in the mission of the Hope Center. We also welcome donations, which directly support the programs and services that help change lives every day.

If you want to stay connected with everything happening at the Hope Center, we encourage you to follow us on social media. Be sure to find us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news, program updates, stories of impact, and announcements about upcoming events.

We are grateful for the opportunity to share more with you through this blog and to continue telling the stories that make the Hope Center such a powerful place of transformation. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

Stay tuned. There is much more to come.

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Brielle Perque, who joined the Hope Center in September 2024, and Brandi Chadwell, who joined the organization in June 2025, will serve as the Hope Center’s inaugural social services coordinators. In this role, they will focus on helping clients secure stable employment while building relationships with local second-chance employers to match them with suitable job openings. 

“As the Hope Center continues to empower and equip our clients to rebuild their lives, our employment program represents an important element of our multifaceted approach to help them achieve self-sufficiency,” said Jeff Crook, Chief Executive Officer of the Hope Center. “We are grateful for the PNC Foundation’s commitment to workforce development in our community and this generous support for the Hope Center’s employment resources.”

The Hope Center’s employment program offers participating clients a breadth of resources and services, including employment training opportunities, transportation to interviews and orientations, resume and referral assistance, higher education information, and access to technology.

According to Recovery Kentucky data, participants in the Hope Center’s George Privett Recovery Center for Men have demonstrated significant gains in employment, with 52% of clients having worked at least one month in the six months preceding their entry and 85% working at least one month during the follow-up period – a 33% increase. 

“All of us at PNC recognize that increasing Kentucky’s workforce participation rate represents an ongoing priority for the commonwealth and our local economy,” said Kristen Byrd, PNC Regional President for Kentucky. “Through our collaboration with organizations such as the Hope Center, we are doing our part to create meaningful impact.” 

The grant builds on PNC’s longstanding support for the Hope Center, which in recent years has included funding the center’s veterans’ program, transportation assistance services, and food program. 

About the PNC Foundation

The PNC Foundation, which receives its principal funding from The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC), actively supports organizations that provide services for the benefit of communities in which it has a significant presence. The Foundation focuses its philanthropic mission on early childhood education, community development, and economic development, which includes the arts and culture. Through PNC Grow Up Great®, its signature cause that began in 2004, PNC has created a bilingual $500 million, multi-year initiative to help prepare children from birth to age 5 for success in school and life. For more information, visit PNC Foundation. 

Above the Hope Center

The Hope Center serves as a lifeline for men and women in Central Kentucky facing homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges. Through comprehensive programs – including a men’s emergency shelter, men’s and women’s recovery programs, mental health and medical care, employment and affordable housing support, and One Parent Scholar House, and veteran-specific services – the Hope Center helps individuals rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose. Each day, the organization provides shelter, meals, and life-changing opportunities to more than 800 individuals, guiding them from crisis to stability and independence. 

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Meeting Basic Needs—and Beyond

For individuals facing homelessness, a homeless shelter can be a beacon of hope. It is a safe and secure place where they can find temporary shelter, food, and clothing. These basic necessities are often taken for granted by many, but for those experiencing homelessness, they are essential for survival. Homeless shelters also provide access to medical care, mental health services, and job training programs to help individuals get back on their feet.

Families facing homelessness also benefit greatly from the services provided by homeless shelters. These shelters offer a sense of stability and support during a time of crisis. Families can stay together in a safe environment and have access to resources to help them find permanent housing. In many cases, homeless shelters also provide childcare services, allowing parents to focus on finding employment and improving their situation.

Fostering Belonging and Preventing Homelessness

But the impact of homeless shelters goes beyond providing basic needs and resources. They also offer a sense of community and belonging for those who have lost everything. Social workers who work closely with homeless individuals and families understand the importance of this support system. They often refer their clients to homeless shelters as a way to provide them with a stable and supportive environment.

One of the most significant benefits of homeless shelters is their ability to prevent homelessness. Many shelters offer eviction prevention programs and assistance with utility bills to help individuals and families stay in their homes. This proactive approach not only helps prevent homelessness but also reduces the strain on the already overwhelmed shelter system.

How You Can Help

So, what can you do to support the work of homeless shelters in Kentucky?

The most obvious way is to donate. Homeless shelters rely heavily on donations to fund their operations and provide for their clients. You can donate money, clothing, food, or your time as a volunteer. Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference in the lives of those in need.

You can also support homeless shelters by spreading awareness about their mission and the impact they have. Share their stories on social media or with friends and family. Educate others about the issue of homelessness and the importance of supporting homeless shelters in your community.

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