Brighton Center, Northern Kentucky University, and the City of Highland Heights will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of Opportunity House on Wednesday, Sept. 14, at 12:30 p.m.
Opportunity House is an innovative program located on NKU’s campus that provides a supportive environment for young adults to reach their educational and career goals, which leads to a pathway to labor-market success.
Through access to post-secondary education opportunities, stable housing, and the wraparound services that are part of Brighton Center’s community of support, young adults 18-24 will be empowered to achieve educational success, employment, and self-sufficiency.
Opportunity House includes 15 efficiencies and 1 one-bedroom apartment on Northern Kentucky University’s campus with individual bathrooms and kitchenettes. In addition, there is a large group room, classroom, full kitchen, and small meeting rooms.
Brighton Center undertook the Opportunity House program because so many Northern Kentucky young adults felt post-secondary goals were out of reach. Perhaps they aged out of state’s care or foster care or needed additional and ongoing support to navigate post-secondary education opportunities while stabilizing their life situations. By providing access to affordable housing, and support services, Opportunity House eliminates many of these barriers.
Some of the young adults are first-generation college students. They have hopes and dreams but were unable to find a way to achieve their goals. They may be on their own or have little to no adult support or guidance. They needed a place to live where their basic needs are met, so they have the opportunity to succeed in a post-secondary environment. Opportunity House allows them to live with peers while receiving ongoing support.
The residents had to go through an application process to be selected for the program.
Learn more about Opportunity House here.
Opportunity House is located at 3530 Alexandria Pike, Highland Heights, next to Callahan Hall and across the street from Kroger on Martha Layne Collins Blvd.
Speaking at the event are NKU President Ashish Vaidya, Brighton Center President & CEO Wonda Winkler, Highland Heights Mayor Greg Meyers, and residents of Opportunity house.
The ceremony will be followed by an open house and tours of the facility until 5 p.m.