Fifty-seven-year-old Clay County resident, Sue Fox, just began her second year of school at EKU Manchester – a dream made possible with support from a local family’s scholarship.
For the second year in a row, Sue received the Allen Family Scholarship. The scholarship is given to graduates and participants of Volunteers of America Mid-States’ (VOA) programs to help remove barriers to education and ensure anyone who wants to pursue higher learning can do so.
The scholarship was started by Deann Allen and her children after the passing of her husband, James Allen. James was a Clay County High School teacher, a passionate advocate for life-long learning and a dedicated supporter of the local non-profit, VOA.
Sue has been a member of VOA’s Recovery Community Center (RCC) since it opened in Manchester in 2019. At RCC, Sue found a support system to help her continue and strengthen her recovery. Today, Sue is eight years sober, and works for VOA as the Community Outreach Supervisor, traveling across the state and connecting individuals struggling with addiction to the life-changing resources VOA provides.
Last year, Sue’s dream of attending college was made possible thanks to the Allen Family Scholarship. With another year of support, Sue will continue her educational journey as a sophomore at EKU Manchester.
“It’s a real honor to receive it two years in a row,” Sue said. “I always thought it (school) would be impossible for me to do. It’s become possible because of the support of folks in my life today, Deann Allen, and VOA.”
Sue will continue to pursue an associate degree in social work, and this year, she’s decided to add a minor in criminal justice. The work she accomplishes for VOA inspired her decision.
“I’ve been involved in the criminal side of things for so long, now I see a different side of it. Today, I get to go in courtrooms and sit and advocate for people and for treatment,” Sue said.
She hopes her new minor will help her learn more about the justice system and how she can be a force for change.
The Manchester Enterprise, October 2, 2024
