08/23/2026
I’m heartbroken to hear of last night’s tragedy at the Family Scholar House in Louisville. The two women who lost their lives were mothers dedicated to building a better life for their families. I’m praying for their families and the entire Family Scholar House community.
We want to thank our community for reaching out to support Family Scholar House participant families and staff as we grieve the loss of two of our participants, who were killed at our Louisville Scholar House campus this morning.
In 18 years of providing affordable housing, we have never experienced a violent tragedy on any of our campuses. But that history does not lessen the devastation of two young women losing their lives.
Two young children have lost their mothers — mothers who were working diligently to earn the education and credentials needed for meaningful healthcare careers that would allow them to give back to their community while providing a better life for their families. One was planning a career in forensic science; the other was pursuing a nursing career specializing in geriatric care.
Single parents come to Family Scholar House because they want a better life for themselves and their families. They come with dreams and goals, and with the support of our team and our educational partners, they work hard to achieve them.
Today’s tragedy is a heartbreaking reminder of the lives and futures represented by every family we serve. It also reminds us why Family Scholar House is so committed to helping student parents break the cycles of poverty and homelessness, create new cycles of success, and instill the value of education in their children.
Thank you for the many caring emails and calls checking on our families and our team. We are grateful for your concern and support.
Most of all, we ask that you please keep the children of our two participants, their families, and all of our Family Scholar House families in your prayers.
Cathe Dykstra, CEO
