Helping Students Build Confidence and Independence in Jackson County, Kentucky

FSCS Coordinator Charity Rose speaks to a group of LCCHS students

For Charity Rose, the most rewarding part of her job comes from working alongside the students she is serving, including her own children.

“Being in the school, I can see what the needs are, and I can bring in programs and resources to meet those needs,” Rose said. “Not just for my own kids, but for all the students,” she continued.

Rose has been a Full-Service Community Schools Coordinator at Jackson County High School since August of 2023. After graduating from JCHS in 2005, Rose stayed in Jackson County and commuted to campus while earning her degree in communication studies from Eastern Kentucky University.

“I’ve always wanted to stay here,” Rose said. “It’s a nice community where everybody knows everybody.”

Rose describes her role as a liaison between the school and the community. One of the things she loves most is the variation in her day to day duties. Through FSCS and partnerships with the school, Rose brings in programs and activities that appeal to the diverse interests of the student body. Rose has organized demonstrations from blacksmiths and artists, as well as events college and career events and a health fair.

One of her favorite projects has been the launch of “Adulting 101” classes, an after-school program where students learn important skills to help them gain independence and succeed after graduation. Adulting 101 offers six classes each semester. Previous lessons have covered basic first aid, car mechanics, cooking, homemaking, resume workshops and interview skills.

“We are bringing back skills that are lost,” Rose said. “The feedback has been good; the program is really needed.”

Students have shown enthusiasm for the classes by showing up consistently and sharing their ideas for future topics. Adulting 101 will continue this fall.