Supporting Single Parent Recipients Through Compassionate Counseling
Each May, Mental Health Awareness Month reminds us of the critical importance of emotional well-being—especially for individuals balancing multiple roles and responsibilities. At Single Parent Scholarship Fund of NWA (SPSFNWA), we recognize that mental health is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. For our recipients, who are raising children alone while pursuing higher education and working to break the cycle of poverty, mental health support can be a lifeline.
That’s why SPSFNWA proudly offers free, professional counseling for all scholarship recipients and their children. This vital service is led by Michelle Cox, MS, LPC, LMFT, RPT, a licensed therapist who brings both expertise and deep compassion to her work with our families.
Why Mental Health Matters—Especially Now
The stressors that affect college students are well-documented—academic pressures, financial insecurity, time management challenges, and isolation can take a toll. But for single parents, the stakes are even higher. Balancing coursework with parenting duties, part- or full-time work, and day-to-day household management can lead to chronic stress, burnout, and emotional exhaustion.
When mental health suffers, everything else becomes harder: performance in school, parenting, and even the ability to envision a better future. That’s why access to mental health care must be part of the support system we provide to students striving to change their lives.
Breaking Barriers: Free Counseling for Our Recipients
Too often, low-income families and individuals go without mental health care due to cost, stigma, or lack of access. SPSFNWA removes those barriers by offering completely free, confidential counseling to all recipients and their children. There’s no insurance required, no out-of-pocket fees, and no red tape.
Our counselor, Michelle Cox, provides a safe and nurturing space for individuals and families to process grief, navigate anxiety or depression, manage stress, and build healthier communication. With her background in Licensed Professional Counseling (LPC), Marriage and Family Therapy (LMFT), and Play Therapy (RPT), Michelle tailors her approach to meet each recipient where they are.
“Sometimes what our recipients need most is someone to listen—to truly see and hear them without judgment. Therapy gives them that space, and from there, they can begin to heal and grow,” says Michelle.
The Ripple Effect of Mental Health Support
When a single parent receives mental health support, the benefits go far beyond the individual. Children thrive when their caregivers are supported. Families experience better communication, greater emotional resilience, and a stronger sense of connection. And when students are mentally well, they’re more likely to stay in school, graduate, and pursue sustainable careers.
By investing in our recipients’ mental health, SPSFNWA is investing in long-term stability, success, and generational change.
Together, we can break the stigma, remove the barriers, and build a future where mental wellness is a right—not a privilege.
