Ocean dream lands woman a scholarship

0 Comments | Register-Guard (Eugene, OR), June, 2003

Byline: Susan Palmer The Register-Guard

When Sally Blankenship walked into the First Place Family Center almost three years ago, a single mom of four kids newly arrived from Illinois, her dream for the future seemed as distant as ocean bottom.

It's a long way from homeless and unemployed to Oregon State University graduate, but Blankenship's dream is standing on more than hope.

It's got real legs now.

A Lane Community College student, Blankenship will transfer to OSU next year to pursue a degree in marine biology. A Ford Family Foundation scholarship awarded this month will help smooth her way.

At First Place Family Center, a haven for homeless families, staff members couldn't help feeling proud of their former client and asked...