Lexington Habitat for Humanity will begin the 2025 building season in memory of twenty-one-year-old Grayson Michael Parker. The new home — a townhouse located at Seventh Street and Maple Avenue — is generously sponsored by the Parker Family Foundation in honor of Grayson’s life. The sponsorship continues the long legacy of support for Lexington Habitat started by Grayson’s grandparents, Larry and Kitty Parker.
Grayson, a caring, thoughtful, big-hearted young man, struggled privately with a depressive disorder that was ultimately responsible for his death. Despite personal, academic and athletic success, Grayson experienced suicidal thoughts for several years and hid his pain from those around him. After he died, the Parker family established the Grayson Parker Memorial Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting organizations that were meaningful to Grayson and his family. They are hopeful that Grayson’s story will encourage other young adults who may be struggling with mental health, depression and feelings of hopelessness to reach out to resources for support — and to discover that they are not alone in this battle.
“His kindness, compassion, and willingness to help others and put their needs before his own epitomized his personality throughout his 21 years,” said his mother, Jackie Parker.
Construction of the home will kick off on February 18th at 8:30 a.m. at the townhome project located at the corner of Seventh Street and Maple Avenue.
“We are grateful for the Parker family’s continued commitment to Lexington Habitat for Humanity,” said CEO Darryl Neher. “Grayson’s story and his memory will no doubt live on through the lives touched by his organization, and in particular, Jennifer and her family.”
Homebuyer Jennifer looks forward to beginning construction on her new home, where she and her adolescent daughter will live. The home will include accessibility features such no-step thresholds, hallways wider than standard halls to allow for wheelchair use, blocking behind the walls to allow for easy grab bar installation, a bathroom with a wheelchair turn radius, and more. Jennifer’s daughter is a wheelchair user and the family looks forward to living in a stable, accessible space.
To the Parker family, Jennifer says, “There simply aren’t enough words within the English language to fully describe the depths of my appreciation. These kind and selfless acts are not taken lightly.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is (800) 273-8255. Mental health resources in Kentucky include the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, New Vista and the local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Health.
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