Author: Emily Bandy

PCAK, Lotus, Kentucky DCBS Aid Western Kentucky Families through Geaux Bag Delivery

On January 5, 2022, Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky (PCAK), delivered 200 Geaux Bags to Lotus Children’s Advocacy & Sexual Violence Resource Center in Paducah, Kentucky.  PCAK facilitated this donation via the Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services, whose representatives traveled from Baton Rouge to personally deliver the bags. The Geaux bags will be distributed to children impacted by the December 10, 2021 tornado that devasted the Western Kentucky area.

The Geaux Bags, generally used in Louisiana for a child’s first night in foster care, include many necessary supplies for children, including a pillow, blanket, personal care items, and an age-appropriate toy.  Lotus and the Kentucky Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) will distribute the bags and other resources, including essential supplies, coping tools, and information about traumatic stress, to various area donation distribution zones and through direct deliveries to children and families.

“We are so grateful to our friends in Louisiana for reaching out with their offer of assistance, and for their personally making the trip to deliver the Geaux bags. Our spirit of partnership spans across state lines, and we know this donation will make a difference in the lives of children who have been uprooted because of the tornado in Western Kentucky,” said Jill Seyfred, Executive Director of Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky.

“Our community and statewide partnerships have played a key role in our efforts to address the needs of survivors, children, and families in our region impacted by the tornado,” said Lori Wells Brown, Executive Director of Lotus. “We are grateful to PCAK and the Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services for coordinating this donation, and to the Kentucky Department for Community Based Services, for their partnership in supporting impacted survivors, children, and families in building resilience as our communities continue recovery efforts.”

Founded in 1987, Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky is the leading statewide child abuse prevention organization.  They are the Kentucky chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America and offer statewide programs and services.

Lotus is Kentucky’s designated Children’s Advocacy and Sexual Violence Resource Center for the Purchase Region.  Lotus’s mission is to support survivors, strengthen families, and empower communities.  Committed to ending child abuse and sexual violence, Lotus works to cultivate safe, equitable, just communities where all persons thrive.

The Kentucky Department for Community Based Services provides services and programs to enhance the self-sufficiency of families; improve safety and permanency for children and vulnerable adults; and engage families and community partners in a collaborative decision-making process.

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To learn more about Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky, visit www.pcaky.org.

To learn more about Lotus Children’s Advocacy and Sexual Violence Resource Center, visit www.hopehealgrow.org.

To learn more about the Kentucky Department for Community Based Services, visit https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dcbs/Pages/default.aspx.

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As we reflect back on 2021 and celebrate our accomplishments, our hearts are heavy as we continue, as a united Commonwealth, to lift our Western KY neighbors up with our prayers, donations and volunteer time. We thank you for your commitment to all Kentucky’s children, youth and families.

10. It’s hard to hire people during a pandemic. But, we are so pleased to welcome Amanda Royer (left) and Sara Early Jenkins (right) to our team. Amanda is our Manager of Partner Relations and Sara is our Programs and Trainings Coordinator. They started their tenure with us in October and hit the floor running.

9. Partnering with UofL to create surveys which will provide us with valuable data on our partners’ primary prevention and fatherhood activities, as well as a summary of how they are faring as a result of COVID.

8. Our work was nationally recognized when our staff was chosen to present four different workshops to national audiences. We are a small, but mighty staff who have trained thousands of people, and have a wealth of expertise in a wide array of topics. We’re so proud of our staff members!

7. Offering five trainings during Child Abuse Prevention Month that attracted 770 participants. Trainings were offered free-of-charge, thanks to our sponsor, WellCare.

6. Becoming an accredited No HIT Zone agency, and training 25 partners on how they can become No HIT Zones. We also provided technical assistance to another state who is looking to replicate our efforts.

5. Positive fatherhood engagement is critical to the overall success and well-being of a child. We are thrilled we received three grants to promote our work in this area. Thanks to Traditional Bank, American Electric Power and the Cralle Foundation for their support.

4. Even though we were (are?) in the throes of a pandemic, the breadth of participation we received for our Child Abuse Prevention Month activities was phenomenal. We distributed more than 40,000 pinwheels and almost 70,000 pieces of information. More than 60 groups participated in our Wear Blue Day efforts, and our website saw an increase of 36% in hits for the month.

3. We held our 2nd virtual Kids Are Worth It!® Conference in September, and again, drew more than 400 participants. Even more important, 97% of respondents to the conference survey said they learned of a new resource which will help them prevent child abuse and neglect.

2. Hosting KY’s inaugural Neglect Summit in August. The invitation-only event was well-received and featured national speakers, time for state discussion and action-planning. We held a follow-up planning session in December and are poised to mobilize on this important topic.

1. Launching our “Are They Good For Your Kids” campaign in April, thanks to a $26,600 grant from the Child Victim’s Trust Fund. The Campaign featured a kick-off with the Attorney General, and extensive media coverage. To date, the campaign has had almost 3,000,000 impressions.

For resources to support those affected by storms in Western Kentucky, click here. To donate to Prevent Child Kentucky, click here.

In the aftermath of the tornado that impacted Western Kentucky on Friday, December 10, PCAK has compiled a list of resources and ways to help those impacted. This list will be updated regularly as we receive additional needs from our Partners across the state.

Resources

The Kentucky Nonprofit Network is compiling a list of resources available as well as those needing assistance. To list a resource or request assistance, please use the forms below.

1. If your nonprofit is providing services to those impacted, please share the information here: https://bit.ly/nonprofitstormservices.

2. If your nonprofit needs assistance to be able to get up and running to provide services, please share that information here: https://bit.ly/nonprofitstormneeds.

Additionally, His House Ministries, a nondenominational church in Mayfield is organizing volunteers to clear debris and serving hot meals for victims of the tornado. Members are posting daily updates on their Facebook page, here: https://www.facebook.com/hishousetv.

Governor Beshear and Team Kentucky have developed this webpage to provide answers on a variety of topics: https://governor.ky.gov/tornadoresources

Donations

1. Top Shelf Lobby is organizing a Christmas Toy Drive and diaper drive for those in the Mayfield community. Unwrapped donations will be accepted at Top Shelf Lobby (302 Shelby Street, Frankfort, KY 40601) or Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky (801 Corporate Drive, Ste. 120, Lexington, KY 40503) until noon on Friday, December 17.

2. The Kentucky Emergency Management Division has organized a survey to collect information from those who would like to donate their skills or time to those in Western Kentucky. At this time, please do not head to Western Kentucky thinking you are going to be able to help, as there are state and federal officials on-site coordinating all details and volunteer efforts.

Complete the survey here.

3. If you are interested in donating items to those in Mayfield, donations can be taken or shipped to the Mayfield-Graves County Fairgrounds (1004 KY-121, Mayfield, KY 42066). Items needed include: water, flash lights, head lamps, batteries, work/ utility gloves, new socks, new undergarments, blankets, coats, warm clothes, shoes, and toiletry items).

4. Blood donation is especially important in the aftermath of a natural disaster. To donate blood at your local Kentucky Red Cross, please visit this link: https://www.redcrossblood.org/. To donate blood through the Kentucky Blood Center, please visit this link: https://kybloodcenter.org/find-a-drive/.

5. Governor Beshear has organized a Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund which will accept monetary contributions. To donate, visit this link: https://secure.kentucky.gov/formservices/Finance/WKYRelief.

6. The Red Cross is currently accepting monetary donations several different ways:

a. Donate online here:

b. Text REDCROSS to 90999 to give $10 to American Red Cross Disaster Relief

c. To donate by phone via credit care, or to ask questions about donating money to the Red Cross, please call 1-800-HELP NOW (1-800-435-7669).

7. The United Way of Kentucky is accepting monetary donations to support impacted communities. To donate, visit this website: https://www.uwky.org/tornado. Families needing help can also call 211, Kentucky’s United Way helpline 24/7, 365 days a year.

8. The Rex Chapman Foundation is partnering with the Blue Grass Community Foundation to assist with tornado relief efforts. Donations are accepted online here: https://bgcf.givingfuel.com/rex-chapman-relief-fund.

9. Those in Dawson Springs especially need tarps, totes, and blankets.

10. Mercy Chefs, based in Virginia, are deploying to Mayfield to provide meals to victims. You can donate to their disaster relief efforts here: https://mercychefs.com/kytornado/.

11. Disaster Relief At Work, Inc. (DRAW) aims to help communities across the United States during natural disasters. DRAW is providing needed supplies to the affected communities from Kentucky to Arkansas in the next 24-36 hours. You Can support DRAW’s efforts here: https://drawbuckets.org/.

12. The Johnson Bar, a local business in Paducah, is collecting items to donate to first responders. For a list of items to donate and more information, please visit their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/thejohnsonbar/.

13. The Community foundation of Western Kentucky has set up a Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund. Donations can be mailed to- CFWS Disaster Relief Fund PO Box 7 Paducah, KY 42001, dropped off at the US Bank Building- 333 Broadway, Suite 530, Paducah, KY 42001, or made online here: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=ZJN8MRXNLQV2G.

14. Mayfield Community Foundation is accepting monetary donations here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/mayfield-kentucky-tornado-relife

15. The Kentucky State Police have created a Western Kentucky Tornado Relief page, found here: https://kentuckystatepolice.org/westernky-relief/.  This page contains opportunities for volunteering, donations, and FEMA relief.

For another list of ways to assist Western Kentucky, please visit WDRB’s website, here: https://www.wdrb.com/news/how-to-help-victims-impacted-by-the-tornadoes-in-western-kentucky/article_c6f80c6e-5aaf-11ec-bcbb-af18ae919a3a.html.

Shelter, Food, and Clothing Needs

The Kentucky Red Cross is working with those impacted in Western Kentucky. If your home was damaged or destroyed by the severe weather, and you need Red Cross assistance, you can call 1-800-RED-CROSS. If you need a safe place to stay, you can find a list of open shelters here: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/find-an-open-shelter.html.

The Kentucky Red Cross has established the following shelters:

• First United Methodist Church,100 Church St., Hickman, KY 42050 – Contact: Justin Jackson 270-254-0261
• Wingo Old Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 334 Lebanon St, Wingo, KY 42088 – Contact: Pastor RB Mays 270-983-0333
• The Way Center, 449 Lebanon Street, Wingo, KY, 42088 – Contact: Pastor Ike Murphy 270-564-0699 (The Wingo Old Cumberland Presbyterian church and The Way are next door to each other and are sharing resources)
• Fancy Farm Knights of Columbus Hall, 20 KY Hwy 39, Fancy Farm, Kentucky, 42039, – Contact: Todd Hayden, Commissioner 270-705-1051
• Lone Oak First Baptist Church, 3601 Lone Oak Road, Paducah, KY 42003 – Contact: Pastor Hank Garner 704-699-3473

Healthcare Resources

The American Psychological Association has resources available for everyone regarding how to process anxieties and fears following a tornado. Those resources can be found here:

• https://www.apa.org/topics/disasters-response/tornadoes-kids · https://www.apa.org/topics/disasters-response/recovering
• Additional mental health, behavioral health, and crisis assistance can be accessed through the Substance Abuse Bureau of Drug & Alcohol Programs at 1-888-604-6106.
• For physical healthcare needs, please contact the Aetna Nurse Hotline at 1-855-620-3924.

Utility Resources

The contact for the Western Kentucky Rural Electric Cooperative is 1-877-495-7322. The Western Kentucky Rural Electric Cooperative operates Monday- Friday 7:30 AM- 5:00 PM.

Additionally, LG and E/ Kentucky Utilities can be contacted at 1-800-981-0600.

Monetary donations are being accepted at the organizations/ entities below:

• Convoy of HopeAspire AppalachiaKentucky Baptist Disaster ReliefShop Local Kentucky – purchase a “Kentucky Strong” T-shirt and 100% of the proceeds will go to the Western Kentucky Tornado Relief FundThe Lee InitiativeMayfield-Graves County United WaySalvation Army Disaster ReliefRelevant Church (Mayfield, KY)Rise and Shine (Bowling Green, KY)Global Giving Midwest US Tornado Relief FundPresbyterian Disaster AssistanceSamaritan’s Purse International ReliefChurches of Christ Disaster Relief EffortLutheran Disaster Response
• Suggested donations of gas, generators, storage bins/totes, flash lights, head lamps, batteries, utility gloves, phone chargers, gas cans, socks, undergarments, blankets, coats, warm clothes, shoes, toiletries, paper towels, plastic utensils, paper plates, feminine hygiene products, baby formula, diapers, wipes, water, non-perishable foods are being accepted at the locations listed below:
  • The Salvation Army Kentucky/Tennessee Division Roebling Point Books, 601 Overton Street, Newport, KY 41071Newport Fire Department, 998 Monmouth St, Newport, KY 41071 Walnut Grove Baptist Church, 2941 Highland Lick Rd, Russellville, KY Stepstone Family and Youth Services, 78 Caky Dr, Benton, KY, 270-527-8388First Baptist Church, 2890 Broadway St, Paducah, KY, 270-442-2728 Marshall County Exceptional Center, 198 Old Symsonia Rd, Benton, KY, 270-252-6530 (8 a.m. to 2 p.m. from Sunday, Dec. 12 – Friday, Dec. 17)Akridge Farm Supply, 724 Fairview Ave, Eddyville, KY 42038, 270-388-2910 – Looking specifically for tarps and gas cansCave City Community Center (Senior Center), 105 Duke St, Cave City, KY 42127 Northside Baptist Church, 611 W Lockridge St, Mayfield, KY Dry Ground Brewing Company, 3121 Broadway St, Paducah, KY 42001 Paducah Beer Werks, 301 N 4th St, Paducah, KY 42001 Four Pegs Smokehouse and Bar, 1053 Goss Ave, Louisville, KY 40217Jamestown City Park Batting Cages, 123 Park Ave, Jamestown, KY 42629 (drop off from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday through Thursday)Russell Springs City Hall, 487 Main Street, Russell Springs, KY 42642 (drop off from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday) Lone Oak Baptist Church, 3601 Lone Oak Rd, Paducah, KY 42003St. Jerome’s Catholic Church, 20 KY-339, Fancy Farm, KY 42039Water drive at Pritchard Community Center, 404 S Mulberry St, Elizabethtown, KY 42701 (need cases of bottled water)Felix Martin Hall, 501 W. Everly Brothers Blvd., Greenville, KY. 42345Kentucky Education Development Corporation, Ashland office (904 Rose Road) and Lexington Office (118 James Court Ste 60 )Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, 208 South Main Street, Lawrenceburg, KY 40342 Winchester Police Department, 16 S. Maple Street, Winchester, KY (accepting donations until Monday evening )Georgetown Fire Department, 101 Jacobs Drive, Georgetown, KY (accepting donations all week) Clarksville Town Hall, 2000 Broadway Street, Clarksville, IN, (accepting donation Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) Dare to Care Food BankHope 2 All Food Pantry, 307 W. Mose Rager Blvd. Drakesboro, KY 42337 Community Kitchen, 1237 Martin Luther King Jr Drive, Paducah, KY Veteran’s Club Inc., 9419 Seatonville rd. at Fern Creek Christian Church, Louisville, KY 40291Henderson County Schools/Henderson Police Department, 735 N. Elm St., Henderson, KY (will fill a bus to deliver to Dawson Springs, can drop off 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) Redemption City Church, 104 Railroad Ave., Dawson Springs KY, 270-425-4310 Mount Zion Baptist Church, 175 Graham Dr., Bowling Green, KY Eleventh St Baptist Church, 1035 Kenton ST. Bowling Green, KY (collecting from Sunday, Dec. 12 through Wednesday, Dec. 15) State Street Baptist Church, 340 State St. Bowling Green, KY (collecting from Sunday, Dec. 12 through Friday, Dec. 17) Hancock’s of Paducah, 3841 Hinkleville Road, Paducah, KY (accepting donations of clean quilts and blankets, Tuesday, Dec. 14 through Friday, Dec. 17, 9 a.m. to 5pm, and Saturday, Dec. 18, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.)Fairview Baptist Church, 701 West Water Street, Mayfield, KY
• Starting today, residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance by registering online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 (for deaf or hard-of-hearing Kentuckians); The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.
• Kentucky State Parks in the area are now open to host families who need housing for at least two weeks. Volunteers who are willing to assist state parks staff housing distressed guests should contact Kentucky State Parks Division Director Andy Kasitz at andy.kasitz@ky.gov.
• Until mobile units for the Department for Community-Based Services locations in Mayfield/Graves County those who need help may call 855-306-8959, or they may apply for help online at kynect.ky.gov. Starting today, a special queue is in place for people needing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, or SNAP.
• SBP – Post-Disaster Homeowner ResourcesAfter disaster, impacted homeowners are often at a loss for what to do next. The following resources are informative and help homeowners make smart decisions in a stressful time.·     Navigating FEMA·     Insurance Guide·     Avoiding Contractor Fraud·     Contractor Fraud Checklist ·     Información general del proceso de asistencia por desastres·     Guía de Seguro Posterior a un Desastre·     Cómo evitar los fraudes de contratistas·     Lista de Verificación de Fraude para Contratistas

Below, please find links for Go Fund Me accounts for the tornado devastation that hit Community Action Agencies in Kentucky.  This money will go to support and resources for each agency.  

Community Action of Southern Kentucky: https://www.gofundme.com/f/community-action-of-southern-ky-tornado-relief – Bowling Green and other areas within their service region.

Pennyrile Allied Community Services: https://www.gofundme.com/f/db9sq2-pacs-tornado-relief-fund – Dawson Springs, Princeton and other areas within their service region.

West Kentucky Allied Services: https://www.gofundme.com/f/wkas-tornado-relief-fund – Mayfield and other areas within their service region.

Children and youth need an understanding of healthy and respectful relationships, boundaries and body safety. They need role models to look to who portray and promote these values and support healthy childhoods. The physical and mental health of Kentucky’s children, youth and parents is at the forefront of the work we do at Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky. While the recent spirit week activities of a Kentucky High School may seem innocent on the surface, the harmful and long-term effects that such conduct may have on the still-forming brains of children and youth must be considered. When something like this takes place, we are teaching youth these behaviors are acceptable. Out of roughly 300 students enrolled in the school, 84 of them (28%) will be sexually victimized prior to their 18th birthday. Our educational institutions are trusted areas where ALL students should be encouraged to reach their full potential, feel comfortable in their surroundings, and most importantly, feel safe with the adults in their lives.