Press Releases

Metro Louisville awards $33,100 grant to Family & Children’s Place
Human Services grant benefits child advocacy and school-based services

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Jun. 28, 2021) – Through funding reserved for “Council-designated priorities” in the Mayor’s proposed budget, Family & Children’s Place received a $33,100 grant approved by the Louisville Metro Council’s Budget Committee.

For 138 years, Family & Children’s Place has been working to build communities where children are safe, families are strong, and child victims of abuse and neglect become children again. Programs focus on the most vulnerable children while aiming for the safety and well-being of all children. The public safety work performed by Family & Children’s Place not only aids those who have experienced family and neighborhood violence, but also prevents such acts by building safe, healthy families and communities

The grant will support the Child Advocacy Center and CLASP – the Collaborative Learning After-School Program – for students at Meyzeek Middle School in downtown Louisville. Serving a seven county area, the Child Advocacy Center provides services for children and families after traumatic incidents or allegations of abuse and neglect. CLASP facilitates safe and productive out of school time activities for both students and their families through Healthy Family Nights.

“This funding couldn’t come at a better time,” said Pam Darnall, president and CEO of Family & Children’s Place. “After such a difficult year emotionally and financially for so many, the programs and services we provide will be crucial in helping the community recover. We are grateful to Metro Council for making our organization and so many others a priority.”

As quarantine lifts, the Child Advocacy Center has begun to see an increase in activity as children were being seen in person again by teachers, coaches and other caregivers. “Studies have shown that a majority of child victims of abuse know their abuser,” Darnall said. “Unfortunately, during the quarantine period, many of these children were trapped at home and unable to receive the help and treatment they needed.”

The CLASP program, delivered through Family & Children’s Place School-Based Services, provides highly structured activities that help students develop positive values, social competencies and positive identities. After meeting virtually, services were able to operate in person for a short summer session and plan to continue once the school year resumes.

The Metro Council Budget Committee’s amended budget expanded funding for human services, public safety, libraries, road and sidewalk projects, parks, infrastructure, and deferred maintenance. Human service grants are awarded to non-profit organizations offering programs or services that advance the long-range vision and goals established by Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government.

#    #    #

About Family & Children’s Place

Family & Children’s Place (FCP) protects Kentuckiana children, families and communities from abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and helps move them from hurting to healing.  FCP serve more than 3,500 children and families annually through trauma-informed and impact-evident services.  For more information about Family & Children’s Place, visit www.famchildplace.org or call 502-893-3900.