It’s hard to believe that 2024 is coming to a close. This year, Bloom Kentucky traveled many miles, hosted a number of conversations, advocated for policy to mitigate adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and has worked to cultivate a Commonwealth where every kid and family can flourish.
As we look back on this year, Bloom Kentucky has accomplished some major milestones.
Cultivating Collaboration and Collective Vision for Legislative Impact
By hosting monthly Bloom Policy Team meetings and quarterly Advisory Council sessions, Bloom convened a diverse range of stakeholders—from grantmakers and youth leaders to healthcare professionals, educators, and community advocates—to build a collective vision and push for upstream policy solutions.
Learn more about Bloom Kentucky’s legislative impact here.
Some highlights from the the 2024 state legislative session and the interim include:
- Passage of HB377 to create the Teacher Recruitment Student Loan Forgiveness Pilot Program and establish Student-Teacher stipends in eligible programs
- Progress on dialogue and filing of bills around housing stability, child care, strengthening family supports, and maternal health through HB199, SB103, HCR68, HB71, SB203, and SB34
- Bloom Kentucky also had the opportunity to educate the IJC on Families and Children through testimony on Adverse Childhood Experiences
As we look toward the 2025 legislative session, we hope to see continued advocacy and support around these priorities, in addition to action around considering caregiver status when filing sentences for non-violent offenders (learn more here) and additional training for child care providers to support students with special needs.
Growing Knowledge and Planting Seeds for Impact
Bloom Kentucky has worked intentionally with partners to further grow the knowledge of Kentuckians around ACEs, Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs), and adverse community environments through community conversations, webinars, educational blogs, data dissemination, technical assistance, and targeted presentations.
By fostering understanding and awareness, Bloom Kentucky has empowered individuals, organizations, and policymakers to take actionable steps—advocating for the mitigation of ACEs, leveraging opioid settlement funds for prevention, and driving greater impact across communities.
Explore resources and educational materials on Bloom Kentucky’s website to deepen your understanding and support this vital work.
In the coming year, Bloom Kentucky will continue traveling to every corner of the Commonwealth to educate, engage, and plant seeds for lasting impact. If you are interested in joining our efforts, there are numerous opportunities to get involved—check out a few below:
- Register for the 2025 Bloom Kentucky Summit (May 7, 2025)
- Host a Regional Session
- Sign up for Email Updates
Nurturing Youth to Use Their Voice for Impact
Bloom Kentucky is committed to nurturing youth to become advocates for change by providing opportunities for leadership, education, and action. Through initiatives like the Mock Legislative Meeting and gathering youth to engage with the Attorney General on substance use prevention efforts, Bloom has ensured the youngest of Kentuckians are equipped with the tools to advocate and have a seat at the table with efforts that will shape their future.
From September to December 2024, Bloom hosted a series of Youth Focus Groups across Kentucky, amplifying the voices of 70 students to inform the Attorney General’s statewide youth prevention campaign.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As 2024 comes to a close, we reflect on the remarkable progress made through collaboration, education, and advocacy. Bloom Kentucky’s efforts this year have been driven by a shared vision: creating a Commonwealth where every child, family, and community can thrive. Whether it was convening stakeholders, amplifying youth voices, or advancing critical policies, every step taken has moved us closer to this goal.
In 2025, Bloom Kentucky will build on this momentum—continuing to champion upstream solutions, cultivate partnerships, and empower communities across the state. Together, we can break cycles of adversity, foster positive experiences, and ensure that Kentucky’s future is one where every child has the opportunity to bloom.
Leave A Comment