This week on our Advocate Virtual Forum, Terry Brooks reflects on current events, confronting racism, and Kentucky Youth Advocates' recommitment to focusing on the impact of systemic racism on public policy and listening and learning from impacted communities. We also discuss the reopening of child care across Kentucky, including the anticipated impact on child care providers, families, and businesses and the continued advocacy needed so the sector can serve children. Listen to the conversation [...]

This week on our Advocate Virtual Forum we continue our conversation on K-12 education with advocates from across the state, including Penny Christian, president of the 16th District PTA in Lexington; Dr. Elizabeth Dinkins, Dean of the Bellarmine University School of Education; Brent McKim, President of the Jefferson County Teachers Association; and, Dr. Leon Mooneyhan, Executive Director of the Ohio Valley Education Cooperative. They discuss the realities of Non-Traditional Instruction, students' academic achievement, the [...]

Terry Brooks was joined this week on an Advocate Virtual Forum by Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman, who also serves as the Secretary of the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet, to discuss the future of education and workforce–and more. This is part of a series of conversations where we examine the immediate and long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Kentucky kids and the systems that influence their lives – health care, education, early childhood [...]

Terry Brooks is joined via phone by Nikki Thornton, Director of Program Operations at True Up, and Tia Humphrey, a member of the Voices of the Commonwealth. They discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting young people in or transitioning out of foster care and the supports they need to stay healthy and safe during this time. Join a virtual support group with VOC members every Friday at 3 PM CT/4 PM ET. RSVP [...]

Terry Brooks is joined via phone by Abby Drane, President & CEO of Seven Counties Services and Bellewood & Brooklawn, and Dale Suttles, president of Sunrise Children’s Services. They discuss how their organizations have adjusted to the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic and ways they are helping the youth in their care and the families they serve cope with stress and trauma. This is part of a series of conversations where we examine the [...]