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Community Support for Our Community’s Youth: A Program to Help Students Get Back on Track in School

By Elizabeth Senn-Alvey One in seven teens and young adults (16- to 24-year-olds) in Kentucky were neither in school nor working in 2023 according to a report by Measure of America.    Many of the young people who “disconnect” left before graduating high school, often due to early or consistent exposure to violence or serious trauma, involvement in the child welfare or justice systems, recent immigration to the community, or unrecognized academic challenges. Young people experiencing [...]

By |2024-10-31T13:43:40-04:00October 31st, 2024|Blog, Education, Health, Race Equity, Youth Justice|
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Housing Policy Ambassadors: Speaking Up for Safe, Stable Housing

In October, we had the privilege of hosting an informative retreat for the Housing Policy Ambassador Cohort in Frankfort, Kentucky. This gathering brought together five young adults passionate about housing policy and advocacy. About the Housing Policy Ambassador Cohort The Housing Policy Ambassador Cohort is designed for young leaders across Kentucky who are ready to share their experiences to make effective changes related to housing instability. Running from October 2024 to December 2025, this [...]

By |2024-10-30T14:06:41-04:00October 30th, 2024|Blog, Economic Security, Health, Race Equity|
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Kentucky Won Big Against JUUL – but What Happens Now?

Kentucky kids need safe and healthy communities to grow up, free from harmful products like nicotine and tobacco. But for decades, tobacco manufacturers have found ways to evolve their products and marketing strategies to appeal to youth at a young age and keep them hooked.   Despite youth smoking rates declining over the past decade, current use rates remain a concern – with Kentucky youth using nicotine and tobacco at a higher rate than the national [...]

By |2024-10-16T17:36:06-04:00October 16th, 2024|Blog, Education, Health|
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The Power of Community in Recovery

By Jeanna Coleman, KY SEAT Member Here at KY SEAT, September is especially meaningful since it's Recovery Month, a national celebration. The goals of this yearly celebration are to commemorate the commitment of communities and service providers who enable recovery in all its forms, to acknowledge the growth of a robust and proud recovery community, and to promote and support innovative evidence-based treatment and recovery methods.  At KY SEAT, we deeply understand the challenges and [...]

By |2024-09-27T11:45:57-04:00September 27th, 2024|Blog, Child Welfare & Safety, Health|
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Keeping Kentucky Youth Safe on Our Roads

By  Kathleen Baldwin, Intern at Kentucky Youth Advocates Getting behind the wheel for the first time and the ability to drive themselves to school, work, and social events is among one of the many milestones celebrated by teens across Kentucky. This is often an exciting time when teens gain independence, but it also comes with some important safety considerations. Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Every state has its own unique graduated driver’s license (GDL) program, outlining [...]

By |2024-09-26T16:16:03-04:00September 26th, 2024|Blog, Child Welfare & Safety, Health|
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Latest Census Data on Housing and Health Insurance

By Peyton Walker, Intern at Kentucky Youth Advocates This month, the Census Bureau released its most recent 1-year estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS). The ACS is a Census survey that tracks a wealth of data, which advocates can access online in a user-friendly, searchable format. The data from the ACS provides important insights that can help us to see what is working and where we need to improve.  Kentucky Youth Advocates’ KIDS COUNT Data [...]

By |2024-09-26T09:33:36-04:00September 26th, 2024|Blog, Economic Security, Health, Medicaid|
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Take Action for the Farm Bill During Hunger Action Month

September is Hunger Action Month, a nationwide effort to raise awareness about hunger in the U.S. A key piece of federal legislation in combating hunger is the Farm Bill, which is set to expire at the end of the month.  The Farm Bill is a comprehensive piece of legislation that determines national agriculture, conservation, and nutrition policies. It encompasses vital programs ranging from crop insurance for farmers to food assistance for low-income families. This bill [...]

By |2024-09-24T16:08:05-04:00September 24th, 2024|Blog, Bloom Kentucky, Economic Security, Health|
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A Look at the Connection Between ACEs and Physical Health

By Ellen Ward, Intern at Kentucky Youth Advocates Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), including trauma such as abuse, neglect, and family dysfunction, are widely recognized for their lasting effects on mental health. Not as obvious, however, is the physical toll ACEs take on the body, which is equally significant and long-lasting. Chronic stress stemming from childhood trauma can lead to a range of serious health issues. Traumatic experiences in childhood trigger a cascade of stress responses in [...]

By |2024-09-11T15:49:37-04:00September 11th, 2024|Blog, Bloom Kentucky, Education, Health|
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Planting Seeds for Youth Substance Use Prevention

One of my favorite quotes is: "Legacy. What is a legacy? It's planting seeds in a garden you may never get to see." This particular iteration is from Hamilton, but you’ve likely encountered a variation of this quote either biblically or from someone in your life. This idea perfectly encapsulates the bold and forward-thinking action taken by Attorney General Russell Coleman in the recent meeting with the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission. During the meeting, [...]

By |2024-09-11T13:58:12-04:00September 11th, 2024|Blog, Bloom Kentucky, Child Welfare & Safety, Education, Health|
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Challenging the Funk: Experiencing and Overcoming Mental Health Challenges

This blog was originally posted by True Up in recognition of September as Suicide Prevention Month. By Tatum Heath Growing up, my childhood was marked by experiences that left deep scars—neglect, instability, and abuse. These early adversities shaped my worldview and, at times, left me feeling like I was hopeless and stranded. But as I reflect on my journey, I’ve learned that there are ways to find light, even in the darkest places. If you’re [...]

By |2024-09-11T13:39:23-04:00September 11th, 2024|Blog, Child Welfare & Safety, Health|
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