Bloom Kentucky Sprout-Out: The ACE Project

By E'Lesha Toomer, Program Director of The ACE Project As part of Bloom Kentucky, “sprout outs” are our way of giving a meaningful shout out to programs fostering hope and resilience in our communities. We’re proud to spotlight the incredible work of The ACE Project!  The ACE Project (Acting Compassionate Everyday) is a youth and family centered organization committed to prevention, empowerment, and long-term community impact. Based in Louisville, their mission is to provide youth [...]

By |2026-02-18T15:01:14-05:00February 18th, 2026|Blog, Bloom Kentucky|

Bloom Kentucky Sprout-Out: Ohio County United for Youth

As part of Bloom Kentucky, “sprout outs” are our way of giving a meaningful shout out to programs fostering hope and resilience in our communities. We’re proud to spotlight the incredible work of Ohio County United for Youth. Ohio County United for Youth is an organization led by young people in partnership with adult volunteers in Ohio County, Kentucky. Their work is guided by the Developmental Assets Framework, which “identifies 40 research-based positive experiences that [...]

Time-Balls & Bloom Kentucky: 2025 in Review

Every New Year’s Eve, millions watch as the iconic Times Square ball drops. What many don’t know is that the “ball-drop” has historic roots dating back to the 1830s where the first “time-ball” was installed atop England’s Royal Observatory at Greenwich to help captains of nearby ships set their chronometers for navigation. As the ball drops for 2025 and signals our entry in 2026, I cannot help but reflect on Bloom Kentucky’s major milestones from [...]

Positive Childhood Experiences: Feeling Safe and Protected by an Adult in the Home

Did you know that creating positive experiences in childhood can lay the groundwork for lifelong resilience and well-being? These experiences are known as Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs). PCEs highlight the nurturing moments, relationships, and environments that build a child’s inner strength and emotional health. In the Bloom Kentucky blog series, we explore how we can nurture these positive experiences to support children across the Commonwealth.  Today’s spotlight is on the PCE of feeling safe [...]

By |2025-08-07T12:25:18-04:00August 7th, 2025|Blog, Bloom Kentucky|

Positive Childhood Experiences: Having at Least Two Non-Parent Adults Who Genuinely Cared

Can you think of someone in your life, outside of your parental figures, who showed a deep and genuine care for you? Having access to supportive, non-parental adults who care is considered a positive childhood experience and helps buffer life’s toughest times.  David Townsend, Executive Director of The Home of Opportunities and Dreams (HOOD), uses his time and talents to create welcoming environments that promote positive development and create access to safe and trusted [...]

By |2025-06-25T12:16:41-04:00June 18th, 2025|Blog, Bloom Kentucky|

Positive Childhood Experiences: Feeling supported by friends

Did you know that creating positive experiences in childhood can lay the groundwork for lifelong resilience and well-being? These experiences are known as Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs). PCEs highlight the nurturing moments, relationships, and environments that build a child’s inner strength and emotional health. In the Bloom Kentucky blog series, we explore how we can nurture these positive experiences to support children across the Commonwealth.  Today’s spotlight is on the PCE of feeling supported [...]

By |2025-04-02T12:01:15-04:00April 2nd, 2025|Blog, Bloom Kentucky|

Positive Childhood Experiences: Feeling a sense of belonging in high school

Did you know that positive experiences in childhood can shape lifelong resilience and well-being? These moments, known as Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs), create a strong foundation for emotional and social development. While Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) focus on difficulties and trauma, PCEs emphasize the relationships, environments, and opportunities that nurture a child’s growth. In the Bloom Kentucky blog series, we explore how fostering these positive experiences can support children across the Bluegrass. Today, we’re [...]

By |2025-02-26T17:09:57-05:00February 26th, 2025|Blog, Bloom Kentucky|

Positive Childhood Experiences: The enjoyment of participation in community traditions

Did you know that creating positive experiences in childhood can lay the groundwork for lifelong resilience and well-being? These experiences are known as Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs). Unlike Adverse Childhood Experiences, PCEs highlight the nurturing moments, relationships, and environments that build a child’s strength and emotional health. In the Bloom Kentucky blog series, we explore how we can nurture these positive experiences to support children across the Bluegrass. Today’s spotlight is on the enjoyment [...]

By |2025-01-22T14:04:53-05:00January 22nd, 2025|Blog, Bloom Kentucky|

Positive Childhood Experiences: The sense that family is supportive during difficult times

During life’s most challenging moments, the presence of a supportive family can be a lifeline, providing stability and strength. And for our youth, Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) are foundational in helping children build resilience, emotional well-being, and the capacity to overcome adversity. As we dive into our second key PCE in this blog series, I reflect on my own childhood experience of having a supportive, familial adult in my life, and how it taught [...]

By |2024-12-12T13:03:03-05:00December 12th, 2024|Blog, Bloom Kentucky|

Positive Childhood Experiences: The ability to talk with family about feelings

Did you know that creating positive experiences in childhood can lay the groundwork for lifelong resilience and well-being? These experiences are known as Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs). Unlike Adverse Childhood Experiences, which focus on negative impacts, PCEs highlight the nurturing moments, relationships, and environments that build a child’s strength and emotional health. By fostering a supportive environment where children feel safe, valued, and heard, we help them develop the resilience they need to navigate [...]

By |2024-11-07T11:32:34-05:00November 7th, 2024|Blog, Bloom Kentucky|
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