Resources for Families
Youth Resources
Dinner Table Project: The Dinner Table Project was created by Four Rivers Behavioral Health Regional Prevention Center in 2015 with the basic idea that families that eat together, have better relationships.
Fort Knox – Child & Youth Services: A resource page for Fort Knox child and youth services, including instructional programs, childcare, youth sports and fitness, parent central services, volunteers and coaches, family child care, school support services, the Donna Kirby School Age Center, as well as the Devers Middle School and Teen Center.
Fort Campbell – Child & Youth Services: A resource page for Fort Campbell child and youth services, including parent central services, Child Development Center Care, School Age Center, recreational and educational programs for middle school youth in 6th-8th grade, youth sports, youth instructional programs, family child care, hourly care, the Strong Beginnings Pre-K Program, as well as school support services.
Kentucky Army National Guard – Child & Youth Services: The Child and Youth Program serves Kentucky National Guard connected youth ages 6-18. Events include: Summer Youth Camp, Military Child Appreciation Days, Operation Military Cheer Christmas Assistance, Kentucky Teen Council Meetings, State Symposium, Yellow Ribbon Event support and more.
Military Child Education Coalition: Resource to help children growing up in military families by providing them, their parents, and professionals with programs, resources, and guidance—helping the child stay on course academically, socially, and emotionally
Operation Purple® Camp: Operation Purple® Camp offers military kids a free week of summer camp where they connect with other kids, just like them.
Our Military Kids: Our Military Kids provides activity grants for children and teens during a parent’s National Guard or Reserve deployment or combat-injury recovery.
Sesame Street for Military Families: Sesame Workshop is a nonprofit organization best known for creating Sesame Street. Their mission is to help children grow stronger, smarter, and kinder through educational content that spans over 150 countries. Beyond television, they produce resources across various media, addressing topics like literacy, health, diversity, and military deployment to support kids and families in developing essential skills and emotional strength for lifelong learning.
“Silent Ranks” A Poem by Alli Cly Turner: A moving reading of a powerful poem/book told from the perspective of a military child. The book is available for download.
Talk They Hear You: The “Talk. They Hear You.” campaign seeks to prevent underage drinking and substance use among youth under 21 by equipping parents and caregivers with the information and resources they need to start important conversations early and often.
YMCA of Central Kentucky: Since 1853, the YMCA of Central Kentucky has focused on empowering youth, promoting health and well-being, and strengthening communities. We bring together people from diverse backgrounds to ensure everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Our mission is to support individuals and families through programs that build healthy minds, bodies, and communities, making Central Kentucky a better place for all.
Veteran Services
Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs (KDVA):The Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs (KDVA), established in 1998 by Governor Paul Patton, is dedicated to supporting veterans and their families in accessing all federal, state, and local benefits. The department oversees several divisions, including the Office of Kentucky Veterans Centers, which provides long-term skilled nursing care with specialized services for dementia and Alzheimer’s residents. These centers are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and offer physical therapy and recreational activities to enhance residents’ quality of life. The Office of Kentucky Veterans Services manages the Cemeteries Division, ensuring dignified interment for veterans across five state veterans cemeteries, and the Benefits Division, which employs Veterans Benefits Field Representatives stationed statewide to assist veterans in accessing services. Additionally, KDVA’s Veterans Programs division supports veterans with employment, housing, and financial assistance to improve their well-being and integration into the community.
Volunteers of America (SSVF): Established in 1896, VOA Mid-States is one of the region’s oldest and largest not-for-profit organizations, originally founded when “volunteer” meant dedicating one’s life to helping others. Today, the organization has evolved into a team of nearly 600 trained professionals operating thirty diverse human service programs across Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Clark and Floyd Counties in Indiana. VOA Mid-States addresses a wide range of community needs, providing housing for families, veterans, and low-income seniors, as well as substance use disorder recovery services for men and women, with their Freedom House program serving as a national model for pregnant and parenting women. They also offer care for individuals with developmental disabilities, promote restorative justice, and provide free, confidential HIV testing and education, making a significant impact on the communities they serve.
USA Cares: USA Cares is a national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing financial assistance and post-service skills training to post-9/11 military veterans, service members, and their families, with the goal of creating long-term stability and improving their quality of life. Founded in 2003 from a grassroots partnership between WAVE-3 TV in Louisville, KY, the Mid-South Division of Kroger Food Stores, and the Association of the United States Army Fort Knox Chapter, the organization began as Kentuckiana Cares, raising funds through the sale of “Support Our Troops” yard signs to support military families in financial crises. As the need for assistance grew, it transformed into USA Cares, which has since supported thousands of military families across the nation, working to reduce factors that contribute to veteran suicide and ensuring stability for military families in crisis.
Wellness Care
American Red Cross: The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization driven by a mission to prevent and alleviate suffering both at home and around the world.
Kentucky Army National Guard – Family Assistance Center: The Kentucky National Guard consists of approximately 7,500 Soldiers and Airmen in the Army National Guard and Air National Guard, serving as components of the United States Army and Air Force. Unique in its dual mission, the National Guard supports both federal and state operations. Since September 11, 2001, the Kentucky National Guard has mobilized and deployed over 18,000 Soldiers and Airmen in support of the Global War on Terror. Additionally, the Kentucky National Guard is always prepared to assist communities during local disasters such as floods, tornadoes, and ice storms, as well as to provide security for high-profile events like the Kentucky Derby, ensuring the safety and well-being of the people of the Commonwealth.
Military One Source : Military OneSource is your 24/7 connection to information, answers and support to help you reach your goals, overcome challenges and thrive. As a member of our military family, you are eligible to use this Defense Department-funded program anytime, anywhere. Turn to Military OneSource for tax services, spouse employment help, webinars and online training, relocation and deployment tools, and much more. Learn about some of the ways we serve you.
Survivor Outreach Services: Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) is dedicated to upholding the Kentucky National Guard’s commitment to supporting Families of the Fallen by connecting them with resources and people who can help them navigate their loss and move forward. SOS teams provide active case management, advocate for survivors, and coordinate benefits and services while organizing outreach events and life milestone management. They also collaborate with community agencies and Non-Government Organizations to offer a comprehensive network of support. By maintaining a holistic, multi-agency approach, SOS ensures that Active, Reserve, and Army National Guard Families receive consistent support and all benefits they are entitled to, helping them remain a vital part of the National Guard family for as long as they wish.
Tragedy Assistance Programs for Survivors (TAPS) : TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to providing compassionate care and comprehensive resources to those grieving the loss of a military service member or veteran. Since 1994, TAPS has offered comfort and hope through a national peer support network and access to grief resources, all at no cost to surviving families and loved ones. TAPS provides a wide range of programs, including the National Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp, held annually in Washington, D.C., over Memorial Day weekend, as well as regional survivor seminars, youth programs, and global retreats and expeditions. TAPS also assists survivors in connecting to community counseling and navigating benefits and resources. The 24/7 National Military Survivor Helpline (800-959-TAPS) is always available to provide loving support and guidance. As a national nonprofit 501(c)(3) Veterans Service Organization, TAPS welcomes those who share their mission to support families of America’s fallen heroes through giving, volunteering, or professional engagement.
Veterans Crisis Line: Launched in 2007 with just 14 responders in Canandaigua, N.Y., the Veterans Crisis Line has expanded to include a 24/7 call, chat, and text service with over 500 trained responders across three call center locations. Many responders are Veterans themselves, providing a unique understanding of the challenges faced by those who have served. The Crisis Line not only offers immediate support but can also connect Veterans to local suicide prevention coordinators (SPCs) at VA medical centers nationwide for continued care and counseling. The service is also available for active-duty service members, National Guard, Reserves, and their families and friends through the Military Crisis Line, accessible by dialing 988 and pressing 1, chatting at MilitaryCrisisLine.net, or texting 838255 for free and confidential assistance.