Success Stories

Youth Services
Quiet, shy, ambitious, goal oriented and driven are just a few words that describe Casey, an extraordinary young man with a bright future ahead. A few years ago, however, he did not think much about his future. During his sophomore year in high school, he got into trouble when he brought a knife to school. He was given an option to go to the juvenile detention center. Instead, he chose to drop out of school. He was only 15 years old. Right away, he began working on home construction sites but was laid off after a year. He quickly determined that if he ever wanted to make anything out of himself, he had to get his GED. “Tired of the uncertainty, I decided to change my life,” he said. At the beginning he worked on obtaining his GED alone, but as he gained employment and started working seven days a week, studying for his GED test became harder and harder. “I was happy that I was working,” he said, “but I knew I needed to get a better job.” In 2010 he contacted KRFDC’s TREK program and jump-started the process of getting his GED. KRFDC has two youth programs - the Youth Investment Project and TREK (Teamwork, Readiness, Experience, and Knowledge). Both programs encourage learning inside and outside the classroom by supporting youth through summer and year-round work experience and academic enrichment. The agency’s programs help youth obtain the skills they need to graduate or receive their GED; and prepares them for college (visits and tours, applications, financial aid, ACT, supplies) and/or employment (resume, interviewing, dress for success, applications). Community service opportunities and leadership activities are provided. Staff also work to help youth and their families with problems that may present themselves during the program year. With the help of TREK program staff and his peers, Casey obtained his GED in February 2011. The next month, he received his Career Readiness Certificate, a work-related skills credential that helps ensure job seekers are qualified for certain types of jobs by the level of certificate they obtain. “This program pushed me to do what I couldn’t do alone,” said Casey. “There are three things the program really taught me - how to interview for a job, how to write a resume, and how to save money. It was through this program that I learned the value of a dollar.” With GED completion and receipt of other credentials; fulfillment of educational functioning levels goals; and employment, TREK participants can receive cash incentives. Casey said that the money helped a lot. Staff were also able to help his family from time to time with basic necessities. Casey credits the TREK program with giving him the confidence he needed to achieve his goal. “I’m very grateful for what this program has done for me,” he said. “Without Foothills’ help it would have taken a lot longer. Thank you!” Today Casey, now 19, dreams of what he will do next. He’s narrowed his career choices to construction, going to college to earn a Surveyor’s License, or becoming an engineer for the local railroad. He recently obtained his driver’s license and just purchased his first truck. In his spare time, he enjoys watching comedy and action movies, going four-wheeling, and camping.

Liberty Place Recovery Center for Women
The first step in the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) program is to admit that you are powerless over your addiction and that your life has become unmanageable. For Tosha, taking Step 1 of the 12 Steps made her realize just how powerless over alcohol and drugs she was and that her life had, indeed, become unmanageable. Tosha arrived at Liberty Place on October 24, 2008 directly from jail. At only 30 years old, she faced going to prison. But thanks to her probation officer, who fought for her, she was able to come to Liberty Place to get the help she needed. “The root of my problems was drugs and alcohol,” said Tosha. “Coming to Liberty Place allowed me to understand that I have a disease.” Liberty Place Recovery Center for Women is a long-term, residential substance abuse recovery program. In this safe place, KRFDC helps women suffering from alcoholism and/or drug addiction become sober, solve underlying problems, and learn to lead sober, stable, and productive lives. Located in Richmond, Liberty Place is part of the Recovery Kentucky Initiative and serves women in Kentucky’s Sixth Congressional District. With the support of family and staff, Tosha began the long road to recovery. “When I was active in my addiction, I used anything,” admits Tosha. “I knew I had a problem with drugs because once I started, I couldn’t quit.” Alcohol was a different story. “I thought I could control my drinking and never really thought it was a problem because it is socially acceptable,” she said. “Looking back on it though, I know I was wrong.” Her addiction took her to dark places - places she never wants to revisit. “A big key to my recovery was Recovery Dynamics classes,” she said, “and the stories in the Big Book, which reminded me of myself.” With each step Tosha took, she gained new insight about herself and how to manage her disease. “The longer I stayed at Liberty Place, the more I learned,” she said. “I stuck with it no matter how many times I wanted to leave.” When she was able, she began working as a Peer Mentor. Peer Mentors help other clients in the program. They are still actively participating in the program themselves, but are further along in the process. Tosha successfully completed the program in April 2010. Even though she has had trials and tribulations since leaving, going back to her old way of life is not an option. Step-by-step, Tosha reclaimed her life. She credits her success to the 12 Steps, the Big Book, meetings, classes, job responsibilities, meditation, and peer support. She is now responsible, grateful, and accountable. “I put my recovery first and everything else second,” she said. After leaving, Tosha finalized her divorce and regained custody of her son, Blaze, and has started seeing her daughter, Adara, through supervised visitations. She also has a good job at a local Chiropractor’s office. “Daily I thank God in the morning for waking me up sober and in the evening for letting me stay sober through the day,” she said. She is happily engaged to be married to a wonderful man named Tucker. The couple plans to marry in 2012 and will blend their two families together. She is a Twelve Step Program sponsor now and has multiple sponsees. She is working diligently on expunging her record so that she can work in other fields and has a dream of going back to school to obtain a Certification in Drug & Alcohol Counseling to help others. “I am so grateful for Liberty Place,” said Tosha. “This program taught me how strong I am. I can do anything I put my mind to!”

Head Start
Shannon’s relationship with Foothills’ Head Start program began over 30 years ago when she was a student in a small classroom at the old Oliver Community Center in Clark County. She fondly remembers her time in the program. Shannon stated that Head Start not only helped her; it also helped her parents. Shannon had been told early in life that she was unable to have children of her own. Before she married her husband Joe, she actively spent time nurturing children as a foster parent. Shortly after the couple married eight years ago, they decided to be foster parents together. Shayne came into their home when he was only a few days old. Around the same time, Shannon found out that she was six weeks pregnant. “We were thrilled,” she exclaimed. “I can’t describe how blessed we were to have two children.” Within a year, the couple had Joseph, AKA “little Joe”, and fostered Shayne’s biological brother Andrew. Since then, Shayne and Andrew have both been adopted by the couple. “Children are precious gifts,” said Shannon, “and we have three healthy, beautiful boys.” When each boy was old enough they began attending the Head Start program. Foothills’ Head Start program helps economically disadvantaged children from birth to five years old develop educational and social skills. Family members are encouraged to be involved in activities and educational experiences that help foster a lifetime of commitment to quality education. In collaboration with the county school systems, Head Start promotes school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of children through the provision of educational, health, nutritional, social and other services to enrolled children and families. Shayne, the oldest, transitioned into Head Start from First Steps, a statewide early intervention program that provides services to children with developmental disabilities from birth to age three and their families. Little Joe and Andrew went straight into Head Start. All three boys attended the program for two years. “Head Start is a great program,” said Shannon. “The teachers are wonderful and genuinely care about the children.” The couple credits the Head Start program for instilling valuable life skills into their boys. “We’ve both seen a tremendous change in the boys since they’ve attended Head Start,” said Joe. “The program thoroughly prepared them for kindergarten.” Not only has the program helped the boys, it has also helped Joe and Shannon. Joe is very involved with the Head Start parent committee and serves on the School Based Decision Making Council at Shayne’s elementary school. Shannon, who is also involved in the local parent committee, serves as a liaison between the local parent group and the program’s Area Policy Council (APC). The most important way in which governance is shared with Head Start parents is through the Head Start APC. By serving as a member of this committee, Shannon has the opportunity to provide direction to Foothills’ Head Start program. Last year, Shannon was elected as President of APC. “I enjoy serving on APC,” said Shannon. “It’s meaningful to advocate for children, because they can’t advocate for themselves.” Through her service, Shannon has gained valuable leadership skills. In 2010, she had the opportunity to attend the Kentucky Head Start Association State Conference where she brought back valuable ideas that were used in both the classroom and her home. As a family, they enjoy attending church, walking outside, playing at the park, watching movies, and going on trips to places such as the zoo and Kings Island. Every summer they enjoy the summer reading program at the local Library. “We are very thankful for what Head Start has done for our family,” said Shannon, who is pregnant and expecting another child in April. Pictured l-r: Shayne, little Joe, Shannon, Joe, and Andrew.

Mobile Health Clinic / Health Care for the Homeless
Kenneth has been a patient of Foothills’ Health Care for the Homeless program since 2007 and is quite a remarkable success story. It was here where he was helped back on the road to better health. Kenneth first came to the clinic in Powell County with arthritis pain and muscle spasms in his joints. “I was in rough shape the first time I came in,” recalls Kenneth. “Some days I could hardly move.” Before coming to the clinic, several years had passed since he had seen a doctor of any kind. In fact, he had never had a family doctor and only sought treatment when he was badly hurt. Since 2005, KRFDC has been providing a wide array of health care and related services to Estill and Powell counties through the Healthcare for the Homeless Program, which takes medical care out of the traditional hospital-based setting and brings it to a population in need of health services. In 2011, the Health & Wellness Center opened in Clay City to serve the needs of Powell County. In Estill County, outreach and primary care services are provided within a 40-foot mobile health clinic that sits adjacent to the Estill County Outreach Office. Services at both locations include exams, immunizations, medication assistance, referrals, mental health and case management services, and outreach and other supportive services. Throughout his adult life, Kenneth worked as a linesman, an extremely hazardous occupation. Due to the pain he experienced associated with his arthritis and some breathing problems, he was forced to stop working. As a result, his income ceased and his health began to worsen. “The clinic helped me manage the pain of my arthritis,” he said. “I was also diagnosed with bronchitis, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).” Admittedly a lifelong smoker, Kenneth quit smoking with the support of clinic staff. He began to feel slightly better but within weeks something just didn’t feel right. “I started coughing up blood,” he said, “which was pretty scary.” He rushed back to the clinic for help and after various tests and X-Rays, he was diagnosed with cancer in his left lung. It spread slightly and had gone into his right lung and liver. He promptly began chemotherapy treatment at Markey Cancer Center in Lexington. While receiving treatment, he developed pneumonia. “Had the cancer not been spotted early on, the outcome could have been very different,” said Kenneth. “I’m so thankful it was caught and that I was able to receive treatment.” During this time, clinic staff helped him apply for and receive disability and SSI. He also received a Medicaid card which has helped him tremendously with his health care costs. Today Kenneth’s health continues to improve, and he is in remission. He is optimistic about his future and is prepared to do whatever it takes to beat the cancer. He enjoys spending time with his wife and likes to go fishing and coon hunting when he’s able. He continues to get regular checkups at the clinic and is monitored closely. “I was lucky to have a place like this where I could come for help,” said Kenneth. “I don’t know what I would have done without Foothills. They have done a wonderful job and treated me very well.” To be eligible for Healthcare for the Homeless services individuals must be homeless. An individual is considered homeless if they are without permanent housing. They may live on the streets, ‘doubled up’ with friends and/or extended family members, stay in a shelter, mission, single room occupancy facilities, abandoned building or vehicle, or in any other unstable or non-permanent situation. People who pay a disproportionate amount of their income toward housing expenses may also qualify for the program.

Richmond Child Care Center
For Don and Michelle, the road to bringing a child into their lives was a long one, but well worth the journey. Unable to conceive, the couple decided to adopt. Shortly after they began the adoption process, they were chosen to become Rhys’ parents by his birth mother through an open adoption. “We feel lucky that we didn’t have children because we would have never got Rhys,” said Don. The couple received custody of Rhys five days after he was born and has since completed the adoption process. “What Rhys’ birth mother did was so special for our family,” said Don. “It changed our lives forever.” He added, “You don’t realize how selfish you are until you have a child. Since I’ve become a parent, my sole focus has been on Rhys. He is such a blessing.” Michelle said, “I thought I knew what love was when I met Don, but having a child takes it to a whole other level. Rhys smiles at me and I want to cry. I now understand what true joy means.” When the couple started to look for daycare for young Rhys they turned to KRFDC’s Richmond Child Care Center. “After touring the center, we found the high quality, affordable daycare we were looking for,” said Michelle. The Richmond Child Care Center is located in the Richmond Industrial Park and is a cooperative effort between KRFDC and the City of Richmond. The center has extended hours on weekdays to provide affordable, quality childcare. Parents who work in the Industrial Park receive priority for admission. The center is licensed to care for children ranging from ages 6 weeks to 12 years. The couple likes the convenience of the center to their home, but more importantly, they like the formal, structured environment that is offered. “We feel that he’s learning so much while he’s here,” said Michelle. “We also like that the center has two playgrounds – one for younger children and another for older children. Rhys’ safety is vital to us.” The center has a nice mix of activities during the day to teach different skills, such as singing, drawing, and storytelling. As Rhys gets older, he will be able to spend portions of his day doing projects and honing skills in a structured setting. The center also includes plenty of time for socialization, quiet time, group programs, individual activities, meals, snacks, and free time.“Staff members are trained in early childhood education so they know what to expect from your child developmentally and are able to nurture their growing skills, accordingly,” said Kathy Shew, program director. The couple agrees that Rhys will stay at the center until he’s ready to go into kindergarten. Don and Michelle are excited about the opportunities, and even the challenges, that parenthood will bring. “We hope that we can make her [Rhys’ birth mother] proud,” said Michelle. The couple plans to stay in contact with Rhys’ birth mother and eventually meet his three sisters. “Just knowing that someone else chose us to be parents is a huge responsibility,” said Michelle. “We want to let Rhys know that he is deeply loved. We hope we can give him a great life.”

Rental Housing
Deborah has had her share of dark days. Three years ago, she was homeless and using drugs. She had been arrested three separate times. The arrest forced her to leave her parents’ house, where she was living with her two children Ayden and Alex. This ultimately caused her homelessness. Facing six months in jail, she knew she needed help but didn’t know where to start. She said she was living a nightmare. She thought, ‘I’m 36 years old and homeless - I have got to get my life together’. Her addictions started with alcohol and grew to other drugs. She served 50 days in jail and then entered Liberty Place Recovery Center for Women. “It was at Liberty Place that I was given the foothold I needed,” said Deborah. “I realized I had a disease. I learned what my problem was and what the solution was.” While she was in recovery, her children continued living with their grandparents. Even though she only stayed at Liberty Place for four months, it was there that her healing began. Unable to complete her contract because of personal reasons she left Liberty Place and faced homelessness again. However, she did not fall back into her old patterns. Even though it was difficult, she kept going to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings and continued working the 12 Steps. Clean and sober for the first time, she got a job and applied to Foothills’ KY Hearth program for housing assistance. KRFDC offers a variety of rental assistance programs such as Supportive Housing, Transitional Housing, and the KY HEARTH Program (Housing and Emergency Assistance Reaching the Homeless). KY Hearth helps prevent individuals and families from becoming homeless and helps those who are experiencing homelessness to be quickly re-housed and stabilized. Funded through ARRA, the stimulus package, the program is administered by the Kentucky Housing Corporation. Program participants receive intense case management while in the program, and ultimately HEARTH clients must prove they can pay their rent/utilities within a year of starting the program. Deborah worked diligently with her case manager to find permanent housing and reconnect with her children. “Things just started falling into place,” she said. “They helped me with my deposit, the first month’s rent, and even turned on the electricity.” Through the program, Deborah found people who made her feel nurtured rather than judged, a woman with unrealized potential rather than a failure. And slowly, Deborah started to see a light at the end of her ordeal. “I was meant to have the HEARTH caseworkers in my life,” she said. “They fought for me, when no one else would.” When she looks back, she realizes how blessed she is to be standing where she is today. “Foothills has done so much for me,” said Deborah. “They gave me wonderful motivation when I didn’t have any. And when I didn’t know where to start they showed me the way.” Today Deborah has been reunited with her children and works at a job she loves. She’s been sober for two years and is actively involved in NA and AA, where she leads a Saturday afternoon meeting. She recently bought a truck and is paying her bills. She and her children have health insurance and she is in the process of obtaining child support. Deborah is now making good, wise decisions. She says this has been reflected in her better money management skills. Through this experience, she has regained self confidence and inner peace and has restored broken trust and relationships. Most exciting, she is working on buying her first home through KRDFC’s Affordable Housing Program. “Good things come to those who wait patiently and have faith,” she said. Deborah is grateful to be a productive member of society, and she is slowly achieving her dreams. Summing up her feelings, Deborah stated emphatically, “God saved my life, and Foothills taught me how to live.”

Powell Adult Day Care
Stroke victims are not the only people who have to deal with the after effects of this serious medical condition. Their family and friends suffer too. Relationships often bend, break and transform into new roles as the stroke patient tries to return to a life they knew before. Susan has first-hand knowledge of the stresses involved with a stroke. Her husband, Anthony, had a stroke in 2009. “I was on my way to work,” said Anthony, “and it was the day before my birthday.” He spent 46 days in the hospital and began an intense physical therapy program. “I couldn’t move the right side of my body,” said Anthony. “The doctors told me that ‘if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it.’ That motivated me enough to do everything I could to get better.” At the time the couple was living in Ohio but decided to move back to Kentucky, their home state, to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Married 31 years, the couple has five children, three of whom live in Kentucky, and three grandchildren. They also have a son who lives in Michigan and a daughter that lives in Dubai. For a long time, Susan was Anthony’s sole caregiver. However, Anthony needed to be around other people and continue his physical therapy, and Susan needed temporary relief from the emotional and physical demands of care-giving. Friends had told the couple about the Powell Adult Day Care, and after one quick tour, the couple decided to begin using the service. For a year, Anthony attended the center five days a week, six hours a day. The program provides respite to primary caregivers of persons over 21 who are physically, mentally, or socially limited and require personalized care and attention. Participants may come as often as they wish, or according to the needs of themselves or their caregivers. Payment is based on a sliding fee scale, and may be paid by Medicaid. A nurse monitors medical needs and oversees medications. Breakfast, hot lunches and snacks are also provided. “The benefits of respite care are numerous but not always immediately visible,” said Sheila Patton, ADC director. “Respite care not only provides caregivers with a break, but also helps the family member with a change in routine. It helps the spouse, child, or parent build new relationships and offers an opportunity to move towards independence.” While at the center, Anthony enjoyed activities that promoted socialization, therapy, recreation, and relaxation. Some of these activities included daily group games and therapy, arts, crafts, music, field trips and outings, speakers, and special guests. Most importantly, staff also helped him regain his physical strength through various exercises. “I was told I would never walk, talk, or write again,” said Anthony. “When I started going to the center, I could barely get around and had to re-learn a lot of things.” During his time at the center, Anthony has been able to re-learn everything he needed and today can walk independently without a cane, talk well, and write. Anthony decided to stay home after a year of attending the center and has many fond memories of his time there. “Anthony’s enthusiasm and love of people immediately made him a favorite at the center,” said Patton. “He is missed and loved by the staff who enjoyed his friendly and outgoing personality.” He and Susan regularly visit the center to catch up with staff and clients. The couple also enjoys spending quality time with their grandchildren. “The program does a lot of good for a lot of people,” he said. “I’m so thankful for what they did for me!”

Senior Citizen Centers
Inez has an infectious smile and cheerful personality. Her positive outlook on life is admired and respected by those who know her. Three years ago she moved from Mt. Vernon to Berea to be closer to her son. Twice widowed, Inez, 77, has been alone for about 30 years. She lost her first husband in a car accident and her second to cancer. She also lost her daughter. “My son takes really good care of me,” she said, “and checks on me regularly.” Shortly after she was settled in her new home, she began attending the Berea Senior Citizens Center and found the companionship she was looking for and needed. “I look forward to being around other people that meet regularly at the center,” she said. “I have met so many wonderful friends here.” The agency’s four Senior Citizens Centers provide seniors sixty years and older with socialization, recreation, exercise programs, and nutritious meals. Seniors enjoy participating in exercise programs, recreational games, field trips, and educational and health screening programs. These activities enable seniors to remain active and live longer, healthier, more independent lives. Two of the centers are intergenerational programs, located in the same building as Head Start. “Inez quickly bonded with the staff, volunteers and participants,” said Paula Woodman, center Director. “She is an absolute treasure.” The Senior Center is vital to the community and for seniors like Inez; it gives people a place to gather, to celebrate, to feel supported and to stay active. For five days a week, Inez enjoys the games, the music, and the stimulating activities offered at the center. “I like eating lunch here every day,” she said, “AND the field trips. We get to go to so many fun and exciting places like Lake Reba and Renfro Valley. Places I wouldn’t be able to go without the help of the center.” But the most beneficial aspect of the program for her is participating in exercise classes three times a week. “My shoulders were very sore when I first started coming to the center,” said Inez, “but now they don’t bother me at all.” At home, Inez enjoys watching TV. “I love watching The Beverly Hillbillies,” she said enthusiastically, “I watch an episode every day before I leave to go to the center.” She also enjoys her miniature dachshund wiener dog named “Hot Lips” Houlihan after a character on the popular TV show MASH. “I love my dog,” said Inez. “I love having her around and taking her for walks.” Her son also brings over her grandchildren for regular visits. Being so close to them, she’s able to spend quality time with them and watch them grow up. Inez credits her happiness to the center. “Here I’m able to meet people, get involved, and have a good time,” she said. “I don’t have to be bored and sit at home. I love it here!”

Transportation
In a thriving city, public transportation is key to linking residents to school, work, senior citizen centers, adult and child care centers, medical facilities, and recreational destinations. Public transportation provides critical support to individuals and families who don't have a vehicle or other means to reach the services they need. It greatly helps individuals like Cassandra and her five year-old daughter, Taylor. Cassandra has severe anxiety about learning to drive a car and getting her driver’s license and admits that she has been in therapy for her anxiety. Consequently, going to school, getting Taylor to daycare and school, and working has been extremely challenging for her. For a long time she depended on using cab services to get around, but that was getting too expensive on her income. It wasn’t until she heard about Foothills Express that she experienced relief. The agency’s transportation program, Foothills Express, operates a variety of services including an express service and the Richmond Transit Service. The express service allows riders to book a trip for anywhere within City limits for a low fare. The Richmond Transit Service, a partnership between Foothills and the City of Richmond, is a deviated fixed route that runs Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and bus fare is only $1 per day. Foothills offers similar services in Berea and Winchester and provides a Richmond/Berea Connector Route, a Winchester to Lexington Commuter Route, a Madison County to Lexington Commuter Route, and special group transportation for events such as City festivals and business tours. Cassandra has been using the express service for over three years and depends on it to take her everywhere she and Taylor need to go. A single mom in her early twenties, she’s been enrolled at Eastern Kentucky University since 2008. “I’m not your average student,” she said. “I have a lot of responsibilities that keep me busy. I also have ADD, which makes things very hard sometimes.” A full-time student, Cassandra is pursuing a degree to be a high school English teacher. She works 20 hours a week In the Education Pays Center, where 10 hours are devoted to working in the Academic Testing Office. Taylor enjoys going to daycare and began attending Head Start last year. They live off campus so having the ability to use a service like Foothills Express means a lot to them. “I use the Foothills bus for everything,” said Cassandra. “It’s very affordable and comfortable.” During the day, she sometimes uses the Foothills’ City Transit to leave campus and go to the store. “Eventually I’ll be teaching and giving back to the community,” she said. “I’m grateful for the help because as a single mom it’s hard.” Cassandra expects to graduate in 2013 and dreams of teaching English as a second language in a poverty stricken area. “I would go anywhere in the world,” said Cassandra. “I want to teach and perform humanitarian work.” She would also like to expose Taylor to other cultures. Before traveling the globe though, Cassandra must teach in Kentucky for five years in return for a scholarship she has received. Aside from her work goals, she is also looking forward to raising Taylor and providing her with every opportunity she can. Cassandra is grateful for Foothills’ transportation program and highly recommends it to others. “I love it,” she said earnestly, “it’s the best.”