I'm completely stumped at how we have been so lucky with the amazing weather for all of the outdoor projects. Have the stars aligned, or what?
Today, I would be working in the courtyard at the Family Care Center on Red Mile Road, though the organization I will be spotlighting will be more about Bluegrass Families First. It is a small and upcoming nonprofit that operates a bit separately to support the Family Care Center as well as other family-oriented organizations in the community.
Since there were limited opportunities to volunteer available for a day with BFF, we decided that I would get the grand tour of the Family Care Center, and then work in the beautiful courtyard doing a bit of gardening while learning more about this program and BFF.
Since there were limited opportunities to volunteer available for a day with BFF, we decided that I would get the grand tour of the Family Care Center, and then work in the beautiful courtyard doing a bit of gardening while learning more about this program and BFF.
I originally met Joanna Rodes at the spectacular fundraiser at Keeneland for the Nest, way back on the first week of the 30 Ways project. She loved the idea of the project and was excited to get me involved, and I was equally as thrilled to put her on my calendar as well.
When I arrived at the Family Care Center, she greeted me with a warm hug and showed me around the building, which was all centered around a giant, courtyard. This is what I would tackle the rest of the day.
When I arrived at the Family Care Center, she greeted me with a warm hug and showed me around the building, which was all centered around a giant, courtyard. This is what I would tackle the rest of the day.
The Family Care Center is a facility located off of Red Mile Road that provides services to families with a priority given to young parents and families. More information on the specific programs can be found below. While she gave me a tour, she described to me all of the different services that are provided by the Family Care Center as she introduced me to various staff members and teachers around the "campus": the Family Case Management Program, the Early Child Care Program, HANDS, UK Clinic, and the Parent Education Program. The hallways of the Care Center were lined with fun artwork, such as this green kitty on roller-skates. I was taking pictures of everything (sorry, Joanna, I promise I was listening!) I saw--so much color and fun around this building! |
One the tour was complete, I was sent out to the garden to work with Tee, the wonderful volunteer gardener who has been putting her skills to work over the last 10 years. She doesn't just put pretty flowers in the ground--this woman is a brilliant botanist (she would argue this) that introduced me to a whole new fan. Think your biggest Tolkien fan friend speaking to you in Elvish. She would then end with, "ok, so what do you think we should do?"
We redid this area together by moving some plants around. Though I was here to learn about the BFF and the Care Center, I was delighted to learn about different types of plants, their origins, and even got a really cool lesson on monarch butterflies which are becoming extinct. I kept thinking, because of her little green thumb, "MY MOM WOULD LOVE THIS."
Throughout the afternoon, I got to know Tee a little bit more while we weeded the strawberry patch We agreed that there was something so cathartic about pulling these little plants up while crawling around in the dirt, chatting with each other and bonding over our ideas on life.
It was during this moment that I stopped and thought about how much I have gained from this community service experience. I originally started this a a challenge to learn about each organization in Lexington, but what I have gained has been so much more. I've met so many amazing people and have made so many connections that I now find it hard to go anywhere in Lexington where I don't know someone (I'm currently sitting amongst the Director of the Lexington Farmer's Market and the Program Director of Seedleaf at a coffee shop), and have found unassuming friendships with individuals of all ages and walks of life. I've learned about everything from plants, butterflies, power tools, food origins, and culture lessons to children, food stamps, illnesses, poverty and parenting. Who would have thought this experience could be so enriching?
Deep breath... back to the garden. That could be a whole post in itself. Later....
We continued to weed and chat until it was time to call it a day, hanging two decorations on trees before packing up!
It was during this moment that I stopped and thought about how much I have gained from this community service experience. I originally started this a a challenge to learn about each organization in Lexington, but what I have gained has been so much more. I've met so many amazing people and have made so many connections that I now find it hard to go anywhere in Lexington where I don't know someone (I'm currently sitting amongst the Director of the Lexington Farmer's Market and the Program Director of Seedleaf at a coffee shop), and have found unassuming friendships with individuals of all ages and walks of life. I've learned about everything from plants, butterflies, power tools, food origins, and culture lessons to children, food stamps, illnesses, poverty and parenting. Who would have thought this experience could be so enriching?
Deep breath... back to the garden. That could be a whole post in itself. Later....
We continued to weed and chat until it was time to call it a day, hanging two decorations on trees before packing up!
Below, I stand with Tee in a really cool fountain that was built for the kids to play in, but was unfortunately unable to ever be used due to a water issue. The center plans to remove this somehow and possibly turn this area into a more usable space. I mentioned that it looked like an amphitheater, to which Joanna replied "that's one of the ideas we have for it!"
Joanna and I in front of the lovely Irises....
A huge thank you to Tee, Joanna, and the entire staff that I met today! It was a pleasure to learn about all of the programs and get to do a little bit of gardening for the day. Thank you for everything you are doing for these Lexington families, as well as creating a gorgeous garden for all to admire at the Family Care Center.
What is the Family Care Center?
The Family Care Center is a facility located off of Red Mile Road that provides services to families with a priority given to young parents and families. There are five main programs. Click each link for the Child Care Center website and more details:
The Family Case Management Program
Parent Education Program
Early Child Care Program
HANDS
University of Kentucky Clinic
The Family Case Management Program
Parent Education Program
Early Child Care Program
HANDS
University of Kentucky Clinic
Tell me More about Bluegrass Families First
Bluegrass Families First is a nonprofit that was formed fairly recently in 2012 in order to serve the Family Care Center as well as many other family-oriented community partners.
Mission:
To promote and provide opportunities for high-quality early childhood development, education, health, and human services for Lexington families in their progress toward self-sufficiency.
"BFF" is still very much in its growing stages and is the program is building with the help of volunteers through fundraising, building community partnerships, and special events.
Mission:
To promote and provide opportunities for high-quality early childhood development, education, health, and human services for Lexington families in their progress toward self-sufficiency.
"BFF" is still very much in its growing stages and is the program is building with the help of volunteers through fundraising, building community partnerships, and special events.
How Can I Get Involved?
Attend an Event
Such as the Free Shrek showing, which is the first event of its kind for BFF! This will be on June 20 at the Kentucky Theatre on 214 E Main Street. Admission is FREE with the donation of any diapers, wipes, or pull-ups.
Such as the Free Shrek showing, which is the first event of its kind for BFF! This will be on June 20 at the Kentucky Theatre on 214 E Main Street. Admission is FREE with the donation of any diapers, wipes, or pull-ups.
Donate
Since BBF is just getting ramped up, there are lots of items that they are seeking for the young families. I know there are many things on this list that I will be able to donate if I still have them laying around by the time I leave in August--surely you might also have something on this list that you aren't using!
Since BBF is just getting ramped up, there are lots of items that they are seeking for the young families. I know there are many things on this list that I will be able to donate if I still have them laying around by the time I leave in August--surely you might also have something on this list that you aren't using!
Family Care Center
1135 Red Mile Place
Lexington, KY 40504
(859) 288-4040
Bluegrass Families First: On Facebook
1135 Red Mile Place
Lexington, KY 40504
(859) 288-4040
Bluegrass Families First: On Facebook