When the going gets tough…well, that’s just when you get started, right?
Because you are a charity organization, and your sole purpose is to lift the ones you serve.
But in a time when the lift seems to be too heavy, you have continued to serve. You have gritted your teeth, reached for skills you didn’t even know you had; you have adapted, measured, calculated once, twice, and then all over again.
When you could not gather your friends close, you worried about how your funding would stabilize. You brainstormed and you learned, and you came up with new ways to engage.
When our community and our neighbors needed you the most, you refused to ignore those calls. You may have shut your doors, but you agonized over ways you could bring your services outside of your walls.
You were there for the youngest, the oldest, the sickest, the ones without a hand to hold, and those who needed a light when all around was darkness.
At VUE Magazine, we have always been happy to share the successes of charitable organizations and the people who dedicate themselves to their missions.
This year in particular, we have watched in awe as the partner agencies of the United Way of Paducah-McCracken County have all shown an amazing amount of strength and perseverance. Throughout the uncertainty, the fear, the chaos, and the pain, they have continued to ask:
How are you?
How can we help?
We envisioned the following pages as a way that we could turn the tables and ask the same questions of these organizations and their leadership.
In the wake of a year that has brought many to their knees, we are taking the time to ask:
How are you?
How can we help?
We hope that their stories will inspire you. We hope that they will lift you up. We hope that they will prove to be a testament to the knowledge that good will prevail.
We hope that their stories will inspire you. We hope that they will lift you up. We hope that they will prove to be a testament to the knowledge that good will prevail.
No matter how bad, good will always prevail.
What is the mission of your organization?
The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. Founded by visionary leader Clara Barton, the American Red Cross was formed to aid domestic and overseas relief efforts. Over the years, our services have expanded and evolved, but our mission remains the same. Our core programs include disaster preparedness and relief, collecting life-saving blood for local hospitals and cancer treatment centers, supporting our local military and veteran population, and health and safety training such as CPR, First Aid, and AED. More than 90% of our workforce is made up of volunteers. These generous individuals—who come from all walks of life—are the backbone of the American Red Cross.
How has your organization shifted during the pandemic?
The American Red Cross remains dedicated to fulfilling our mission during the Covid-19 pandemic. Thanks to our dedicated volunteers and staff, we have continued to serve the local community and help our neighbors in need through disaster preparedness and relief, health and safety training, support for our local military and veteran population, and blood services.
We have made modifications in how we respond to home fires and other disasters, requiring the use of new technology, health and safety protocol, and remote work wherever possible to ensure the health and safety of our clients, volunteers, and staff. We have continued responding 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing emergency relief, including shelter, food, and other needs, to those impacted by a fire, flood, or other devastating event.
The American Red Cross is also dedicated to maintaining a stable blood supply for our local hospitals and cancer treatment centers. We collected over 7,000 blood donations last year in McCracken County and are so grateful for our dedicated blood donors. The needs of cancer patients, mothers giving birth, accident victims, people living with sickle cell disease, and countless others simply do not stop, and the availability of blood can mean the difference between life and death. The Red Cross has implemented many safety measures at our blood drives to ensure that we can continue this important work during the pandemic.
Additionally, last year the Red Cross began testing all blood, platelet, and plasma donations for Covid-19 antibodies with the goals of attracting more blood donors to help meet the ongoing need for blood and blood products, providing valuable public health information regarding the pandemic, and identifying individuals who have antibodies and may qualify to be convalescent plasma donors.
What events can the community look forward to in the next year that benefit your organization?
The American Red Cross holds community blood drives throughout the year. In fact, nationwide we hold over 500 blood drives per day in workplaces, schools, and in our donation centers. To find a drive conveniently located near you, visit www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.
What can the community do RIGHT NOW to help your organization?
Blood and blood product donations are constantly needed to ensure a stable blood supply for our local hospitals and cancer treatment centers. To schedule an appointment, visit www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.
The American Red Cross also welcomes new volunteers. Individuals interested in volunteering can visit www.redcross.org/volunteer. Opportunities include assisting with disaster relief, greeting blood donors and ensuring they have a positive donation experience, and much more.
If you would like to make a financial donation to support to American Red Cross, please visit www.redcross.org/donate. We could not provide these life-saving services without support from the local community. An average of 90 cents of every dollar we spend is invested in delivering care and comfort to those in need.
List any and all ways our readers can connect with your organization.
Paducah Office: 270-442-3575
www.redcross.org/local/kentucky/about-us/locations/western-kentucky-chapter
https://www.facebook.com/KYRedCross
What is the mission of your organization?
To provide children and families in Western Kentucky with education, advocacy and treatment that prevents child abuse, encourages family stability, promotes healthy relationships, enhances individual well-being and cultivates safe, nurturing families. Our core values are empowerment, inclusion, integrity, progress, quality and solidarity.
How has your organization shifted during the pandemic?
We have learned a lot in the past year about adjusting and shifting to meet the needs of the children we serve. Children and families depend on us so we knew we had to make some quick changes; thankfully our services never stopped. Last March when the state shut down we started offering telehealth videoconferencing for therapy services. We are now seeing some children in-person, but most still utilize telehealth. We’ve learned that telehealth is a great way to overcome transportation barriers and we will continue to offer it as a service option.
Our CASA volunteers have stayed in touch with their kids by phone and video calls and have recently started in-person home visits again. They have done an excellent job checking on their CASA kids, making sure that they are safe and have access to resources they need. Court is held by Skype and sometimes in-person, depending on the county. We started offering CASA trainings virtually and have had an amazing response. It has been humbling to see so many people opening their hearts to children in need during such a tumultuous and uncertain time.
Our school-based education programming ended abruptly last spring, but we were able to deliver our printed materials to schools to send home with their students. Since we couldn’t visit elementary schools for our prevention program as planned this year, we partnered with A&SG Film and Sound Makers to develop a video presentation, Totally Awesome Super Important You. The video can be used by schools for body safety and online safety instruction, with or without one of our volunteers in the classroom . Printed materials will again be delivered to schools for students to take home.
What events can the community look forward to in the next year that benefit your organization?
We are planning the 3rd Annual Lazy Days of Summer 0.5K for June 26. It will most likely be virtual but stayed tuned! We recently made the decision to postpone our largest fundraiser, “Sing Your Heart Out Karaoke Extravaganza” until May 2022. We hope to supplement the lost income with smaller events and activities.
What can the community do RIGHT NOW to help your organization?
Volunteer, donate, and learn to recognize and report abuse. We feel very fortunate to have a generous and involved community that takes responsibility for supporting children and families in crisis. We always need volunteers! Our advocacy program, CASA of West Kentucky, uses citizen volunteers to advocate for children who have experienced abuse. Our CASAs are trained to evaluate the child’s needs and ensure that they are met both in the courtroom and the community. We offer ongoing virtual training, making it easier than ever to be a CASA. We now cover four counties – McCracken, Ballard, Livingston and Lyon – so we are always looking for more volunteers.
With limited fundraising events, monetary donations make a big impact on our operations and the free services we provide. Donations can be made through our website or by mail.
Everyone can play a role in preventing or stopping child abuse. Learn the signs, pay attention to the children around you, and if you suspect abuse report it to 1-877-KYSAFE1 (1-877-597-2331).
List any and all ways our readers can connect with your organization.
Website – www.childwatchcac.org; email – jcriner@childwatchcac.org; phone – 270.443.1440;
facebook – https://www.facebook.com/childwatchcac; support us through Amazon Smile.
What is the mission of your organization?
Family Service Society has been serving as a crisis resource to Paducah/McCracken County residents in need since 1927. We aim to meet basic needs by providing food, personal care items, clothing, utility assistance, rental assistance, dental assistance, and prescription medication and eye glasses assistance.
How has your organization shifted during the pandemic?
Since COVID-19, FSS has continued our mission to make sure basic needs are met for those in crisis. We have expanded our housing services to help with more utility bills and rental payment assistance. We have assisted more households with food than ever before. Family Service Society also partnered with other community partners to provide “drive thru” meals/groceries while also coordinating delivery of groceries to households in need. Family Service Society’s Clothing Room became “mobile.”
What events can the community look forward to in the next year that benefit your organization?
Family Service Society will be holding the 10th Annual Paducah Iron Mom Half Marathon, Relay, and 5K on Saturday May 8, 2021. Last year’s Iron Mom was canceled due to COVID-19, so we are hopeful that the community and the runners are as excited as we are to be able to hold this event once again. Paducah Iron Mom is our biggest annual fundraiser, and its success is crucial for the 2021 year!
What can the community do RIGHT NOW to help your organization?
There are so many ways to support Family Service Society right now! Here are a few:
*Volunteer-We are always looking for volunteers to help with daily needs as well as special projects.
*Participate in Iron Mom-You can register to volunteer or run! There are options for everyone 🙂
*Donate in season clothing-We’ll happily accept clothing donations to help keep our Clothing Room well-stocked!
*Donate food items-FSS’s food pantry shelves are consistently needing to be restocked as we give out food. Please contact our office to find out what our most urgent needs are.
*Monetary donations are always welcome- Monetary donations can help pay someone’s electricity bill, stock our food pantry shelves, assist with a tooth extraction, buy a new pair of eye glasses, etc. No donation is too small!
List any and all ways our readers can connect with your organization.
Visit our website at www.fsspaducah.com and find us on Facebook! You can also reach us at our office:
Family Service Society, Inc. 827 Joe Clifton Drive – Paducah, KY 42001, 270-443-4838
What is the mission of your organization?
Walking life’s journey with parents through prenatal care, education, resources, compassion, and the love of Jesus. We provide all of our services free to moms and dads and those caring for children. We offer parenting classes, life skills classes, bible studies, support groups, parent cafes. We provide classes in our local schools relating to self esteem, sex education and life issues. We also have a full Prenatal Care Clinic that provides free pregnancy tests, courtesy ultrasounds as well as full prenatal care throughout their entire pregnancy when they choose to join our clinic. All of which is free.
How has your organization shifted during the pandemic?
Hope Unlimited Family Care Center now offers virtual classes, curbside pick up for supplies as well as continuing to see clients and our OB patience in person. Our organization has kept its doors open to the public, with restrictions like no children in the building, limited to one support person in our OB clinic but realized quickly that “connection” matters, people need people. We are now open fully to our clients and our OB patients. We are continuing to serve clients virtually that prefer not to come back yet, so that we can meet their needs, continue mentoring and supporting them as well as supplying them with the items they need to take care of their families.
What events can the community look forward to in the next year that benefit your organization?
Each January, throughout the month, we celebrate Sanctity of Human Life. This allows us to go into churches, speak to them about all of the services we provide and ask for their support. It is important for us to have the support of our community so that we can serve more families. It is our goal to remind people of how valuable their life is.
Our annual Baby Bottle Campaign is from Mothers Day through Fathers Day. This is where families can put change in a “bottle” and give to help support the families we serve at Hope Unlimited. This is an easy way to show kids how easy it is to help support a local nonprofit. We receive money from churches, individuals, families and businesses. Change can add up quickly. We raise around $40,000 a year with this campaign.
Our annual Gala is our signature fundraiser. This takes place each year, the third Tuesday in September at the Convention Center. We dress up, have a meal together and an engaging speaker. This is also a time to tell our donors all about the year, any new programs, goals and dreams we have as well as encourage them to become a part of what we are doing. Our gala raises between $75,000-$90,000 a year. Monies are to cover the free programs we offer through our center like our Learn to Earn program and our Prenatal Care Clinic.
Our annual Block Party is a fun time. We host a huge party for the families in our neighborhood. We have this event in the summer so that kids and their families can attend. It’s a time for us to give back to our community. We have bounce houses, food, games, face painting and much more. It has become a fun tradition at both of our locations.
What can the community do RIGHT NOW to help your organization?
Provide baby wipes, baby wash, baby lotion, $10 gift cards for fast food, $10 gift cards for gas and most importantly prayer for the families we serve.
List any and all ways our readers can connect with your organization, including links.
hopeunlimitedfcc.org / / info@hopeunlimitedfcc.org / /270-442-1166
https://www.facebook.com/hopeunlimitedfcc
www.instagram.com/hope_empowers
https://www.youtube.com/user/HopeUnlimitedFamily
Amazon Smile: Hope Unlimited Family Care Center: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3W0FWMDVEMQBC?ref_=wl_share
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2RSAJPZ6AM449?ref_=wl_share
Kentucky Legal Aid
What is the mission of your organization?
Kentucky Legal Aid’s mission is to assist and to enable low-income families, as well as the elderly, disabled and other vulnerable individuals to resolve legal problems that are barriers to self-sufficiency, and to provide these individuals an opportunity for an improved quality of life.
How has your organization shifted during the pandemic?
Kentucky Legal Aid’s (KLA) usual activities, such as court hearings; client meetings; settlement conferences; community education and all other operations, shifted to virtual. Our agency is fortunate to have the technical resources to quickly transition and continue providing quality legal assistance to our low- income, elderly and disabled clients.
More clients than ever before need KLA assistance with Unemployment Insurance Claims, foreclosure and eviction. The demand increased, but our resources remain the same. We shifted our priorities and successfully helped residents of the Purchase Area maintain housing and overcome wrongful denial of essential financial benefits.
Although Kentucky Legal Aid has always collaborated with our United Way partner agencies, this partnership is now even more vital. KLA’s alliance with partner agencies empowered us to provide holistic services to our clients during the Pandemic. KLA participated in United Way’s “Executive Committee Roundtable” where partners gathered on Zoom to discuss the unique challenges of the pandemic, and to share information about services our agencies provide to address the needs of our clients. As a result, United Way partner agencies, more than ever before, referred people to KLA for civil legal assistance and help navigating the myriad of state and federal judicial, legislative, executive, and administrative orders necessitated by the pandemic. Likewise, partner agencies kept KLA informed concerning available utility and rental assistance; food banks; homeless shelters; mental health programs and many other services not offered through KLA.
What events can the community look forward to in the next year that benefit your organization?
Although Kentucky Legal Aid has no community fundraising events planned, please plan to attend one of our community educational presentations at the Paducah-McCracken County library. Also, a representative of Kentucky Legal Aid is periodically present on WPSD-TV, Live-Line 6. If you, or someone you know, needs civil, legal assistance, call us at 270-442-5518.
What can the community do RIGHT NOW to help your organization?
If you or someone you know needs assistance with a legal issue such as domestic violence, eviction, foreclosure, bankruptcy, qualification for public benefits, or any other non-criminal legal problem, call 1-866-452-9243, or 270-442-5518.
Kentucky Legal Aid is a non-profit law firm. We are funded primarily through state and federal grants. If you would like to help support Kentucky Legal Aid through a private donation, you may send your donation to: Kentucky Legal Aid, 100 Fountain Ave., Suite 317, Paducah, KY 42001.
List any and all ways our readers can connect with your organization, including links.
Lifeline Recovery Center
What is the mission of your organization?
To provide Christ-centered solutions to individuals with life-controlling addictions.
How has your organization shifted during the pandemic?
Lifeline Recovery Center has taken many steps to adapt during the pandemic. First and foremost, the community has completely stepped up. This year was a record breaking year for our two major fundraising events, this along with a PPP loan had a tremendously positive effect on Lifeline. We were able to keep all of our staff working, which is something we are proud of. We were able to provide the staff with more training last year than any year before. We engaged with consultants to become CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) accredited which solely focuses on advancing the quality of services we provide. AODE (Alcohol and Other Drug Entity) is a state license. Since we passed our inspection we are now a registered license residential recovery program and Kentucky. These are all goals we are trying to meet to become self-sustaining and be able to accept Medicaid in the future. This will allow Lifeline to serve our clients better. Although enrollment was down, we were able to utilize that time to improve the overall quality of the program. Lifeline wants to emerge from the pandemic a stronger organization.
What events can the community look forward to in the next year that benefit your organization?
First, the Lifeline Recovery Center Annual Banquet. The date is still to be determined. Our biggest fundraiser of the year, switched to a virtual format last year to comply with health and safety recommendations. The video, posted online September 14th, brought in more than $94,000 from 71 donors, including seven churches, 13 businesses and 51 individuals. The banquet traditionally raised $60,000 to $70,000 in previous years.
Second, the Lifeline Recovery Center’s Annual Golf Outing is scheduled for July 30th. Our Golf Outing is one of Lifeline’s biggest fundraisers. Last year, the outing raised $30,000. A golf tournament is the best way to bring the entire area together. Whether you are from Murray or Southern Illinois, golf is golf and golfers love to gather and share.
What can the community do RIGHT NOW to help your organization?
Immediate needs can be met in the form of donations.
1. Monetary Donations
– $50 = Bedding for one room
– $300 = 1 month of education materials
– $1,250 = Monthly water bill
– $1,500 = 1 month of transportation for clients
– $1,500 = 1 week of groceries
– $3,000 = Monthly electricity bill
2. Other Donations
– Towels and washcloths
– Laptop computers
– Toilet paper and paper towels
– Cleaning supplies
– Laundry detergent
– Kitchen appliances
– Cookware
– Canned food items
– Twin bedding
– Blankets and pillows
– Backpacks
List any and all ways our readers can connect with your organization, including links.
Website:https://lifelinerecoverycenter.org/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/lifelinerecoverycenter
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/lrc.2020/?hl=en
Twitter:https://twitter.com/LifelineRecov
YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy5Gjhtv18TickSCmHLv0SA
Amazon Wishlist:https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/genericItemsPage/HX8J48JOD2IT?type=giftlist&_encoding=UTF8 (men)
AmazonWishlist:https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/genericItemsPage/1LGLL6XZFOUI3?type=wishlist&_encoding=UTF8 (women)
Office Number: 270.443.4743 (men), 270.448.0961 (women)
What is the mission of your organization?
The mission of Made to Stay is to provide a non-profit membership organization for senior members and disabled adults of McCracken County to enable them to remain in their own homes by providing services which they may not be able to provide for themselves due to age or health. The senior or disabled adult will be required to purchase a membership which will give them access to the services of the organization. The organization will be made up of senior members, volunteers and staff. Services depend on volunteer availability and include such things as: escorted transportation, small home repairs, yard work, social events, friendly calls and visits to check on well- being, and a list of preferred service providers. These services would normally only be available through family members. Made To Stay complements the availability busy schedules of working families.
How has your organization shifted during the pandemic?
For 9 months in 2020 we operated on a limited schedule due to regulatory restrictions placed on social interactions. Service requests for medical attention and providing food deliveries were performed while transportation to salons, barbers, shopping, restaurants and visitation were curtailed due to closures. We completed 462 services to our 16 clients in the last 9 months of 2020. This was down from 707 services provided in 2019. Membership fees were reduced by 50% for the period. All CDC guidelines are followed for the health of both members and volunteers.
What events can the community look forward to in the next year that benefit your organization?
Interaction with other community services by the newly hired Resource Manager. Emphasis on volunteer recruitment which will allow us to increase membership. Resumption of normal services as restrictions are lifted.
What can the community do RIGHT NOW to help your organization?
Tell friends, family, coworkers, church members and church staff about Made To Stay. At the same time, share with those same people information about Made to Stay and how it might benefit someone they know. Please contact us by one of the methods below.
List any and all ways our readers can connect with your organization.
Kroger Plus: 270-331-7570
Merryman House Domestic Crisis Center
What is the mission of your organization?
to Save, Build and Change the lives of those effected by domestic violence
How has your organization shifted during the pandemic?
The MHDCC operates a 24/7 hotline and emergency shelter for victims. As such, closure due to COVID-19 was not optional. Our organization took a variety of steps to ensure our clients had safe access to services, offered both in-person and virtual access to care. These steps included unprecedented decisions for our organization that included relocating our entire emergency shelter (clients and staff) to an undisclosed location that would allow for social distancing, COVID-19 testing, isolation protocols and more. Also, we developed a comprehensive “Healthy at Work” plan to keep staff and clients as safe as possible. This included installation of plexiglass shields for reception area(s), transforming our dining services to disposable, boxed meals, ordering of personal protective equipment (PPE) and access to customized telehealth client services and telecommute options for our employees. While the main campus was closed to visitors for significant duration of the year, the MHDCC offered virtual donation options for supplies and agency needs, and the community response was unbelievable! The MHDCC did have to postpone the 2nd Annual LoneStar Rodeo, but the duck race continued through a Fall race. We hosted our annual Paducky Derby virtually, and committed ourselves to the flexibility required to remain operational, accessible and resilient during this time.
What events can the community look forward to in the next year that benefit your organization?
Every year, the MHDCC must raise thousands of dollars to meet operational and client assistance needs. This year, the MHDCC will focus on enrolling long-time supporters into our Merryman Giving Society (MGS), as well as invite new donors to support this worthy cause.
We are planning some exciting ways for virtual shoppers to remember Merryman House as they purchase via Amazon and other on-line retailers. Finally, the MHDCC will ensure the issue of domestic violence is front and center in October for Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2021 through awareness, education, and fund-raising opportunities! The Merryman House Garden will soon be open for fresh produce and flowers! Our farm-to-table program will be coming to markets near you, and we will also take orders available for pick-up! This is a wonderful way to promote health and wellness, and to directly aid in the mission of saving, building and changing lives affected by domestic violence.
The PaDucky Derby will return to Bob Noble Park in October, so folks should be on the look-out for their chance to adopt a duck and win cash!
What can the community do RIGHT NOW to help your organization?
Visit our amazon wish list, list MHDCC as their charity of choice for amazon smiles
List any and all ways our readers can connect with your organization, including links.
Personal Care Items List: https://a.co/2GhYCLz
Shelter Household Goods List: https://a.co/6B9b9z9
Treat Our Residents List: https://a.co/005T659
Marshall County Resiliency Center: https://a.co/77NC566
Here is a link to instructions on how to add us as the charity of choice on AmazonSmile: https://www.facebook.com/merrymanhouse.paducah/posts/3654563677915513.
www.facebook.com/merrymanhouse.paducah
www.instagram.com/merrymanhouse
website- www.merrymanhouse.org
Oscar Cross Boys & Girls Club
What is the mission of your organization?
The mission of the Oscar Cross Boys and Girls Club of Paducah is to enable all young people especially those that need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. This mission is the guiding principle for the Club as we strive to ensure that our youth have opportunities that will allow them to pursue their dreams. We want to help our kids reach their full potential.
How has your organization shifted during the pandemic?
Our model of service delivery has changed due to the pandemic. Because there are so many restrictions on gatherings, we focused our attention to conducting virtual programming with students during the pandemic last summer and during the current school year. As we continue to adjust to the ever-changing climate of COVID, we focused our attention on being more creative during the fall 2020 academic semester. Since we couldn’t operate our normal after-school program, we offered students learning virtually at home to come the Oscar Cross Boys and Girls Club for the tutoring sessions.
Another service model that has shifted is our ability to partner with community agencies to create more impactful services. We now offer help with food crisis, poverty intervention, social and emotional development, community outreach, and mentorship. We recognize that the pandemic has exposed our organizational deficiencies, thus allowing us an opportunity for growth. Aligning our mission with community partners will allow the Club to capitalize on our strengths (youth development) as well as provide an array of services outside of youth programming.
What events can the community look forward to in the next year that benefit your organization?
We look forward to operating in our new normalcy. From a programming perspective, we will continue to provide services for our virtual students. In addition, we look forward to starting up our after-school program in April. Both opportunities allow us to showcase two very important programs- our mentoring program and our multi-media program. In addition, we will have our traditional summer camp this year.
From a resource development perspective, we expect to have our annual fundraisers: The Crawfish Boil (or a variation of the original event), The OCBGC Golf Scramble, The Kentucky Proud Dinner, and our Annual Holiday Campaign. In addition, we plan to execute our newly created OCBGC Sponsor-A-Child Initiative.
What can the community do RIGHT NOW to help your organization?
Because we experienced a high turnover in staff, we are need of volunteers for our mentoring and tutoring programs. In addition, since we have created some awesome and exciting new programs that require specialized skill sets, we need qualified volunteers to execute good program delivery. These areas include, but not limited to, the following: Music Production, Music Performance with: violins, piano/keyboard, guitar, and percussion, STEM programming, Arts and Crafts, Videography, Photography, Webpage Design, and Media Literacy. Last, we pride ourselves on being a first-class organization for the youth in our community. As such, we are making a commitment to enhance our property, both interior and exterior. Community support with keeping the property, more specifically our bushes trimmed and flower beds neat, is a priority.
Finally, we love connecting with our supporters through our website at www.ocbg.club. While there, supporters can make a contribution through the club’s PayPal account by clicking on the donate tab located on the homepage.
List any and all ways our readers can connect with your organization.
(270) 444-9124
facebook-@oscarcrossbgc,
Instagram-oscar_crossbgc
Twitter-@OscarCrossBGC
TicTok-@oscarcrossbgc
Amazon Smile-Oscar Cross Boys & Girls Club.
Paducah Cooperative Ministry
What is the mission of your organization?
Paducah Cooperative Mission seeks to “Do God’s work with human hands” by drawing together individuals and congregations to respond to basic human needs and conditions.
How has your organization shifted during the pandemic?
At this time the only people entering our building are staff, volunteers and occasional visitors who are part of our work. Everyone who comes into the building is asked to wear a mask and to maintain social distance. Interviews with clients are entirely by phone. We maintain social distance when clients arrive to pick up groceries or emergency funds.
We have also expanded services. We have, for example, increased the amount of emergency food offered from 3 to 5 days per person in a household. Also during the year, we saw an unprecedented and unexpected increase in individuals in the county who were homeless, on foot, and suffering while sleeping in places unfit for human habitation. We quickly organized a new space and filled it – thanks to the generosity of member congregations and generous friends – with socks, sweatshirts, gloves and scarves; ready-to-eat food and can openers; sleeping mats and personal hygiene kits; backpacks and totes. The number of transient clients grew from an average of 13 a month January to June to 22 a month July to December. A final new service focused on individuals and families suddenly made homeless, often as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. Helping these clients required us to consider two challenges: (a) area shelter programs reducing the number of residents as a preventive health measure and (2) the continued scarcity of affordable housing in the area. The answer was to begin offering an alternative we had avoided previously: offering shelter in local economy motels. This service provided 158 nights of shelter to 148 individuals from 93 households.
What events can the community look forward to in the next year that benefit your organization?
We will hold the 8th annual Moonlight Ride on Saturday, July 31. Riders should visit our website www.paducahcoopministry.org for information or go to www.moonlightridepaducah.com to register.
We will again participate in the 2021 Fred Paxton Challenge for Charities. Gifts can be made to PCM through the Community Foundation of West Kentucky from June 1, 2021 to August 31, 2021. All gifts are matched dollar-for-dollar by the Fred Paxton Foundation up to $10,000. Visit the Foundation’s website www.cfwestky.org beginning June 1st to make a gift or mail a check to the Foundation’s office at 333 Broadway, Paducah, KY 42001 (be sure to indicate Paducah Cooperative Ministry on the check memo).
What can the community do RIGHT NOW to help your organization?
Everyone can do God’s Work with Human Hands, every day, in small ways to care for one another and the “least of these.” Never underestimate the impact a small kindness make have on someone else. Notice your neighbor, the person in the checkout line behind you. The coworker with sad eyes. Volunteer where and when you can to put your hands and heart in service to God and his children.
List any and all ways our readers can connect with your organization.
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/Paducah.cooperativeministry/
Visit our website: www.paducahcoopministry.org
Call us at 270-442-6795
Email us at pcm@paducahcoopministry.org
Paducah Day Nursery
What is the mission of your organization?
Paducah Day Nursery is a non-profit corporation established in 1911 and incorporated in 1916. It was originally started for working mothers to have a safe place for their children. Today, Paducah Day Nursery continues its journey to provide high quality care for children of parents with limited resources. It is a 5 STAR center serving working families, and parents enrolled in higher education.
Paducah Day Nursery strives to invest in the lives of children and their families. Our early care professionals use a research-based curriculum that supports the development of the whole child. The financial support of The United Way allows us to have lower staff to child ratios, continuing education for our staff, and allows us to purchase materials to support learning in the classroom. Our efforts to promote family involvement through various avenues lays the foundation to equip parents to engage in their child’s future academic success.
How has your organization shifted during the pandemic?
Our childcare center was closed for three months due to COVID-19. Since reopening, the directives from the CDC, the Governor’s office, and the KY Division of Child Care are being strictly followed, and we have new procedures in place to ensure the health and safety of our staff and children.
One of the most difficult challenges we face is having to limit daily interactions with families due to regulations that prohibit our families from entering the classroom. An important part of our mission is to establish a connection between what is learned in our space and what takes place in the home. We have provided resources for families during this time and purchased materials for parentchild activities for families to enjoy together.
What events can the community look forward to in the next year that benefit your organization?
We will be having our annual golf scramble fundraiser August 13th at Drake Creek Golf Club. All proceeds go directly to Paducah Day Nursery.
We are also looking forward to continuing our tradition of having our annual fall festival, parent cafés, and field trips for the children as COVID restrictions slowly lift.
What can the community do RIGHT NOW to help your organization?
The community can help support Paducah Day Nursery in several ways. We are always in need of board games, diapers, wipes, and art supplies. Monetary donations are always accepted as well.
List any and all ways our readers can connect with your organization.
Email: paducahdaynursery@att.net
Website: paducahday.com
Phone Number: 270-442-KIDS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Paducah-Day-Nursery
Amazon Smile: smile.amazon.com/gp/ch/list/61-0458377
Paducah-McCracken County Senior Center
What is the mission of your organization?
The Paducah-McCracken County Senior Center has a variety of programs, resources, and services to support seniors. The purpose of our agency is to provide social, educational, welfare, and recreational activities for the elderly in the Paducah-McCracken County area. According to a 2018 report from the United Health Foundation, approximately 17% of Kentucky elderly residents are homebound and 42% have disabilities. The reports ranks Kentucky 48th among states for seniors who are at risk of social isolation. More than 50% of the seniors who utilize the Paducah-McCracken County Senior Center live at a low-to moderate-income level, live alone, and are at-risk for one or more chronic diseases, including mental illnesses and poor nutrition. Our programs and services are designed to improve the quality of life for our most vulnerable population.
Many of the seniors served at the senior center report chronic health conditions, are at risk for poor nutrition, depression, abuse or self-neglect, and ultimately, premature institutionalization due to their inability to care for themselves and lack of familial or social networks of care. The Paducah-McCracken County Senior Center addresses these and other needs with a variety of programs and services designed specifically for this population
Our current programs are:
- 1. Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP): Assistance with Medicare charges and assistance with Medicare Open Enrollment.
- 2. Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP): Volunteer service through a variety of charities throughout McCracken County.
- 3. Elderly Home Owners Maintenance & Everyday Security (E-Homes): Assist with minor home repair for low-income home owners in McCracken County with priority given to projects impacting the senior’s safety.
- 4. Off-Site Activities: For seniors in the housing community ranging from education to trips.
- 5. Congregate Meals: Hot, balanced & nutritious lunches served daily in our Center’s Dining Room. $2 donation suggested but not required.
- 6. Senior Transportation; Preregistered transportation to/from the Senior Center, grocery, bank and medical appointments.
- 7. Services for Home-Bound Seniors: Home delivered noon meals and reassurance calls.
How has your organization shifted during the pandemic?
We have had a significant increase in the demand for home delivered meals. Our Meals on Wheels services has increased by 115% since the beginning of the pandemic in March of 2020. Our Meals on Wheels workforce has doubled to meet the demand for home delivered meals.
What events can the community look forward to in the next year that benefit your organization?
No events scheduled at this time due to the pandemic.
What can the community do RIGHT NOW to help your organization?
Donations are always appreciated! Volunteers for the Meals on Wheels program are always needed.
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Amazon Smile
270-443-8579
The Salvation Army
What is the mission of your organization?
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
How has your organization shifted during the pandemic?
Daily The Salvation Army seeks to meet the needs of families in need in our community, even in the midst of the pandemic that goal is still the same! All throughout the pandemic, TSA never closed its doors, rather we have creatively adapted our assistance to meet the growing demands and changing needs families have as they face difficulties they never saw coming and struggle to provide basic needs for their family. We have distributed loads of food to anyone in need, adjusted the requirements for assistance, goody bags, school supplies to virtual students, provided activity boxes to families with children to combat against boredom, paid power bills, filled gas tanks, provided shelter/hotel stays, paid mortgage bills, covered medication costs, delivered food/hygiene items to those without transportation, delivered church in a box, made house visits, yard visits, etc… It has been an honor to serve the community in these unprecedented months, and we are daily making adjustments to fill the gaps and meet new needs. Thank you to the community partners who come together to serve. We are proud to serve alongside you all!
What events can the community look forward to in the next year that benefit your organization?
Some opportunities for the community to participate with The Salvation Army this year is The Salvation Army Annual Golf Scramble, which affords a 1 week camp experience for at risk youth in our area, The Angel Tree program which provides clothing/food/toys for hundreds of children in need at Christmastime, the Red Kettle kick-off fundraising to benefit families in need all year through our social service and pathway of hope programs which offers financial assistance, food, and personal necessities.
What can the community do RIGHT NOW to help your organization?
The community can help support our mission by Donating monetary gifts online or via mail, offer to volunteer time, donate gently used good to our Family Store, purchase items from our Walmart Registry for Good, or donate non-perishable foods, personal hygiene items, sleeping bags, or others items to combat against homelessness and hunger. www.salvationarmypaducah.org
List any and all ways our readers can connect with your organization.
Shop our Walmart Registry for Good link- https://www.walmart.com/registry/registryforgood/300bfe52-aa14-4121-9b9f-b296b04066d2/view
Find us through Facebook at The Salvation Army Paducah
SA Paducah website- https://salvationarmypaducah.org/
Call our office at 270-443-8231 or contact us via cell at 270-366-4450
Email us @- Johnny.horton@uss.salvationarmy.org or message us on Facebook
United Way of Paducah-McCracken County
What is the mission of your organization?
The United Way of Paducah-McCracken County serves the community by improving conditions in education, income and health.
How has your organization shifted during the pandemic?
Much like any crisis, COVID-19 exposed many community needs while creating new ones. The United Way of Paducah-McCracken County’s mission to improve conditions in education, income and health could not have been more vital during this time! Our organization partnered with government and nonprofit agencies creating an emergency response system to take care of neighbors in need. Our organization disseminated community resource guides and increased our online presence so those impacted by the pandemic knew who to call for support and those that wanted to support others could do so with ease. We trained City of Paducah customer response personnel to refer callers who needed help. The United Way also partnered with the City of Paducah’s Public Works Department, Salvation Army, Family Service Society and Paducah Cooperative Ministry to create a contactless, food bank delivery service when it became unsafe to serve people in-person. As more and more of our neighbors experienced pandemic furloughs and lay-offs, the United Way led a successful crowd-funding effort to provide a one-time, Necessities Grant to individuals and families facing a critical economic impact. Our agency manages a COVID-19 Response Committee of board members, volunteers and community partners seeking to address other needs as they arise, like providing mental health education and resources through a daily social media awareness campaign. Additionally, United Way partner agency leadership now meet monthly to unify community response efforts. The United Way’s Promoting Academics & Leadership in Schools (PALS) mentoring program worked with educational partners to convert the normally in-person support for reading, math, and leadership to a virtual connection where available. Our annual Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive pivoted allowing donors to provide for students through our online giving portal or an Amazon Wish List. The United Way Board of Directors committed to creating stability for partner agencies through our annual community investment process. The board and our donors ensured our neighbors could depend upon partner agencies’ services even after many had to forgo annual fundraising.
What events can the community look forward to in the next year that benefit your organization?
Power of the Purse, Victory Jackpot, Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive, Project United Day of Service – hopefully, in-person this year!
What can the community do RIGHT NOW to help your organization?
Living United has never been more important! When you give your time or donation to the United Way of Paducah-McCracken County, you ensure our community bounces back from the pandemic. Give a gift to provide educational improvements, income stability, and health services across Paducah-McCracken County through our secure online portal (www.unitedwaypaducah.org/donation) or text UWPADUCAH to 269-89! Sign up to volunteer for our PALS (Promoting Academics & Leadership in Schools) mentoring program for the 2021-22 school year to help students recover from learning loss and a lack of connection! Or, serve at a partner agency to help restore their volunteer base! You can search for opportunities at www.volunteerpaducah.org. #LiveUnited
List any and all ways our readers can connect with your organization.
270.442.1691
@UWPaducah (Facebook & Twitter)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClOXqyNnn8EG3oKi_YtBZVg
unitedwaypaducah (Instagram)
United Way of Paducah-McCracken County (AmazonSmile)
Text UWPADUCAH to 269-89 (text service)
