This newsletter is updated weekly with resources and support for parents, caregivers, grandparents and community members. Resources listed here are free.

• Make your values and your rules clear.
• Ask and listen, but resist the urge to lecture.
• If your child has used substances, try to explore the reasons.
• Know when (and how) to intervene.
• Be mindful of any family history of substance use disorders.

Teenagers naturally pull away from their parents and are exposed to different peer influences, and often they are drawn to peers who you might not like or respect. Read more.

Parents can help protect kids against drug use by giving them the facts before they're in a risky situation. This can make them less likely to experiment with drugs or to rely on friends for answers. Read more.

If you do not have access to internet or a device to do a virtual training or support group on and would like to attend…these places have free access to internet and devices. Contact info@wjrfoundation.org for more information.

Thorn Hill Education Center (700 Leslie Avenue)

Pawl Sawyier Public Library (319 Wapping Street)

Free Virtual Support Group, Meets Tuesday evenings 6:30pm-7:30pm via Zoom

This new KIN VIP Support Group will provide a community of support for kinship caregivers who have been impacted by a family member’s substance use. This group will offer a safe space where kinship caregivers can find support, understanding, resources, and hope. The group is completely free and available to any caregiver raising a relative or fictive kin child. Contact Sheila Rentfrow at sheila.rentfrow@uky.edu for more information or sign up to secure your spot!

Free Virtual Support Group, Mondays, October 7-December 23, 7:00pm-8:00pm via Zoom

Raising children when they are small can be fun–from reading story books to learning ABC’s and counting with cute rhymes, the possibilities to create wonderful bonds and fun times together are seemingly endless. You may be thinking that your young child is already turning into a teenager and may be asking yourself “What do I do now?” Whether you have a tween (8-12 years old) or a teen (age 12- 19), this is the group for you! Throughout this weekly pilot, we will be discussing a variety of topics that can help you in your care of your tween or teen! Of course, this group will be an opportunity for you to share your questions and get support and resources to aid in your care of tweens/teens. A financial incentive is also available for those who attend! Learn more.

What is a Parent Cafe? It's a resource for all parents and caregivers. There's a short program, a time to connect with others and a safe space to share your thoughts. Parent Cafes are free and dinner and childcare are always provided.

Several organizations in Frankfort offer Parent Cafes. Learn more here.

The Family Literacy Program is available for all families free of charge at Thorn Hill Education Center. There are four components of the program:

1. Adult Education

2. Children’s Education

3. Parent and Child Time

4. Parent Time

Thorn Hill offers activities for your family and will also let you know of activities occurring at the Paul Sawyier Public Library, the Franklin County Cooperative Extension Office, 4-H Club, Yes Arts, and more. If you are interested in signing up, visit the link here:

English classes, GED classes, Job Resources, College Prep and more. Learn more.

Tons of free programs and resources for all families. Learn more.

Wanda Joyce is here to offer love and support to parents, caregivers, guardians, mentors and the community.​ Direct services and programs are offered for families who have been impacted by incarceration. Other events and programs are offered for all community members. Learn more here.

Services:

• Mentors for youth who have been impacted by incarceration
  
• FatherHood program for men who have been impacted by incarceration
• Video Visitation offered for youth who have a parent currently incarcerated
• Support groups offered for families and caregivers
• Middle School and High School monthly programs
• Yes Card Assistance
• KRUSH Group inside schools for all ages who have been impacted by incarceration
• and much more...

Public Transportation and many more resources. Learn more.

Family Caregiver Program

This program is through Community Action and provides stipends to grandparents/caregivers raising children. Caregivers do not have to provide proof of custody but rather prove that the child resides with them. Call 1-866-665-7921.

For all middle school youth in Frankfort

The Yes Card exists to help kids find positive activities they enjoy. A Yes Card is an electronic gift card that can be used to pay for youth activities from a list of approved providers in Franklin County. It is part of Just Say Yes, a youth wellness and substance use prevention initiative that encourages positive youth support for young people in Franklin County.

What's a FRYSC?

Franklin County Schools offer support to students and families through the FRYSC program. The main goal of a FRYSC is to remove non-academic barriers to learning as a means to enhance student academic success. Find a list of FRYSC contacts at each school here.