Kids on the Block tells Warren County court it will expand school programs; county funding to be presented

Representatives from Kentucky Kids on the Block told the Warren County Fiscal Court on Nov. 10 that their educational puppet-based programs are expanding in local schools and that the organization is on track to present roughly 144 programs in Warren County by year-end.

"We're actually on track to do a 144 programs by the end of the year," Ashley Reynolds said, describing growth in child abuse prevention and substance-use topics. Reynolds and her colleagues said the organization now offers 10 different topics and is adding music to help students retain program material.

Sarah Kitchens, grants manager and executive assistant, and Amanda Guerra, director of programs and lead puppeteer, described efforts to align programming with Warren County Public Schools and said the county's annual funding is vital. Reynolds said a ceremonial "big check" from the county would be brought forward at the end of the meeting for a photo opportunity.

Why it matters: The program provides prevention and awareness sessions for school-age children on topics such as child abuse prevention, cyberbullying, mental health and substance use. Officials said the county's funding helps the program reach a larger number of classrooms and saves local staff time by providing a consistent, age-appropriate curriculum.

Court reaction: The judge and multiple magistrates praised the group's work and thanked staff and volunteers. The judge said the county values the group's partnership and acknowledged the program's statewide reach from an attorney-general-supported grant for substance-use programming.

Ending: The presenters said they would return with the check for a photo at the meeting's close. No formal funding motion or vote was recorded during the Nov. 10 meeting beyond acceptance of the organization's update.