Owsley County Outreach

Our Programs

We currently run 8 programs:

1. The Food Backpack Program sends children home each weekend with a backpack filled with seven easily prepared meals along with two to three snacks. The children we serve have been identified by teachers and school Resource Center personnel as having little or no food from Friday’s school lunch until Monday's 7:30 a.m. breakfast.

2. The Have & Have Not Program provides for children who otherwise are unable to participate in the school-day's 1:30 p.m. snack break. Owsley County Outreach provides snacks through the school office so that these children may be nourished and, nearly as importantly, so the kids don't feel left out or forgotten.

3. Domestic Violence Involvement: O.C.O.C. participates in monthly Domestic Violence Council meetings. We assist with clothing, household items and food, when needed. Our long-term intention is to provide a safe house for these victims. When realized, this home will be called the Ruth House (with 'Ruth' symbolizing a 'friend when in a time of need').

4. The Senior Care Program: The Senior Care Program provides food and clothing to low-income seniors. Many Owsley County seniors are forced to choose between medicine, food or utilities, and it is our goal to ensure than none go hungry. We also provide medical transportation, when possible. An overwhelming proportion of our senior population are also primary caregivers to grandchildren and are in need of additional food and/or clothing.

5. Drug Rehab: At present, we provide a support system to women who have served time in prison and/or are returning from drug rehabilitation clinics. We work with these women in the Thrift Store, focusing on job training while providing a solid presence to stand with them while they are trying to rebuild a life in a county where drugs are available on every corner.

6. Families In Need: When a family sufferers home loss due to fire, domestic violence or any other means, we assist with furniture, household items, clothing and other necessities.

7. Clothing Program: O.C.O.C supplies an array of clothing needs, including: children who are in need of clothing for school; families needing appropriate clothing funeral services or the burial of loved ones, and; senior citizens in need. We also provide winter coats, blankets and quilts to those in need. As with all of our programs, we do our utmost to support our clients in a way that preserves dignity and pride. To that end, we provide needy families with vouchers so that they may shop our Thrift Store themselves, purchasing what they like.

8. Christmas Program: With the help of churches, families and friends, we are normally able to give each child and senior a Christmas gift. As well, we provide 40 Christmas food boxes for senior shut-ins.