Kentucky: Henderson Settlement, Frakes

Summary: Child care, educational programs, agricultural and economic development, and recreation.  (#773365)

Description: Henderson Settlement provides child care; educational and developmental programs; agricultural and economic development; basic needs and housing assistance; and recreation for disadvantaged children, youth, parents, and the elderly in an isolated, impoverished Appalachian community.

The communities Henderson Settlement serves are located remote areas of their respective counties. The geographic isolation has allowed local governments to ignore the needs and conditions of the people. Official poverty rates range betweem 35% amd 45% for all ages. Eighty percent of the families with school children are either poverty level or low-income level. Real underemployment and unemployment is approximately 40%. Employment opportunities in the service area are very limited and most available jobs are 30-45 miles away. Lack of adequate education and transportation make getting and keeping employment very difficult.

Henderson Settlement works to solve the problems of inadequate education, job training and jobs, substandard housing, and poor physical and emotional health of mothers, children, youth, and the elderly through the various programs and services offered.