KCEOC, Community Action Partnership (CAP) would like to thank Barbourville Independent Schools Beta Club and Student Council for choosing KCEOC, CAP as a recipient of the donations gathered during their recent holiday hygiene kit drive.

This year’s drive was held through the winter months with numerous students participating in gathering and assembling hygiene kits. KCEOC, CAP’s Emergency Support Center was chosen as a recipient of the kits gathered as part of a special collection event.

We are so thankful for the students, the faculty and the staff of Barbourville Independent Schools for their support and charity. A total of 66 hygiene kits were assembled and donated by these kind students to the KCEOC Emergency Support Center. The kits included very important hygiene items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, deodorant, dental floss, shampoo, conditioner, and soaps. Because of events like this and the amazing people behind them, KCEOC, CAP is more able to help those staying at our emergency support center for many months to come.

If you would like to donate to the KCEOC Emergency Support Center you may drop the donations off at the side door of the KCEOC main office in Gray, KY 24 hours a day.

KCEOC has officially opened the KCEOC Youth Crisis Center named Ryan’s Place in Barbourville, KY. It is a place for homeless youth to live and receive services to help them obtain permanent housing.

The Youth Crisis Center, named Ryan’s Place, was named after Ryan White. Ryan was a homeless youth client KCEOC served which later became involved in the fight to end youth homelessness. He served on a Youth Action board during the beginning phases of the grant proposal. He passed away in a car wreck shortly after his 18th birthday, and before the mission became reality. He wanted to see youth in the community to have a voice and a safe place. KCEOC named the Youth Crisis Center in his memory.

Ryan’s place is a safe haven for homeless youth to come in, stay, receive services, and get back on their feet. We have four two bedroom units for youth 18-24 that find themselves homeless. Each unit serves two separate individuals. They share the common areas and have private bedrooms. There is an onsite case manager that provides educational skills, life skills, employment, and other supportive services. As well as, set a path for permanent housing.

Ryan’s place is something that is greatly needed in southeastern KY. Ryan's place serves Knox, Bell, Clay, Whitley, and Harlan. In 2018, during a nationwide homeless count that happens every last Wednesday of January, in Knox County alone KCEOC and local partners located 96 street homeless individuals. The number of youth homelessness is an increasing issue that needed to be addressed.

Would you like to help the homeless youth? The Youth Crisis Center is accepting donations. We are looking for full size bedding, pillows, all household items, hygiene products, food gift cards, and non-perishable items. If you would like to donate you may drop donations off at 462 Court Square, Barbourville, KY 40906. Also, call Robert Davis at 606-595-3785 or 606-595-2252 before dropping off donations to set up a date and time.