M.A.S.H. Services Of The Bluegrass, Inc.
M.A.S.H. exists to provide comprehensive services to one of Central Kentucky's most at-risk population.
Our agency's mission is to provide safe alternatives for at-risk children, youth and families through services and referrals that offer support, meet basic needs and promote positive growth and development. M.A.S.H. does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion or legal status. While our primary service area is Fayette County and the surrounding Bluegrass Region, we have no geographic boundaries and routinely serve youth from various counties across the state. The only exception to this is the Transitional Housing Program, which serves only Fayette County residents at this time. All services are provided free of charge.
Description:
M.A.S.H. Services of the Bluegrass, Inc. has several programs serving youth throughout Central Kentucky.
M.A.S.H. (Metro Alternative Shelter House) Drop Inn operates a ten-bed emergency shelter for youth ages birth through seventeen. M.A.S.H. Drop Inn is the only emergency shelter for youth in Central Kentucky. Services offered include emergency shelter, counseling, case management, enrichment activities, safety planning, skills development, education and employment support, transportation, and other necessary services to at-risk youth. All services focus on minimizing the trauma experienced by victimized youth and assisting youth in developing the knowledge and skills necessary to transition successfully into adulthood.
Project Safe Place
As the designated Safe Place shelter for Central Kentucky, M.A.S.H. has developed a unique safety network of over 160 businesses, nonprofits, and community centers in Fayette and the surrounding counties. Any child or young person who is in an unsafe situation can access shelter services by walking into any one of these 160 sites. Safe Place partners include the Lexington Fire Department, Kroger, Mc Donald's, Thornton's, the Boy's and Girls Club, YMCA, and many others.
Outreach Program
M.A.S.H. is currently undertaking an effort to expand the organization's capacity to provide intensive and long-term youth development programming specifically aimed at reducing behavioral risk factors including substance abuse, delinquency, teen pregnancy, school dropout and violence. Opportunities will include youth leadership activities, community service opportunities, HIV/AIDS and substance abuse education, financial literacy activities and mentoring for both residential and non-residential youth. The focus of all activities will be the promotion of bonding among youth and between youth and adults; increased social, emotional, cognitive, behavioral and moral competence; and positive identity development among homeless youth and youth who are transitioning into a safe living environment after homelessness. Service components will be provided by M.A.S.H. both independently and in collaboration with other community agencies. Local employers, business leaders and mentors will be recruited to provide learning and mentoring opportunities based on individual participants' goals and needs.
Transitional Housing Program
The program provides subsidized housing and supported services for 18-21 year old youth, while assisting them in developing the skills necessary to live independently. Services offered include rent subsidies, counseling, case management, parenting support, youth development activities, social and life skills development and money management classes. In addition, referrals and ongoing support are provided to assist participants in meeting their educational and career goals. This program is designed to provide a safe place for young people to reside while working toward independence.
The Transitional Housing Program is unique in that it is the only supportive housing program targeting youth that are homeless or at-risk of homelessness. While other housing programs require youth to be parenting or in the state's custody, M.A.S.H.'s housing program assists youth in immediately accessing safety from the streets or other unsafe situations. Once in the program, staff assist participants in gaining employment or enrolling in school while also developing the skills necessary to achieve self-sufficiency. M.A.S.H. collaborates with other agencies and programs as needed to assist participants in reaching their goals. M.A.S.H. refers youth to job training programs, financial literacy classes, GED classes, and volunteer opportunities offered in the community.
History:
M.A.S.H. Services of the Bluegrass, Inc. was founded by the Junior League of Lexington in order to serve abused and homeless at-risk youth in Central Kentucky in 1976.
Contact person: Rebecca Graff, Executive Director, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: 859-226-9392
Address:
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536 West Third Street
Lexington, KY 40508
(See a map) |
Web Site: http://www.metrogrouphomes.com
Directions:
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Turn right off West Main Street onto Newtown Pike and continue for one block to West Third Street-turn right until 536 West Third Street, Lexington, Kentucky.
Nearest Bus Stop: 540 West Third Street, 0 minute walk |
| Last updated on August 3, 2009 |
