Grants to fund prevention, engagement and connection to resources

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (July 28, 2025) – Four Kentucky libraries will offer extra support to families this summer and fall through grants from a collaboration between the Kentucky Department of Community-Based Services (DCBS), libraries across the state and New Allies, which is part of the national nonprofit Youth Villages.

New Allies and Youth Villages partnered with DCBS to help children and families avoid foster care placement or reunify more quickly if out-of-home support is needed. The library pilot projects will test whether innovative early or primary prevention services and resources can reduce the need for foster care or child welfare intervention.

“Partnering with Kentucky’s public libraries and New Allies, we’re bringing vital prevention services directly into communities,” said DCBS Commissioner Lesa Dennis.

“By meeting families where they are, we’re building pathways to stability, resilience and well-being so no family has to face challenges alone. We look forward to seeing how this initiative strengthens families and communities across the Commonwealth.”

The four projects aim to connect families with resources, promote positive parent/child interactions, increase social connections, provide safety-related information, support children’s social/emotional learning and deepen community collaboration.

“These projects focus on family and youth well-being and resilience to increase protective factors and decrease the risk of abuse or neglect,” said Britany Binkowski, executive director of New Allies. “This gets communities taking an active role and ownership in helping families be safe and stable.”

Approximately $200,000 in grants from New Allies were awarded to:

• Johnson County Public Library for a Community Navigator program to make the library a one-stop resource hub for families seeking critical community services.
• Marshall County Public Library for Mom’s Night Out, a five-month series of weekly caregiver and youth sessions that help parents gain new tools and resources and feel supported and connected to the community.
• Jackson County Public Library for Roo’s Kindergarten Readiness Crew to provide resources and support to parents, including seven progressive kindergarten readiness kits and three community events focused on early learning.
• Spencer County Public Library for a mobile outreach program that brings story time, youth programs and resources directly to apartment communities twice per month, ensuring families stay connected and supported where they live.

Dr. Beth Wahler, a native Kentuckian, is guiding the pilot, providing ongoing implementation and evaluation. She is asocial work consultant and researcher who partners with libraries nationwide.

“Public libraries already play a powerful role in preventing child abuse by being freely accessible, offering safe and inclusive spaces, building trusted relationships, promoting well-being, and providing access to resources for millions of children and families nationwide,” Wahler said. “We believe libraries can have an even greater impact on family outcomes if we invest more in them and provide targeted support and guidance.”

For more information on New Allies’ work, visit newallies.org or email info@newallies.org.

About New Allies and Youth Villages

New Allies is a consulting and technical assistance initiative of Youth Villages, designed to help child welfare leaders and system partners navigate long-term system transformations to give children and families their best chance at success. Learn more at newallies.org.

Youth Villages (youthvillages.org) is a national leader in mental and behavioral health committed to finding the most effective solutions to help children, families and young adults overcome obstacles and live successfully. Working through direct services and partnerships with other high-performing agencies and advocacy, the organization collaborates to bring positive change to child welfare, children’s mental health and justice systems. Youth Villages has 5,000 employees serving more than 47,000 children and young adults in more than 100 locations in 29 states and Washington, D.C.

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