The Sapling Center

Description

According to a 2017 KET (Kentucky Educational Television) article, young adult homelessness in Kentucky is increasing, with 18- to 24-year-olds as the fastest-growing segment of the homeless population. In addition, Kentucky is seeing record numbers of youth in foster care, due in part to the opioid epidemic.

To provide a safe, supportive environment for teens and young adults, Kentucky River Community Care, a community mental health center, created the Sapling Center in June 2016. This drop-in safe space provides free services like counseling, life skills training, and fun activities for anyone aged 14 to 25.

The goal of the center is to assist youth and young adults in transitioning successfully into and through adulthood by developing self and community advocacy. The centers are youth-led, and activities such as the monthly community service projects are decided by the youth. Most of the participants at each center have personal or family issues such as homelessness, addiction, and mental health issues.

There are Sapling Center locations in 6 rural communities:

• Barbourville
• Campton
• Hazard
• Hindman
• Hyden
• Whitesburg

Services offered

Centers are run by behavioral health therapists, Community Support Associates, and Youth Peer Support Specialists. All center services are free and include:

• Arts and crafts
• Computer lab
• Crisis & Information Hotline: 1.800.262.7491
• Food
• Games
• Library
• Life skills training
• Monthly community service volunteer projects
• Personal items like clothing and hygiene products for those in need
• Referral to primary care, behavioral health, and dental care as needed
• Transportation to and from the center
• SMART Recovery and substance use support groups

Professional services at the centers are also available and include behavioral health and substance use therapies and individual professional services by Youth Peer Support staff and Community Support Associates.

Results

The Sapling Centers serve 50-75 teens and young adults every day. Many of the centers' attendees participate in group and individual counseling, including substance use sessions in addition to Youth Peer Support and Community Support Associate services.

The Sapling Center was featured in a 2017 Daily Yonder article.

Challenges

Opening the centers posed few barriers, since the communities welcomed options for youth and the schools saw them as an immediate resource. Obtaining some grant money to offset costs of facility repairs and furnishing the space was the primary challenge.

Replication

To replicate the Sapling Center, start with the youth. Create a youth council to make design decisions, suggest staffing plans, determine hours of operation, make choices about food, and generally voice what they need to be empowered.

Contact Information

Amanda Wooton, LPCC, Director of Transition Age Youth Services
Kentucky River Community Care
The Sapling Center
amanda.wooton@krccnet.com