Agency - MASH Services Of The Bluegrass, Inc.

MASH 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. MASH 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:
MASH Services of the Bluegrass, Inc. has several programs serving youth throughout Central Kentucky.

MASH Drop Inn is a ten bed emergency shelter for youth ages birth to 17. We offer a safe, home-like environment for runaway and homeless youth and youth awaiting placement in foster care, as well as those who access our Safe Place services.

Emergency Shelter
We provide basic necessities such as food and clothing, as well as enhanced services including crisis counseling, case management, transportation, and youth development activities.

Respite Care
MASH's respite services offer an opportunity for intervention when youth and their parents or guardians experience conflict. Children or youth may stay at MASH's emergency shelter while our staff provide counseling, case management, referrals for needed services and other crisis intervention services to the entire family. Parents must meet with staff to develop a plan to identify and meet family goals aimed at the youth's successful reintegration into the family home.

Project Safe Place
Our Safe Place services provide access to immediate help and supportive resources for all young people in crisis. With over 160 Safe Place sites in Fayette County and the surrounding counties, we are developing a network of safety for youth. Youth can walk into any Safe Place site displaying the yellow sign and ask for help. Safety is only a phone call away.

Beacon Station Outreach Program
Drop-In Center
Runaway and homeless youth ages 11 to 21 can come to the drop-in center and eat a hot meal, wash laundry, take a shower, access information and referrals, use the phone, or talk with an advocate. Youth can also get help creating a resume or enrolling in school through the drop-in center.

Structured Afterschool Program
The program, designed to offer safe, enriching activities to youth ages 11 to 17, operates from 4pm-7pm on school days. MASH staff provide transportation from schools in Fayette County to our Beacon Station location, where youth can participate in educational, recreational and service learning activities.

Street Outreach
The goal of our street outreach services is to connect with youth on the street, in the parks, and in other places where they are at risk of violence and exploitation. Staff provide not only food and hygiene supplies to the runaway and homeless youth the encounter, but also information and referrals, crisis counseling, and transportation to a safe place.

Transitional Housing Program
MASH's Transitional Housing Program provides supportive services for Fayette County youth ages 18 to 21 who are either homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. All youth must be working or enrolled in school within two months of entering the program. Services provided include independent living skills development, counseling, case management, budget and credit education, parenting support and rent and utility subsidies. Assistance in finding and applying for an apartment, job or educational program are provided by MASH staff.

History:
MASH 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 Macleery, Executive Director, (phone), (email)

Address:

536 West Third Street Lexington, KY 40508 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.mashbluegrass.org

Directions:

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 February 15, 2011