The NKyTribune is partnering with Horizon Community Funds to focus attention on the area’s nonprofits and the great work they do. This is part of a continuing series.
By Tess Brown
Horizon Community Funds
It was 1999. The six billionth human being was born. Y2K hype triggered billions of dollars spent in computer software upgrades. Boy bands were in full swing, pumping through radios across America.
In Covington, Dr. Janice Wilkerson gathered colleagues to bring a coalition together with a focus on preventing substance abuse and violence among the youth in the community she cared so deeply for. And they met.
And they met, and they met.
Originally, under the umbrella of Covington Independent Public Schools, a coalition of over 40 partners was formed to support students and families in our Covington community.
Initially funded through a federal drug prevention grant, the group was able to expand their services in 2001 when they received a federal Ready to Learn grant.
With this funding, Covington Partners was able to build in a mentoring program across the school district, as well as resource and security officers to build a safe, connected school environment.
Today, Covington Partners serves 3,800 students throughout Covington Independent Public Schools.
The Out-of-School Time Program alone serves 2,100. More than 600 students attended the Covington Summer Scholars Program, which turned summer learning loss into summer learning growth. The health and wellness, kindergarten readiness, and family engagement programs also see great success. Additionally, last year alone, nearly 240 mentors spent 3,800 hours with students through Lunch Buddies, After School Buddies, and Bulldog Connection.
Covington Partners knows very well that one key to this success is consistent, straightforward conversations with partners. When at the table with any number of their 40+ community partners, the organization keeps the focus on the success of the whole student.
Equally important to Covington Partners is intentional, strategic collection and use of data. Their data goes above and beyond what is asked of them from funders. Covington Partners staff carefully reviews student data as it is collected and responds with support and services that are tailored to promote success in each student.
Executive Director Stacie Strotman notes that such a strong focus on data and meetings isn’t necessarily exciting, but she knows that’s what it takes to truly serve Covington youth.
Get involved with Covington youth through Covington Partners: join, mentor, or support today. Learn more at their website, and be sure to stay in touch with them on Facebook and Twitter.
