Describe the Issue or Situation.

Myers Towers is a 200 unit, 11 story high-rise subsidized housing complex in downtown Pikeville that houses individuals who are majority low-income, elderly, and have limited mobility.

Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).

In 2022, Pike County Extension Community Arts, in cooperation with The Appalachian Center for the Arts (The APP) and the Pike County Housing Authority, received the Arts Access Assistance: Creative Aging and Lifelong Learning grant from the Kentucky Arts Council. At the conclusion of the grant, the residents asked Pike County Community Arts to continue programming. After planning and reaching out to facility coordinators, we resumed classes with residents on a monthly basis in 2024. Residents reach out to us with ideas of what they'd like to learn and projects they'd like to complete. We provide evaluation sheets, with a space for suggestions. Residents have enjoyed learning various art techniques, creating door hangers and paintings, and crafting holiday decor. We incorporate healthy recipe ideas into each class. We have several more projects planned for this year, including mosaics and gardening!

Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.

The number of participants varies per class, but on average we have 20 participants. Participants are residents of subsidized housing, with a majority population of senior citizens and limited mobility individuals.

Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesses, or in the community because of the program/outreach.

100% of survey respondents said the classes increased their mindfulness and focus, allowing them to use critical thinking skills and make deliberate choices. 100% of respondents also said the activities increased their confidence or self-esteem in creating art.