Strengthening KentuckY (SKY) Families Parenting program began approximately 14 years ago in response to a community need to assist with increasing parenting skills for families of color. Over the years the program has involved to include all families. The Kentucky State University Strengthening KY Families (SKY) Parenting Education program provides instructional information on relevant issues that help divert crisis situations when parenting infants through young adults for families in the Lexington/Fayette County region of Kentucky. SKY Families offers a twelve-week program in which participants meets once per week for an hour and a half. SKY Families Participants are taught skills from the Nurturing Parenting Community Based Curriculum, to increase capacity by teaching skills that aids in the reduction of abuse and neglect. By offering an evidence-based culturally competent strategy, SKY Families aides in the family reunification process and helps individuals move towards self-sufficiency.

SKY Families is in alignment with the mission and purpose of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension System. The Cooperative Extension System is a non-formal educational program implemented in the United States designed to help people use research-based knowledge to improve their lives. During the 2017 fiscal year, SKY Families serviced 43 families with 36 completing the program. Overall 293 contacts were made in with the following ethnic breakdown: 219 whites, 73 blacks, 51 Hispanic, 1 Other and 220 women, 73 males representing 111 children who were also in attendance for the program.

Overall the program has been effective in teaching new parenting strategies. The program was also well received as many parents noted the following:

“At first when the program first started, I was a little upset by me having to attend parent class, but how I feel so different, because now I know how to take time for myself to be a better listener and to have more patient for my teenagers. It has been a pleasure attending this class and the instructor has done an amazing job. Thank you!”

“The classes were knowledgeable and great. The presenter did great.”

“Great job thank you!”

“All of the lessons were extremely helpful. The handouts were very important and I am glad I can look back on them.”

“I believe this class is perfect and needs no improvements.”