Whom We Are Helping
New Beginnings Bluegrass Inc. owns and manages residential properties in Fayette County comprised of one-bedroom apartments, duplexes and group residences which house and provide support services to 34 adults diagnosed with mental illness. Our program runs at full capacity with a waiting list of over 45 eligible applicants.

Residents of New Beginnings Bluegrass Inc. must be able to function consistently at a moderate-to-high level in daily living skills. All residents are involved in ongoing treatment for their mental illness. All residents are visited at least twice a week by our Outreach Workers to assess their wellness and address their needs. Some residents actively advocate for mental health awareness in their own community.

Because New Beginnings Bluegrass Inc. offers permanent housing in beneficial surroundings, the turnover among residents is very low. Since its inception, several residents have chosen to make other living arrangements, often because of strides in their personal progress as a result of living in the stable environment provided at New Beginnings Bluegrass Inc. Given its values of encouraging self-sufficiency and despite the challenges of the severely mentally ill, New Beginnings Bluegrass Inc. has maintained a high success rate with residents' wellness since it began offering affordable housing and support services.

We Need Property
With over 45 eligible applicants on our waiting list, New Beginnings Bluegrass Inc. needs more housing in Fayette County, but at present we have no way to fund such expenditure. Examples of properties that would fit the needs of our residents are described below:

• Independent one- or two-bedroom apartments located near access to transportation, shopping, medical care and employment opportunities.

• Properties suitable for group home living, such as four- to five-bedroom homes located near access to transportation, shopping, medical care and employment opportunities.

• Commercial property that could be used as a drop-in center for residents to hold meetings, host activities and seek respite.

If you or your company would like to discuss the property needs of New Beginnings Bluegrass Inc., please contact Karen Ackinson, Executive Director, at (859) 245-2400.

We would be grateful for cash donations, however modest. For information on how to make a donation, contact the administrative offices at (859) 245-2400.

We Need Volunteers
There is a pressing need for volunteers to assist at New Beginnings Bluegrass Inc. in a range of tasks:

• organize outings for residents

• accompany residents on outings

• lead residents in creative activities

• organize celebrations such as Thanksgiving dinner and birthdays

• participate and assist with celebrations such as Thanksgiving dinner and birthdays

• drive residents to appointments

• assist at fundraisers

• clean homes

If you'd like to volunteer, email us with your name and contact details.

Wish List of Needs

• minivan for staff use to take residents to jobs, appointments and on social outings

• venue for residents' activity center to be used for recreation therapy, training opportunities, crisis interventions, holiday functions, etc.

• a computer in each house for the residents' use

If you'd like to donate one of these items or have questions, email Karen Ackinson with your name and contact details or phone the administrative offices at (859) 245-2400.