Kentucky Kids on the Block celebrates 40 years of service

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – A longstanding nonprofit is celebrating its powerful legacy of service and education. On Thursday morning, dozens of community members gathered to mark 40 years of Kentucky Kids on the Block.

Heather Higgins Jeffrey, daughter of co-founder Jamie Higgins, emphasized the vital role of community support in sustaining the program.

“There are lots of programs that help kids who are victims of abuse,” she said, “But the thing is to identify those kiddos—and that’s where Kids on the Block comes in.”

The organization uses puppetry to engage children in meaningful conversations about difficult topics like abuse, bullying and disability awareness.

Executive director Ashley Reynolds highlighted that the nonprofit thrives solely on local support, not federal funding.

“We’re the little engine that could,” she shared, crediting grants, fundraisers and individual generosity for their success. The organization has reached over 30,000 children across Kentucky, sparking early awareness and resilience.

Its performances not only educates but also empowers kids to speak up. With its eyes on the future, Kentucky Kids on the Block remains committed to creating a safer, more understanding world for all children.