SCK Kids on the Block receives $4,869 grant from Dart Container

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – There are many children in our communities who face all forms of abuse.

But one local non-profit organization provides those kids a chance to share their experiences with a special friend.

And the grant they received will ensure that continues.

The special friends we’re talking about aren’t exactly human.

But life-like puppets that educate kids on abuse, and how to talk about it to adults so they can receive help.

This organization reached 34,000 children in 2018 and with a recent grant, can reach even more in 2019.

In 2018, Kids on the Block was conducting 338 programs.

Those programs are now able to grow thanks to a grant received by Dart Container Corporation of 4,869 dollars.

Dart, who has given 5 other grants to the organization, gave them a new sound system, 3 new puppets, a camera, and program equipment.

A committee of employees working on the production line at Dart Container is responsible for approving the grant.

Individuals who believe in Kids on the Block.

We spoke to the Director of Programs and lead puppeteer, Amanda Guerra.

She says having over 300 programs and reaching over 30,000 kids in 2018 was possible because of grants from local businesses.

Guerra says they also have a new autism program in the works, which the three new puppets will contribute to greatly.

They also plan to hire another puppeteer in the next couple of years.

Dart, who normally doesn’t fund programs, is funding three of their programs to use in Owensboro or any schools in Hart County.