The Purple Star Program is a national initiative that recognizes schools committed to providing exceptional support for military-connected students. We are proud to be part of this network and offer a variety of resources and programs to help our students:

Transition Support: We understand the challenges of moving to a new school, especially during a deployment. We offer personalized support to help students acclimate quickly and feel welcome.

Academic Support: Our dedicated staff provides academic resources to ensure students stay on track with their studies, regardless of their previous school experiences.

Social-Emotional Support: We recognize the unique social and emotional challenges military-connected students may face. We offer counseling services, clubs, and peer support groups to help them build connections and feel supported.

Family Engagement: We believe in strong partnerships with families. We offer resources and support to families, including parent-teacher conferences, workshops, and social events.

Whether you are a military-connected student, family member, or simply someone who wants to support our military community, we invite you to join the Purple Star family. We offer a variety of ways to get involved, including:

• Attending our Purple Star events: We host regular events to celebrate our military families and raise awareness about the challenges they face; such as our annual Veterans Day Assembly and Military Appreciation Nights at sporting events.
• Volunteering your time: We welcome volunteers to help with our programs and events.
• Sharing your story: We encourage our students and families to share their stories and experiences with the broader school community.

Together, we can create a school environment where all students, including those from military families, can reach their full potential. We are proud to be Purple, and we are grateful for the opportunity to serve our military-connected stars!

Contact our Military Affairs Committee liaisons for more information:

Thomas Krupp, Lieutenant Colonel, US Army (Retired) Thomas.Krupp@clark.kyschools.us 859-744-6111 EXT 3451

Larry Lee, Master Sergeant, US Army (Retired) Larry.Lee@clark.kyschools.us 859-744-6111 EXT 3452

We hope this webpage introduction provides a clear and welcoming overview of our Purple Star Program.

American Legion Post 22 1091 Winchester Rd., Mount Sterling, KY (859-520-9039)

Veterans in need of advocates to help them achieve meaningful careers, educations, health-care services, friends and stable homes are supported every day, free of charge, by The American Legion. The American Legion has a nationwide toll-free telephone number, (800) 504-4098, for servicemembers and their family members to call for assistance.

American Red Cross Free confidential workshops, information, and support services to help you with the practical and emotional challenges before, during, or after deployments and transitions.

American Veterans (AMVETS) AMVETs Post 67 99 Veterans Ln, Clay City, KY (606) 663-0071

AMVETS (American Veterans) is the nation’s most inclusive Congressionally-chartered veterans service organization. AMVETS can help with filing VA claims, veterans advocacy, and they operate local thrift stores. AMVETs advocates Prevention Through Service Alliance (PTSA), a network formed by a variety of community-based organizations with the overall purpose of helping young people to lead safe and healthy lifestyles and to avoid destructive behavior.

Child Care Fee Assistance Program

Provides authorized Reserve and Active Duty personnel assistance in locating, selecting, and offsetting the cost of civilian child care when on-base child care is not available or a viable option for the service member and their family. The programs available through CCAoA provide subsidies for eligible military dependents enrolled in quality commercial child care programs throughout the US.

Fort Knox – Child & Youth Services

Provides a variety of services including Instructional Programs; Youth Sports & Fitness; Childcare; Devers Middle School and Teen Center; Parent Central Services; School Support Services; Volunteers and Coaches; Parent and Outreach Services; Family Child Care – FCC; Child Development Center; and the Donna Kirby School Age Center. 502-624-6703

Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs (KDVA)

Provides eligible veterans and their families federal, state and local benefits which they may be entitle under law including assistance with filing claims, appeals, and VA healthcare applications.

Kentucky Army National Guard – Child & Youth Services

The Child and Youth Program serves Kentucky National Guard-connected youth ages 6-18. Events include Summer Youth Camp, Military Child Appreciation Days, Operation Military Cheer Christmas Assistance, Kentucky Teen Council Meetings, State Symposium, Yellow Ribbon Event support, and more. Check out their Facebook page for more information.

Kentucky National Guard Child and Youth Services

Kentucky Army National Guard – Family Assistance Center

The Family Assistance Centers (FAC) provide a “One Stop Shop & Resource” to help family members cope with any issue they encounter as a military dependent. These centers were established to serve the needs of Service Members, Veterans, Retirees, and their Families. 1-800-372-7601 (option 1) or Family Assistance Coordinator: 502-607-151

Lady Veterans Connect 11400 Irvine Rd., Winchester, KY 40391 (859)-806-4297

Lady Veterans Connect is an organization created to provide high quality, comprehensive services to assist female veterans in transitional support and prevent homelessness. info@ladyveteransconnect.org

Military Child Education Coalition

MCEC empowers parents to become informed, proactive supporters, allowing them to make a positive impact in the needs of their children. Parent to Parent TM provides informative and interactive parent workshops to groups and organizations in the local community that addresses academic, social, and emotional issues associated with a military family lifestyle.

Military Kids Connect

Military Kids Connect offers engaging tools and games. It also helps children, preteens and teens prepare for the challenges around family transitions. The site has resources parents and teachers may appreciate as well.

Military One Source

A free, voluntary program with coaches who provide psychological health care support to service members, veterans, and their health care providers during times of transition Contact 800-342-9649 for information.

Operation Purple® Camp

A free week of summer fun open to military-connected children from all service branches including the Coast Guard, National Guard, and reserves, Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Campers thrive in an environment with fully trained counselors who are experienced in helping children adapt and overcome the stressors of military life.

Our Military Kids

Our Military Kids offers grants (up to $300 per eligible child) to pay for extracurricular activities for children, ages 3-18, of deployed and stateside activated National Guard and Reserve service members, as well as those of severely injured Veterans from any service branch. Grants can be used to pay for a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports teams, music lessons, tutoring, and summer camp.

Sesame Street for Military Families

Our mission is to help kids grow stronger, smarter, and kinder. Workshop initiatives focus on a wide range of issues, from math skills and literacy to health, diversity, and military deployment. Initiatives meet specific needs to help kids and families develop critical skills, acquire healthy habits, and build emotional strength to prepare them for lifelong learning.

Survivor Outreach Services

Exists to deliver on the Kentucky National Guard’s commitment to Families of the Fallen. SOS connects you with people and resources that can help you cope with your loss and move forward.

Teen Adventure Camps

These high-energy camps can be great options for teens interested in adding some excitement to their summer. Whitewater rafting, hiking, rock climbing, winter camping, backpacking, exploring the environment, running ropes courses, and practicing wilderness skills are just some of the activities military teens can do. These experiences build leadership, self-confidence, and teamwork skills while engaging with the outdoors.

Tragedy Assistance Programs for Survivors (TAPS)

Provides comfort, care, and resources to all those grieving the death of a military loved one. Call 24/7 1-800-959-TAPS (8277)

USA Cares

Provides post-9/11 military veterans, service members, and their families with emergency financial assistance and post-service skills training to create a foundation for long-term stability. Contact 800-773-0387

Veteran’s Club Inc.

Provides, connection, healing, recovery, and housing to the Veteran community through their programs including Equine Therapy, Bullets & BBQ, Coffee & Camaraderie, Jeep Off-Roading, Operation United Homefront, and Camp Restoration. Contact 502-487-1464

Veterans Community Alliance of Louisville (VCAL)

A comprehensive network, comprised of veterans, veteran service providers, and other community members who care about the state of veteran services and veteran relations in Louisville and surrounding counties.

Veterans Crisis Line

Connects Veterans in crisis and their families with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential hotline, online chat, or text Call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1 or send a text message to 838255

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2728 Harold Epperson-Clark County 116 Sterling St., Winchester, KY 40391

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States is a nonprofit veterans service organization comprised of eligible veterans and military service members from the active, guard and reserve forces, with many programs and services that work to support veterans, service members and their families, as well as communities. Contact (859) 744-9715

Veteran’s Resources United of Central/Southeastern KY

VRUCK is a coalition of representatives from veterans’ service and resource providers, advocates, and other organizations that support veterans and their families.

Volunteers of America (SSVF)

Assists qualified veterans and their families at risk for homelessness with access to housing, transportation, legal aid, and income support resources. Contact (502) 636-0771

Yellow Ribbon Resiliency Program

Empowers military and veteran youth to make sound decisions and take positive actions for healthy and effective living. The program is available to military-connected youth ages 10-18 who have a parent, grandparent, sibling, or caregiver who is a current or former military (active, reserve, guard, or veteran). Classes are one hour long and are available in-person and virtual. There is no cost for youth to attend. Email sjemison@sevencounties.org

YMCA of Central Kentucky

In partnership with the Armed Services YMCA, YMCAs nationwide are proud to offer memberships to eligible military personnel/families through the Department of Defense’s Military Outreach Initiative (MOI). We also offer additional military value-added membership benefits: Never pay a joining fee – a savings of $50 Special military membership rates (for those not eligible for MOI) Visit your local Y to learn more and get started at the Y.