You can ensure that the kids at BGH have the essentials they need to thrive. Please buy something from our Amazon list to make a difference today! Items will ship directly to our campus.

We are also accepting donations of NEW items including clothing, sheets, blankets, and other household goods. Learn more by emailing development@boysandgirlshaven.org or calling (502) 458-1171.

At Boys & Girls Haven, we believe every young person deserves to be seen, valued, and supported. This Pride Month, we celebrate the resilience and strength of LGBTQ+ youth in our community. 

In this episode, we shine a spotlight on the unique experiences and challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth in foster care. Join us as we explore this important topic with Dr. Gary Mallon, DSW and ShaRonda Allen, two guests who bring invaluable perspectives and expertise.

Lily is an 18-year-old participant in the Boys & Girls Haven Independence Readiness (IR) Program. Just one week after her 18th birthday, Lily became homeless.

Lily had no history in foster care and minimal family support. Amid the chaos and uncertainty, she clung to one clear goal: finishing high school. Homelessness did not deter her from this mission. She found temporary shelter with a family friend and some of her peers, moving from couch to couch.

Lily's journey to graduation was fraught with challenges. She strategically positioned herself along bus lines, catching the TARC to school daily. Her school extended extra provisions to support her, despite not being obligated to do so. Throughout her participation in the Readiness Program, she faced constant struggles. Her Transition Coordinator often had to nudge her along, sometimes even fussing over missed appointments, a struggle they both acknowledged with a shared inside joke. But giving up was never an option for Lily.

As she navigated this challenging period, a glimmer of hope arrived. Just one week before her graduation, Lily received her Section 8 housing voucher. On May 29, 2024, she proudly graduated from high school. Holding her voucher, Lily shared her struggles with her IR Transition Coordinator, tears brimming in her eyes. She recounted the severe anxiety and ADHD she battled, and the pain of being cast out of her mother's home without a plan or direction. Yet, a determined smile spread across her face as she declared, "I finished the 12th grade!"

Now, Lily has an apartment secured and waiting for her. Her story is one of resilience and unwavering determination. Despite the many obstacles, she has overcome them with grace and strength, looking forward to a brighter future.

In mid June, Independence Readiness (IR) visited the Portland Neighborhood to offer support services to Louisvillians in need. Boys & Girls Haven IR staff collaborated with Metro Resilience and Community Services (RCS) to help provide information and referrals for services, including Kynect. This initiative was a great chance to introduce more young adults to Independence Readiness.

After meeting several children in the foster care system, Julian was inspired to take action. With the help of his grandmother, he set up a lemonade and coffee stand, raising funds for Boys & Girls Haven.

Julian, your kindness is truly inspiring! Thank you for making a difference in our community.

On June 26th, a representative from Bank of America visited Boys & Girls Haven to follow up on their generous $20,000 grant. This funding is dedicated to enhancing our Independence Readiness (IR) services, which play a crucial role in supporting the Kentucky community. The site visit highlighted the positive impact of the grant and our ongoing commitment to empowering and preparing youth for independent living.

We're proud to announce that we received a grant from the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels (HOKC) to purchase new tables and chairs for our campus cafeteria. HOKC awarded $2.5 million in grants supporting 325 non-profits, impacting more than 3.9 million Kentuckians. Grants are made possible through donations from Kentucky Colonels throughout the Commonwealth and around the world who chose to exercise the honor of being named a Kentucky Colonel in a meaningful way.

This awesome team painted the doors in Kelly Cottage. They completed 24 hours of volunteer service!

"It was very rewarding to help such a beneficial program." - Amanda Siegelin, HR & Culture Director at Churchill McGee Construction

Boys & Girls Haven is a full-service foster care agency located in Louisville, Kentucky. Since 1948, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit has transformed the lives of more than 10,000 abandoned, abused and neglected children by providing stability, education, and life skills that lead to success in adulthood. BGH employs a multifaceted, therapeutic approach including residential and in-home foster care, independent living programs, career and life skills training, preventative community-based services, and a variety of other programs and services.