April 13, 2025 • 29 mins
Something big is happening in Kentucky — and it could change the future for thousands of children. In this episode of Kentucky Focus with Scott Fitzgerald, we pull back the curtain on two statewide efforts gaining momentum this month: the push for affordable education and the powerful voices rising during Child Abuse Prevention Month that could reshape how we support and protect Kentucky’s most vulnerable. Join us as we explore why hope begins — and action follows in the month of April.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
The numbers are heartbreaking.
Speaker 2 (00:02):
Kentucky ranks among the worst states for child abuse, but
there's hope. A respected organization is taking bold steps to
protect our kids and give them a brighter future. Also,
if you've ever dreamed of going back to school or
picking up a new skill, now what'd be the perfect time?
Speaker 1 (00:17):
Continuing education in Kentucky is becoming.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
More accessible and more affordable than ever before.
Speaker 1 (00:23):
I'm Scott Fitzgerald.
Speaker 2 (00:25):
This is Kentucky Focus, bring you the stories that matter
in the state and the voices that make a difference.
Speaker 3 (00:31):
We're back after this. Welcome to Kentucky Focus on the
Kentucky News Network, the show that looks at issues affecting
the Commonwealth and its citizens. We cover state politics and history,
human interest stories, sports, and even entertainment. It's Kentucky Focus
on kNN.
Speaker 4 (00:48):
I never realized that I'd be taking care of a
two year old and a nine year old on my own.
I think men can be a little stubborn sometimes, where
pride gets in the way and they may the help,
they may not know how to ask. With my traditions,
with the family support in line, and just with my
mind frame, I was able to turn a negative into
(01:11):
a positive I knew I needed more tools in my
toolbox to take care of these little girls that just
lost their mother. It's time for me to be that
father that I knew I could be. I think just
being that good role model as well. That model's good
behavior in front of them, going to work every day,
coming home and being able to put on that smile.
(01:31):
The biggest reward about being a dad is sitting back
and watching your kids be happy.
Speaker 1 (01:38):
Never stop being a dad.
Speaker 5 (01:40):
That's dedication.
Speaker 6 (01:41):
Find out more on fatherhood dot gov.
Speaker 7 (01:44):
Brought to you by the US Department of Health and
Human Services and the AD Council.
Speaker 5 (01:48):
Talking about guns with others might not always feel comfortable,
but it could save a life. Here's a way to
start a conversation. Your family is going over to your
neighbor's home for dinner for the first time. How would
you ask if there are any unlocked guns in the home?
Speaker 8 (02:04):
Hey, Hey, we're so excited for it tonight. Before we
come over, ask a few questions.
Speaker 9 (02:10):
Yeah, of course.
Speaker 8 (02:12):
Do you have any pets, Yes, we have a dog.
Speaker 4 (02:16):
Great.
Speaker 8 (02:17):
Do you have a pool outside?
Speaker 9 (02:19):
Nope, just a big old backyard.
Speaker 8 (02:21):
Nice. Another question, are there any unlocked guns in the home?
Speaker 6 (02:27):
Are guns restored securely locked in a safe that the
kids can't access?
Speaker 8 (02:33):
Awesome? Yeah, Now let's just talk about what we can
bring for dessert.
Speaker 5 (02:40):
Learn how to have the conversation at agree to Agree
dot org. A public service announcement brought to you by
the AD Council.
Speaker 1 (02:48):
Well, April is child abuse prevent your month?
Speaker 2 (02:51):
And that's why we're bringing the experts to talk about it.
Speaker 1 (02:54):
And those experts you can find are with the Face
It movement. They do great work here in Kentucky.
Speaker 2 (02:59):
Dad and can junction with Cosair for Kids, and we're
gonna give you some tips and look at child abuse prevention.
Speaker 1 (03:05):
How big is the problem here in Kentucky and what
can we do about it? And joining us is Shannon Moody.
Speaker 9 (03:10):
Shannon, good morning, Good morning, Scott, Thanks for having me
all right.
Speaker 2 (03:13):
Well, Shannon, I know that in the past, Kentucky has
ranked near the top when it comes to child abuse.
Where are we now in twenty twenty five.
Speaker 9 (03:21):
Well, in twenty twenty five, Kentucky unfortunately still has double
the national average of the incidences of child abuse neglects,
So we're still pretty high up there in the rankings,
but we are seeing progress and have seen progress, especially
over the last five years, with a decline overall by
about twenty eight percent in child mail treatment. But there's
still plenty of work to do, and we definitely rely
(03:43):
on our community members and our partners from across the
state of Kentucky to address child abuse neglect in their communities.
Speaker 1 (03:52):
Shannon Moody is joining us.
Speaker 2 (03:53):
She's with the Face It Movement in conjunction with COSE
Air for Kids, and of course we're talking about Child
Abuse Prevention Month here in Kentucky. And Shannon, what led
to the increase that we saw here in Kentucky And
while we're ranking so high in the United States, A.
Speaker 9 (04:07):
Lot of it has to do with the lack of
access to resources, lack of access to quality childcare, and
also other risk factors that happen in the home like
domestic violence, and unfortunately, we have very high rates of
substance use in Kentucky, which certainly impacts the way that
kids are safe and able to stay in their homes.
Speaker 2 (04:29):
We're having a fantastic conversation with Shannon Moody. She is
with the Face It Movement. They work in conjunction with
Cost for Kids. If you want more information, again, face
Itabuse dot Org is where you can go. Shannon, did
we learn any lessons or did COVID help us understand
a little bit more?
Speaker 1 (04:45):
And did we see a spike in child abuse during COVID?
Speaker 9 (04:48):
So we learned a few things from the COVID nineteen pandemic,
and one of those things was that concrete supports really
matter to families. So we saw an increase in funds
coming into the home by way of child tax credits
or stimulus checks, and we actually saw a decrease in
overall abuse numbers. We unfortunately did see an increase in
(05:10):
more severe abuse, and a lot of that stemmed from
the stress and anxiety that the COVID nineteen pandemic caused.
And we did, unfortunately see an increase in intimate partner
violence and domestic violence in the homes, which then creates
a risk for increased child mal treatment.
Speaker 1 (05:26):
Shannon Mooney's joining us.
Speaker 2 (05:27):
She is with the Face It movement here in Kentucky
having a great conversation during Child Abuse Prevention Month, and Shannon,
I think it's kind of important to stress there's no
real area of the Commonwealth that is I guess better
or worse when it comes to child abuse is there
or am I mistaken in that.
Speaker 9 (05:44):
You're correct that child abuse is a problem in every
corner of the commonwealth, and it happens in all types
of families. Whether we have access to plenty of resources
or not. We do see child abuse occurring in every
type of family.
Speaker 2 (06:00):
Let's talk a little bit about the Face It Movement, Shannon.
For those that don't know about it, we talked off
the air. I'm very familiar with your organization through work
we do in other avenues, but talk to folks here
in Kentucky about what the Face It Movement is and
what they offer and how folks can read more.
Speaker 9 (06:17):
The COSA for Kids. FACE Movement is a coalition of
partners from across the state of Kentucky that works around
three areas. One is around policy change and that happens
in Frankfort and also on the local level, and we
aim to change policies to make sure that Kentucky is
the best place in America to be young based on
(06:37):
what the data and research tells us. Another area that
Face Movement focuses on is making sure that our organizations
across the state have access to quality training and the
best knowledge available around what it takes to prevent child
male treatment in homes and communities, in schools and out
(06:59):
of school time placements and other places where we do
serve kids and families. And then the third area of
focus just making sure that people understand that child abuse
neglect is generally not about people being bad parents. It's
about people not having what they need in order to
parent point adequately and safely. So what we do know
(07:21):
is that it's really important for our parents to be
connected to resources, to supports and really just connecting to
each other to not deal with the stress of parenting
alone and not have to do that in isolation. So
we're really interested in making sure that parents and caregivers
and really the whole Commonwealth knows that we are all
(07:42):
in this together and it does take everyone in our
community to make sure our kids are safe.
Speaker 2 (07:47):
That's a great point, Shannon, I'm glad you made that,
and of course Shannon Moody joining us with the Facebook movement.
They work in conjunction with Close airfer Kids, two wonderful
organizations here in the Commonwealth.
Speaker 1 (07:57):
And along those lines, Shannon, you guys have a not only.
Speaker 2 (08:01):
A wealth of resources at facetabuse dot org, but you
also have some events coming up throughout the month that
folks can participate in and talk about those.
Speaker 9 (08:09):
Face it offers events throughout the month of April for
Child Abuse Prevention Month and then really beyond as we
continue to address maltreatment year long. The Cosair for Kids
Child Abuse Prevention Luncheon is happening on April twenty second
at eleven thirty am at the Crown Plaza here in
Louisville as well, and that is a fundraiser for Cossair
(08:29):
for Kids to benefit their Child Abuse Prevention Month. It's
an incredibly worthy cause and if folks are interested, they
can go to cosair dot org for more information on that.
Speaker 1 (08:39):
We're joined by doctor Shannon Mody.
Speaker 2 (08:41):
She of course is with the face It movement and
Shannon one thing I don't think people understand. Most do,
but some don't that Kentucky is a mandatory reporting state.
Speaker 1 (08:51):
What does that mean exactly?
Speaker 9 (08:52):
All Kentuckians are mandated reporters, which means that if you
are an adult and you suspect a child is being
abused or neglected, that you are required to make a
call to the police or the Child Protection hotline to
ensure that that is addressed and intervened appropriately. The experts
who pick up the phone and make the decision whether
(09:14):
or not they need to further investigate is going to
be based on the information that's shared. But what we
often remind folks, if you are concerned about the safety
of the child, we recommend that you call one eight
seven seven KY Safe one or it's one eight seven
seven five nine seven two three three one to report
abuse and neglect. It takes everyone in the community to
(09:36):
make sure that kids are safe, and as a mandated reporter,
it is actually your legal duty to make report if
you suspect child abuse and neglect.
Speaker 1 (09:44):
It's a great conversation.
Speaker 2 (09:45):
Doctor Shannon Moody such a valuable asset with the face
it movement partnered up with of course COSE there for Kids.
And I think what I love most about your website,
Doctor Mody, is also you have different pamphlets that are
available that folks, educators, anybody can use, really and one
of the pamphlets I love is this is relevant because
we're just coming off spring break and we're gonna head
(10:07):
into summer break. You offer tips on what you can
do if you're leaving your child with someone for the
first time and some very helpful advice there. And we
often look at Child Abuse Prevention Month here in April
is just that and focus for one month, but you're
a year long resource for you have a spons for
you have resources for educators for you know, parents, for
(10:29):
anybody really and that's just a fascinating tool to have.
Speaker 9 (10:32):
Well, thank you. We like to make sure that everyone
is aware and as educated as possible around keeping kids safe,
and we try to do that with our resources being
really accessible and something that parents or caregivers are picking
up and being able to really apply it to their
daily life.
Speaker 2 (10:50):
Well, doctor Shannon Mody, you have been fantastic. I can't
speak enough with the good work you do and to
Face It movement and a big big thank you to
not only you but also There for Kids because they
do so much to protect our children.
Speaker 1 (11:03):
Shannon.
Speaker 2 (11:03):
Let's be sure we talk in the future. Let's not
just keep it at Child Abuse Prevention Months. You guys
haven't opened mic here at Kentucky Focus anytime you want it.
Speaker 9 (11:11):
I so appreciate that, Scott, thank you so much.
Speaker 2 (11:13):
Again, A big thank you to doctor Shannon Moody. She
is Kentucky Youth Advocates lead on the Facing movement, and
if you'd like more information, just go to Kyuth dot org.
Coming up post secondary education and maybe a new trade
more accessible now than ever before. Right here in the Commonwealth,
we'll bring you the good news after this. I'm Scott Fitzgerald.
You're listening to Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 10 (11:37):
What I know about courage I learned from my adoptive mom.
Speaker 11 (11:41):
She said, sometimes you just gotta hold on and no,
we'll get through this.
Speaker 9 (11:45):
Mom, we are so high up.
Speaker 11 (11:48):
Hold my hand.
Speaker 1 (11:49):
No, you hold my hand.
Speaker 12 (11:52):
Here we go.
Speaker 1 (11:56):
Learn about adopting a team from foster care. You can't
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Speaker 14 (12:06):
I learned patients from my adoptive dat.
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All he had to say was, Hey, you got this.
Just breathe.
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We're pretty good. Yeah, you want have to start a band?
Speaker 5 (12:22):
I got it.
Speaker 15 (12:23):
Learn about adopting a team from foster care. You can't
imagine the reward. Visit adopt us kids dot org to
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and the ad Council.
Speaker 7 (12:35):
You wanted to be cool, which led you to smoking,
which led to a pack a day. Then you met
that special someone, which led to starting a life with them,
which led to wanting to live longer, which led to quitting.
Then you heard you maybe at risk for lung cancer,
which led you to getting a low dose CT scan.
(12:56):
If you smoked, get scanned, talk to your doctor and
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Speaker 8 (13:07):
But I smoke, I get lost in the music. I'd
like to isolate each instrument, the rhythmic base, the harmonies
on the piano with sticky melody.
Speaker 10 (13:20):
Thank he careful, bad there's someone crossing the streets.
Speaker 8 (13:24):
Sorry, I didn't see them there.
Speaker 3 (13:26):
If you feel different, you drive different.
Speaker 4 (13:29):
Don't drive high.
Speaker 1 (13:30):
It's dangerous and illegal everywhere.
Speaker 11 (13:33):
A message from NITZA and the AD Council.
Speaker 2 (13:35):
Welcome back to Kentucky, folks. I'm Scott Fitzgerald. Now we
dive into a topic that's shaping.
Speaker 1 (13:40):
The future of the bluegrass day.
Speaker 2 (13:42):
Whether a recent high school gradate, working adult looking to pivot,
or someone re entering the workforce.
Speaker 1 (13:47):
Now is the time to take.
Speaker 2 (13:48):
A closer look at higher education and the expanding career
opportunities right here in Kentucky, high tech training programs to
skilled manufacturing. Kentucky's education system is evolving to meet the
demands so rapidly changing job marketing. In the best part,
many of these programs are affordable, flexible, and designed to
get you know, folks back into a well paying career
faster than ever before. Joining us to break down the resources,
(14:11):
spotlight the industries on the rise, and well talk about
making it happen is of course, doctor Ryan Quarrels.
Speaker 1 (14:17):
He is the president of kc TCS.
Speaker 2 (14:20):
We're better known as the Kentucky Community and Technical College System.
Speaker 1 (14:24):
Doctor Corals, thanks for taking time to join us.
Speaker 12 (14:27):
Good morning, and April is community college month across Kentucky.
And so if you're looking for an entry point to
start your college career, go back to college and finish
a degree, or get a technical or trade program and
get a great job, look no further than one of
our sixteen Kentucky Community Technical College is located all across
(14:48):
the commonwealth.
Speaker 2 (14:49):
You know, doctor Coral's, all you have to do is
next time you're in low Lesvelle, drop in and along
Broadway there you know there's new construction at KCTCS. That's
kind of of just what a special institution you.
Speaker 12 (15:02):
Have, that's right, and whether it's in downtown Louisville or
out in rural Kentucky, we actually have seventy campuses where
Kentuckians of all ages, including high schoolers to ninety nine
can COVID enroll in classes. And what's really unique about
us is that we actually have the largest undergraduate student
body in Kentucky. We actually have one hundred and ten
(15:24):
thousand students enrolled through kctcs's colleges. We also are the
state's number one provider of workforce training, so we actually
train a lot of Kentuckians that may never want to
have associate's degree, but their companies are hiring us to
provide training as well. And so when it's all said
and done, we educate just shy of two hundred thousand
(15:47):
Kentuckians each and every year.
Speaker 2 (15:49):
Wow, doctor Ryan Quarrels joining us course president of KCTCS
and doctor Quarrels, I know that, and you have a
strong higher education background, so you definitely know what you're
talking about. And let's talk a little bit about one
of the prohibitive reasons people don't go to college.
Speaker 1 (16:04):
As cost and you say you can help out with that.
Speaker 12 (16:07):
That's right. At our community technical colleges, our cost is
half the price of a traditional public four year university,
and so not only are we more affordable, our price
point is conscious towards the consumer, but there's lots of
financial aid. In fact, eighty percent of all of our
students get financial aid to some sort, and with like
(16:29):
the scholarship funded by Kentucky Lottery called work Ready, we
have full ride scholarships for those Kentuckians studying high demand
career areas like nursing, construction, business, it and so we
have a lot of financial aid both from the federal
government and the stake EVERNM to make it, if not free,
a lot less than the sticker price. But we like
(16:50):
to tell people that we are the college for anybody
and everybody, and we don't want price to get in
the way.
Speaker 1 (16:55):
That's outstanding.
Speaker 2 (16:56):
Again, we're talking with doctor Ryan Quarrelsey's president of KCT.
They're celebrating April is Community College month, and community college
is becoming a much more viable option sometimes than a
traditional education for the reasons doctor Coral's mentioned there and
Ryan let's talk a little bit about you briefly touched
on some of the higher demand areas. What are you
(17:17):
seeing as sort of the trends now and what employers
are looking for. If someone's listening to us and they say, listen,
I'm thinking about making a change, it may be time
to change my career, what's a good option.
Speaker 12 (17:28):
Well, we like to remind folks that we have programs
that will get you into a four year college or university,
or we have programs on the technical side that are
short as four weeks, you can get a CDL truck
driver's license and start making fifty thousand dollars a year.
What's really unique right now is that we need more
Kentuckians to work with their hands, and the starting salaries
(17:50):
for our welders, mechanics, aviation mechanics, and even the jobs
that hospitals rely upon that don't require for your degree
in the medical feelds, we have great starting salaries. And
so one thing that's really unique for us post COVID
is that we have a employer business base that is
eager to hire our graduates, and that's what makes us affordable.
(18:13):
But more importantly, we want our graduates to get a
job when they leave KCTCS Great program.
Speaker 2 (18:20):
KCTS celebrating April's Community College Month and President doctor Ryan
Quarrels is joining us. Doctor Quarrel's talk a little bit
about the dual credit scholarship option you have available.
Speaker 12 (18:31):
Yeah, it may be a surprise to some, but a
lot of high schoolers are starting their college career as
juniors and seniors in high school, something that didn't wasn't
available when I was going through my high school experience.
But right now one third of our one hundred plus
thousand students are high schoolers across Kentucky getting a few
(18:51):
college classes or perhaps an associate's degree, complete it before
they even graduate high school. That way, when they go
on to say to a few need to college to
finish an associate's degree or go on to UFL or
Sullivan or UK, they already have some college credits underneath
their built. That makes it more affordable, but also allows
(19:12):
Kentuckians that may not think colleges for them to try
it out while they're in high school. And chances are
that first class or two are free due to a scholarship.
And so we want to make sure that we expose
the college experience to high schoolers across Kentucky so that
they know that they too can go on and get
a great job. But I'm going to say something a
(19:32):
little controversial. Not everybody needs a four year college degree, sure,
but all Kentuckians need some sort of higher education component,
whether it's a technical degree or as sociates degree, so
they can be competitive for the new generation of jobs.
Speaker 2 (19:47):
I think you're onto something there, doctor Quarrel's. As we've
seen with the recent announcement, by four they're going to
be laying off, you know, several workers because they're kind
of changing the way they do business here in the
Commonwealth of Kentucky. I think that sort of understan why
folks sort of need a backup plan, if you will.
Speaker 12 (20:04):
Yeah, And that's one thing that's unique about community colleges
is that we are a college of first resort for
a lot of high schoolers, those that want to knock
out those classes and save a lot of money. But
we're also an institution that seems a lot of adult
learners that may have tried a career, or they have
a you know, maybe an opportunity elsewhere, or their employers say, hey,
(20:26):
go get that technical degree and so we can fill
another position in our company. And so what's unique about
us is that we accept Kentuckians regardless of their age,
regardless of the background, and that we are an open
at missions institution. And a lot of folks come to
us because they want a better job, and that they
spend two years or one year, or if you want
(20:46):
to become alignman and go out and fix these electric lines,
you can make seventy thousand dollars a year starting and
as little as fifteen weeks of training.
Speaker 1 (20:54):
And so we have a lot of options and doctor quarrels.
Speaker 2 (20:57):
I think what is important for some folks to understand.
Many know this, something may not that say you want
to attend kctcs to get your basic structure, your first
usually what's a couple of years of college out of
the way and not pay those big college prices.
Speaker 1 (21:11):
Your credits are transferable, right.
Speaker 12 (21:13):
That's right. We are double checking to make sure that
if students want to knock out that associate's degree the
gin EDS and then transfer to say Sullivan or UVL
or UK, that we're making that a seamless transfer. In fact,
we just celebrated a renewal and expansion of our transfer
to University of Louisville just as recently as December, so
(21:34):
that those students that want to save a lot of
money get those classes out of the way and have
them all transfer can do so seamlessly and remove barriers,
and in a lot of cases, like at U of L,
they add a scholarship component to it as well.
Speaker 2 (21:47):
Wonderful doctor Ryan Corels joining us before we late you go,
doctor Corarels. On the flip side of that coming up
later this month, do you have giving day? Can you
talk about that?
Speaker 12 (21:56):
Well, that's right on April sixteenth, you know, conveniently the
day after attacks. We're asking those that want to invest
in a fellow kentucky In's future to perhaps consider a
donation to one of the sixteen colleges. If you have
ever attended, or perhaps your child of taking classes with
a KCTCS institution, you know, a donation as big as
(22:17):
fifty dollars one hundred dollars can make a big difference.
And where's this money going, Well, a lot of it
goes to our emergency funds. Some of our students face
a lot of adversity that something is small as a
flat tire that may prevent someone from go to class,
may prevent someone from a completing a college degree. We
also have a big food insecurity problem across Kentucky, and
(22:37):
so sometimes those donations go towards putting food on the
table for our students as well. But April sixteenth is
Giving Day. I know that we don't have a big
football or basketball program that we can rally behind. Everyone
can rally behind their local community college because chances are
our graduates are staying in your community. We're the ones
that are fixing your cars, We're the ones that are
fixing your houses. We run the hospitals of Kentucky. We
(23:01):
are affecting Kentuckians and our workforce in ways that perhaps
others aren't.
Speaker 2 (23:05):
Yeah, it's just always a pleasure to talk to you,
doctor Quarrels. I could talk to you forever about this.
I'm a big, big fan of your institution. If say
somebody's out on the road right now, they're just not
in a place where they can get to a computer.
What's an easy way they can when they get to
a happy place, Look you guys up and see what
you have to offer.
Speaker 12 (23:22):
We are as closed as a Google search of kctcs
it's KCTCS dot edu and if you want just bruised
the website you can find financial aid. You can actually
start your application today at KCTCS dot edu.
Speaker 2 (23:37):
Doctor Ryan Quarrels, President of the Kentucky Community and Technical
College System, doing the good work they always do. April's
Community College Month, Doctor Quarrels.
Speaker 1 (23:46):
Thank you so much, Thank you so much.
Speaker 12 (23:48):
Be safe out there and don't forget the cheer on
your local community college this month.
Speaker 1 (23:53):
Thank you.
Speaker 2 (23:54):
Thank you again to doctor Ryan Quarrels, President of the
Kentucky Community and Technical College System. For more information, simply
is it kc TCS dot edu.
Speaker 1 (24:02):
We're back to close things out after this.
Speaker 2 (24:04):
I'm Scott Fitzgerald, and you're listening to Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 10 (24:09):
The more you listen to your kids, the closer you'll be.
So we asked kids, what do you want your parents
to hear?
Speaker 13 (24:17):
I feel sometimes that I'm not listening to I would
just want you to listen to me more often and
evaluate situations with me and lead me towards success.
Speaker 10 (24:26):
Listening is a form of love. Find resources to help
you support your kids and their emotional well being at
sound It Out Together dot org. That's Sounded Out Together
dot org, brought to you by the ad Council.
Speaker 2 (24:38):
I'm pivotal and thank you again doctor Shannon Moody on
this Child Abuse Awareness Month here in Kentucky. She is
coursed with Kentucky Youth Advocates as the lead on the
Face It movement. If you'd like more information on tips
on how to deal with child sexual abuse child abuse,
simply visit ky Youth dot org or Face It abuse
(24:59):
dot org. Well, thank you to doctor Ryan Quarrels for
taking time to talk to us about some of the
outstanding educational opportunities provided by the Community Technical and College system.
Speaker 1 (25:08):
If you'd like to look these up for either of
yourself or someone you.
Speaker 2 (25:11):
Know, the website is very simple, Casey TCS dot edu.
And finally, as we say goodbye on this edition of
Kentucky Focus, all of us here at the Kentucky News
Network want to take a moment and let our neighbors
across the state know our hearts are with you. To
everyone impacted by the recent flooding in storms, please know
that you're not alone.
Speaker 1 (25:30):
Or thinking of you.
Speaker 2 (25:31):
We're praying for you, and we stand ready to share
your stories, your strength, and your recovery in the days, weeks, months,
even years ahead.
Speaker 1 (25:40):
I know I speak for all of us here at
the Kentucky News Network.
Speaker 2 (25:42):
Take care of one another and we'll see you next
time on Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 3 (25:47):
Kentucky Focus on the Kentucky News Network, the show that
looks at issues affecting the Commonwealth and it's citizens. We
cover state politics and history, human interest stories, sports, and
even entertain It's Kentucky Focus on kNN.
Speaker 11 (26:05):
As veterans, we're no strangers to helping others.
Speaker 9 (26:09):
It's what we were taught, trained and told to do.
Speaker 6 (26:12):
It could be for anything, helping a friend move.
Speaker 11 (26:15):
Listening to a fellow veteran for hours at any hour.
Speaker 9 (26:18):
Of the day, or just simply making time for people
a neighbor, a loved one, or even a stranger.
Speaker 6 (26:25):
We're often the first to help all this, there's no
question about it.
Speaker 11 (26:28):
But we do have one question for the veterans listening.
Speaker 6 (26:33):
When is the last time you reached out for help?
Speaker 9 (26:37):
Perhaps it's time to do for yourself what you would
do for others.
Speaker 11 (26:41):
If you or someone you know needs resources, whether it's
for stress, finances, employment, or mental health, don't wait reach out.
Speaker 6 (26:51):
Find more information at VA dot gov slash Reach. That's
VA dot gov slash Reach.
Speaker 9 (26:58):
Brought to you by the United States Department of Veterans
Affairs and the AD Council.
Speaker 14 (27:05):
Hey, wouldn't it be great if life came with a
remote control? You know, you could hit pause when you
needed to or hit rewant like that time you knock
down that wasp's nest for that time you forgot to
roll up your windows in the car wash. Fantastic, Yeah,
or remote control would have come in handy. Then, well,
(27:26):
life doesn't always give you time to change the outcome.
Speaker 16 (27:28):
But pre diabetes does. With early diagnosis and a few
healthy changes like managing your weight, getting active, stopping smoking,
and eating healthier, you can stop pre diabetes before it
leads to type two diabetes.
Speaker 1 (27:42):
It's easy to learn your risk.
Speaker 16 (27:43):
Take the one minute test today at do I Have
Prediabetes dot Org. Life doesn't come with a remote control, right, so.
Speaker 3 (27:52):
You're on your own.
Speaker 16 (27:53):
With the wasps, you have the power to take control
of pre diabetes. Visit do I have Prediabetes dot org today?
That's do I Have Prediabetes dot Org? Brought to you
by the AD Council and its pre diabetes awareness partners.
Speaker 17 (28:05):
From ABCDS Tech Trends. Today was supposed to be the
day Nintendo fans could put in a pre order for
the hotly anticipated Switch Too, but late last week, Nintendo
announced its delaying pre orders indefinitely in order to assess
the potential impact of tariffs. It comes after the Switch
got a big price bump from three hundred to four
(28:25):
hundred and fifty bucks.
Speaker 18 (28:27):
I don't think the price will be a problem for
Nintendo whatsoever. I think they will still sell a trillion
of these polygons.
Speaker 17 (28:33):
Chris Plant says that's because the higher price isn't unheard of.
In the handheld gaming space.
Speaker 18 (28:39):
Val released a basically a portable PC called the Steam Deck,
and these things cost a lot of money. People want them,
he says.
Speaker 17 (28:46):
Generally, if you want more power, you're gonna need to
pay for it.
Speaker 18 (28:49):
People want to be able to play not just Nintendo games,
but the sort of games that they're playing currently on
the Xbox in the PlayStation, and that's where that extra
cost comes in.
Speaker 17 (28:59):
Switch to liveries are still set to start June fifth.
With tech Trends, I'm Mike Deboski, ABC News.
Speaker 19 (29:05):
We asked parents who adopted teens to share their journey.
Speaker 13 (29:09):
When I met both of them, it was like my
missing pieces were found. Like it was just like an instant.
These are my kids. If you're considering adopting a teen,
just do it. Kids need families. I don't care the age.
Everybody deserves a family.
Speaker 19 (29:23):
Learn about adopting a teen from foster care. Visit adopt
us kids dot org to learn more. A message brought
to you by adopt Us Kids, the US Department of
Health and Human Services, and the ad Council
The numbers are heartbreaking.
Speaker 2 (00:02):
Kentucky ranks among the worst states for child abuse, but
there's hope. A respected organization is taking bold steps to
protect our kids and give them a brighter future. Also,
if you've ever dreamed of going back to school or
picking up a new skill, now what'd be the perfect time?
Speaker 1 (00:17):
Continuing education in Kentucky is becoming.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
More accessible and more affordable than ever before.
Speaker 1 (00:23):
I'm Scott Fitzgerald.
Speaker 2 (00:25):
This is Kentucky Focus, bring you the stories that matter
in the state and the voices that make a difference.
Speaker 3 (00:31):
We're back after this. Welcome to Kentucky Focus on the
Kentucky News Network, the show that looks at issues affecting
the Commonwealth and its citizens. We cover state politics and history,
human interest stories, sports, and even entertainment. It's Kentucky Focus
on kNN.
Speaker 4 (00:48):
I never realized that I'd be taking care of a
two year old and a nine year old on my own.
I think men can be a little stubborn sometimes, where
pride gets in the way and they may the help,
they may not know how to ask. With my traditions,
with the family support in line, and just with my
mind frame, I was able to turn a negative into
(01:11):
a positive I knew I needed more tools in my
toolbox to take care of these little girls that just
lost their mother. It's time for me to be that
father that I knew I could be. I think just
being that good role model as well. That model's good
behavior in front of them, going to work every day,
coming home and being able to put on that smile.
(01:31):
The biggest reward about being a dad is sitting back
and watching your kids be happy.
Speaker 1 (01:38):
Never stop being a dad.
Speaker 5 (01:40):
That's dedication.
Speaker 6 (01:41):
Find out more on fatherhood dot gov.
Speaker 7 (01:44):
Brought to you by the US Department of Health and
Human Services and the AD Council.
Speaker 5 (01:48):
Talking about guns with others might not always feel comfortable,
but it could save a life. Here's a way to
start a conversation. Your family is going over to your
neighbor's home for dinner for the first time. How would
you ask if there are any unlocked guns in the home?
Speaker 8 (02:04):
Hey, Hey, we're so excited for it tonight. Before we
come over, ask a few questions.
Speaker 9 (02:10):
Yeah, of course.
Speaker 8 (02:12):
Do you have any pets, Yes, we have a dog.
Speaker 4 (02:16):
Great.
Speaker 8 (02:17):
Do you have a pool outside?
Speaker 9 (02:19):
Nope, just a big old backyard.
Speaker 8 (02:21):
Nice. Another question, are there any unlocked guns in the home?
Speaker 6 (02:27):
Are guns restored securely locked in a safe that the
kids can't access?
Speaker 8 (02:33):
Awesome? Yeah, Now let's just talk about what we can
bring for dessert.
Speaker 5 (02:40):
Learn how to have the conversation at agree to Agree
dot org. A public service announcement brought to you by
the AD Council.
Speaker 1 (02:48):
Well, April is child abuse prevent your month?
Speaker 2 (02:51):
And that's why we're bringing the experts to talk about it.
Speaker 1 (02:54):
And those experts you can find are with the Face
It movement. They do great work here in Kentucky.
Speaker 2 (02:59):
Dad and can junction with Cosair for Kids, and we're
gonna give you some tips and look at child abuse prevention.
Speaker 1 (03:05):
How big is the problem here in Kentucky and what
can we do about it? And joining us is Shannon Moody.
Speaker 9 (03:10):
Shannon, good morning, Good morning, Scott, Thanks for having me
all right.
Speaker 2 (03:13):
Well, Shannon, I know that in the past, Kentucky has
ranked near the top when it comes to child abuse.
Where are we now in twenty twenty five.
Speaker 9 (03:21):
Well, in twenty twenty five, Kentucky unfortunately still has double
the national average of the incidences of child abuse neglects,
So we're still pretty high up there in the rankings,
but we are seeing progress and have seen progress, especially
over the last five years, with a decline overall by
about twenty eight percent in child mail treatment. But there's
still plenty of work to do, and we definitely rely
(03:43):
on our community members and our partners from across the
state of Kentucky to address child abuse neglect in their communities.
Speaker 1 (03:52):
Shannon Moody is joining us.
Speaker 2 (03:53):
She's with the Face It Movement in conjunction with COSE
Air for Kids, and of course we're talking about Child
Abuse Prevention Month here in Kentucky. And Shannon, what led
to the increase that we saw here in Kentucky And
while we're ranking so high in the United States, A.
Speaker 9 (04:07):
Lot of it has to do with the lack of
access to resources, lack of access to quality childcare, and
also other risk factors that happen in the home like
domestic violence, and unfortunately, we have very high rates of
substance use in Kentucky, which certainly impacts the way that
kids are safe and able to stay in their homes.
Speaker 2 (04:29):
We're having a fantastic conversation with Shannon Moody. She is
with the Face It Movement. They work in conjunction with
Cost for Kids. If you want more information, again, face
Itabuse dot Org is where you can go. Shannon, did
we learn any lessons or did COVID help us understand
a little bit more?
Speaker 1 (04:45):
And did we see a spike in child abuse during COVID?
Speaker 9 (04:48):
So we learned a few things from the COVID nineteen pandemic,
and one of those things was that concrete supports really
matter to families. So we saw an increase in funds
coming into the home by way of child tax credits
or stimulus checks, and we actually saw a decrease in
overall abuse numbers. We unfortunately did see an increase in
(05:10):
more severe abuse, and a lot of that stemmed from
the stress and anxiety that the COVID nineteen pandemic caused.
And we did, unfortunately see an increase in intimate partner
violence and domestic violence in the homes, which then creates
a risk for increased child mal treatment.
Speaker 1 (05:26):
Shannon Mooney's joining us.
Speaker 2 (05:27):
She is with the Face It movement here in Kentucky
having a great conversation during Child Abuse Prevention Month, and Shannon,
I think it's kind of important to stress there's no
real area of the Commonwealth that is I guess better
or worse when it comes to child abuse is there
or am I mistaken in that.
Speaker 9 (05:44):
You're correct that child abuse is a problem in every
corner of the commonwealth, and it happens in all types
of families. Whether we have access to plenty of resources
or not. We do see child abuse occurring in every
type of family.
Speaker 2 (06:00):
Let's talk a little bit about the Face It Movement, Shannon.
For those that don't know about it, we talked off
the air. I'm very familiar with your organization through work
we do in other avenues, but talk to folks here
in Kentucky about what the Face It Movement is and
what they offer and how folks can read more.
Speaker 9 (06:17):
The COSA for Kids. FACE Movement is a coalition of
partners from across the state of Kentucky that works around
three areas. One is around policy change and that happens
in Frankfort and also on the local level, and we
aim to change policies to make sure that Kentucky is
the best place in America to be young based on
(06:37):
what the data and research tells us. Another area that
Face Movement focuses on is making sure that our organizations
across the state have access to quality training and the
best knowledge available around what it takes to prevent child
male treatment in homes and communities, in schools and out
(06:59):
of school time placements and other places where we do
serve kids and families. And then the third area of
focus just making sure that people understand that child abuse
neglect is generally not about people being bad parents. It's
about people not having what they need in order to
parent point adequately and safely. So what we do know
(07:21):
is that it's really important for our parents to be
connected to resources, to supports and really just connecting to
each other to not deal with the stress of parenting
alone and not have to do that in isolation. So
we're really interested in making sure that parents and caregivers
and really the whole Commonwealth knows that we are all
(07:42):
in this together and it does take everyone in our
community to make sure our kids are safe.
Speaker 2 (07:47):
That's a great point, Shannon, I'm glad you made that,
and of course Shannon Moody joining us with the Facebook movement.
They work in conjunction with Close airfer Kids, two wonderful
organizations here in the Commonwealth.
Speaker 1 (07:57):
And along those lines, Shannon, you guys have a not only.
Speaker 2 (08:01):
A wealth of resources at facetabuse dot org, but you
also have some events coming up throughout the month that
folks can participate in and talk about those.
Speaker 9 (08:09):
Face it offers events throughout the month of April for
Child Abuse Prevention Month and then really beyond as we
continue to address maltreatment year long. The Cosair for Kids
Child Abuse Prevention Luncheon is happening on April twenty second
at eleven thirty am at the Crown Plaza here in
Louisville as well, and that is a fundraiser for Cossair
(08:29):
for Kids to benefit their Child Abuse Prevention Month. It's
an incredibly worthy cause and if folks are interested, they
can go to cosair dot org for more information on that.
Speaker 1 (08:39):
We're joined by doctor Shannon Mody.
Speaker 2 (08:41):
She of course is with the face It movement and
Shannon one thing I don't think people understand. Most do,
but some don't that Kentucky is a mandatory reporting state.
Speaker 1 (08:51):
What does that mean exactly?
Speaker 9 (08:52):
All Kentuckians are mandated reporters, which means that if you
are an adult and you suspect a child is being
abused or neglected, that you are required to make a
call to the police or the Child Protection hotline to
ensure that that is addressed and intervened appropriately. The experts
who pick up the phone and make the decision whether
(09:14):
or not they need to further investigate is going to
be based on the information that's shared. But what we
often remind folks, if you are concerned about the safety
of the child, we recommend that you call one eight
seven seven KY Safe one or it's one eight seven
seven five nine seven two three three one to report
abuse and neglect. It takes everyone in the community to
(09:36):
make sure that kids are safe, and as a mandated reporter,
it is actually your legal duty to make report if
you suspect child abuse and neglect.
Speaker 1 (09:44):
It's a great conversation.
Speaker 2 (09:45):
Doctor Shannon Moody such a valuable asset with the face
it movement partnered up with of course COSE there for Kids.
And I think what I love most about your website,
Doctor Mody, is also you have different pamphlets that are
available that folks, educators, anybody can use, really and one
of the pamphlets I love is this is relevant because
we're just coming off spring break and we're gonna head
(10:07):
into summer break. You offer tips on what you can
do if you're leaving your child with someone for the
first time and some very helpful advice there. And we
often look at Child Abuse Prevention Month here in April
is just that and focus for one month, but you're
a year long resource for you have a spons for
you have resources for educators for you know, parents, for
(10:29):
anybody really and that's just a fascinating tool to have.
Speaker 9 (10:32):
Well, thank you. We like to make sure that everyone
is aware and as educated as possible around keeping kids safe,
and we try to do that with our resources being
really accessible and something that parents or caregivers are picking
up and being able to really apply it to their
daily life.
Speaker 2 (10:50):
Well, doctor Shannon Mody, you have been fantastic. I can't
speak enough with the good work you do and to
Face It movement and a big big thank you to
not only you but also There for Kids because they
do so much to protect our children.
Speaker 1 (11:03):
Shannon.
Speaker 2 (11:03):
Let's be sure we talk in the future. Let's not
just keep it at Child Abuse Prevention Months. You guys
haven't opened mic here at Kentucky Focus anytime you want it.
Speaker 9 (11:11):
I so appreciate that, Scott, thank you so much.
Speaker 2 (11:13):
Again, A big thank you to doctor Shannon Moody. She
is Kentucky Youth Advocates lead on the Facing movement, and
if you'd like more information, just go to Kyuth dot org.
Coming up post secondary education and maybe a new trade
more accessible now than ever before. Right here in the Commonwealth,
we'll bring you the good news after this. I'm Scott Fitzgerald.
You're listening to Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 10 (11:37):
What I know about courage I learned from my adoptive mom.
Speaker 11 (11:41):
She said, sometimes you just gotta hold on and no,
we'll get through this.
Speaker 9 (11:45):
Mom, we are so high up.
Speaker 11 (11:48):
Hold my hand.
Speaker 1 (11:49):
No, you hold my hand.
Speaker 12 (11:52):
Here we go.
Speaker 1 (11:56):
Learn about adopting a team from foster care. You can't
imagine the reward.
Speaker 13 (12:00):
Visit adopt us Kids dot org to find out more.
Speaker 14 (12:06):
I learned patients from my adoptive dat.
Speaker 6 (12:10):
All he had to say was, Hey, you got this.
Just breathe.
Speaker 1 (12:18):
We're pretty good. Yeah, you want have to start a band?
Speaker 5 (12:22):
I got it.
Speaker 15 (12:23):
Learn about adopting a team from foster care. You can't
imagine the reward. Visit adopt us kids dot org to
find out more. This message is brought to you by
adopt Us Kids, the US Department of Health and Human Services,
and the ad Council.
Speaker 7 (12:35):
You wanted to be cool, which led you to smoking,
which led to a pack a day. Then you met
that special someone, which led to starting a life with them,
which led to wanting to live longer, which led to quitting.
Then you heard you maybe at risk for lung cancer,
which led you to getting a low dose CT scan.
(12:56):
If you smoked, get scanned, talk to your doctor and
learn more. That's saved bythscan dot org. Brought to you
by the American Lung Association and the AD Council.
Speaker 8 (13:07):
But I smoke, I get lost in the music. I'd
like to isolate each instrument, the rhythmic base, the harmonies
on the piano with sticky melody.
Speaker 10 (13:20):
Thank he careful, bad there's someone crossing the streets.
Speaker 8 (13:24):
Sorry, I didn't see them there.
Speaker 3 (13:26):
If you feel different, you drive different.
Speaker 4 (13:29):
Don't drive high.
Speaker 1 (13:30):
It's dangerous and illegal everywhere.
Speaker 11 (13:33):
A message from NITZA and the AD Council.
Speaker 2 (13:35):
Welcome back to Kentucky, folks. I'm Scott Fitzgerald. Now we
dive into a topic that's shaping.
Speaker 1 (13:40):
The future of the bluegrass day.
Speaker 2 (13:42):
Whether a recent high school gradate, working adult looking to pivot,
or someone re entering the workforce.
Speaker 1 (13:47):
Now is the time to take.
Speaker 2 (13:48):
A closer look at higher education and the expanding career
opportunities right here in Kentucky, high tech training programs to
skilled manufacturing. Kentucky's education system is evolving to meet the
demands so rapidly changing job marketing. In the best part,
many of these programs are affordable, flexible, and designed to
get you know, folks back into a well paying career
faster than ever before. Joining us to break down the resources,
(14:11):
spotlight the industries on the rise, and well talk about
making it happen is of course, doctor Ryan Quarrels.
Speaker 1 (14:17):
He is the president of kc TCS.
Speaker 2 (14:20):
We're better known as the Kentucky Community and Technical College System.
Speaker 1 (14:24):
Doctor Corals, thanks for taking time to join us.
Speaker 12 (14:27):
Good morning, and April is community college month across Kentucky.
And so if you're looking for an entry point to
start your college career, go back to college and finish
a degree, or get a technical or trade program and
get a great job, look no further than one of
our sixteen Kentucky Community Technical College is located all across
(14:48):
the commonwealth.
Speaker 2 (14:49):
You know, doctor Coral's, all you have to do is
next time you're in low Lesvelle, drop in and along
Broadway there you know there's new construction at KCTCS. That's
kind of of just what a special institution you.
Speaker 12 (15:02):
Have, that's right, and whether it's in downtown Louisville or
out in rural Kentucky, we actually have seventy campuses where
Kentuckians of all ages, including high schoolers to ninety nine
can COVID enroll in classes. And what's really unique about
us is that we actually have the largest undergraduate student
body in Kentucky. We actually have one hundred and ten
(15:24):
thousand students enrolled through kctcs's colleges. We also are the
state's number one provider of workforce training, so we actually
train a lot of Kentuckians that may never want to
have associate's degree, but their companies are hiring us to
provide training as well. And so when it's all said
and done, we educate just shy of two hundred thousand
(15:47):
Kentuckians each and every year.
Speaker 2 (15:49):
Wow, doctor Ryan Quarrels joining us course president of KCTCS
and doctor Quarrels, I know that, and you have a
strong higher education background, so you definitely know what you're
talking about. And let's talk a little bit about one
of the prohibitive reasons people don't go to college.
Speaker 1 (16:04):
As cost and you say you can help out with that.
Speaker 12 (16:07):
That's right. At our community technical colleges, our cost is
half the price of a traditional public four year university,
and so not only are we more affordable, our price
point is conscious towards the consumer, but there's lots of
financial aid. In fact, eighty percent of all of our
students get financial aid to some sort, and with like
(16:29):
the scholarship funded by Kentucky Lottery called work Ready, we
have full ride scholarships for those Kentuckians studying high demand
career areas like nursing, construction, business, it and so we
have a lot of financial aid both from the federal
government and the stake EVERNM to make it, if not free,
a lot less than the sticker price. But we like
(16:50):
to tell people that we are the college for anybody
and everybody, and we don't want price to get in
the way.
Speaker 1 (16:55):
That's outstanding.
Speaker 2 (16:56):
Again, we're talking with doctor Ryan Quarrelsey's president of KCT.
They're celebrating April is Community College month, and community college
is becoming a much more viable option sometimes than a
traditional education for the reasons doctor Coral's mentioned there and
Ryan let's talk a little bit about you briefly touched
on some of the higher demand areas. What are you
(17:17):
seeing as sort of the trends now and what employers
are looking for. If someone's listening to us and they say, listen,
I'm thinking about making a change, it may be time
to change my career, what's a good option.
Speaker 12 (17:28):
Well, we like to remind folks that we have programs
that will get you into a four year college or university,
or we have programs on the technical side that are
short as four weeks, you can get a CDL truck
driver's license and start making fifty thousand dollars a year.
What's really unique right now is that we need more
Kentuckians to work with their hands, and the starting salaries
(17:50):
for our welders, mechanics, aviation mechanics, and even the jobs
that hospitals rely upon that don't require for your degree
in the medical feelds, we have great starting salaries. And
so one thing that's really unique for us post COVID
is that we have a employer business base that is
eager to hire our graduates, and that's what makes us affordable.
(18:13):
But more importantly, we want our graduates to get a
job when they leave KCTCS Great program.
Speaker 2 (18:20):
KCTS celebrating April's Community College Month and President doctor Ryan
Quarrels is joining us. Doctor Quarrel's talk a little bit
about the dual credit scholarship option you have available.
Speaker 12 (18:31):
Yeah, it may be a surprise to some, but a
lot of high schoolers are starting their college career as
juniors and seniors in high school, something that didn't wasn't
available when I was going through my high school experience.
But right now one third of our one hundred plus
thousand students are high schoolers across Kentucky getting a few
(18:51):
college classes or perhaps an associate's degree, complete it before
they even graduate high school. That way, when they go
on to say to a few need to college to
finish an associate's degree or go on to UFL or
Sullivan or UK, they already have some college credits underneath
their built. That makes it more affordable, but also allows
(19:12):
Kentuckians that may not think colleges for them to try
it out while they're in high school. And chances are
that first class or two are free due to a scholarship.
And so we want to make sure that we expose
the college experience to high schoolers across Kentucky so that
they know that they too can go on and get
a great job. But I'm going to say something a
(19:32):
little controversial. Not everybody needs a four year college degree, sure,
but all Kentuckians need some sort of higher education component,
whether it's a technical degree or as sociates degree, so
they can be competitive for the new generation of jobs.
Speaker 2 (19:47):
I think you're onto something there, doctor Quarrel's. As we've
seen with the recent announcement, by four they're going to
be laying off, you know, several workers because they're kind
of changing the way they do business here in the
Commonwealth of Kentucky. I think that sort of understan why
folks sort of need a backup plan, if you will.
Speaker 12 (20:04):
Yeah, And that's one thing that's unique about community colleges
is that we are a college of first resort for
a lot of high schoolers, those that want to knock
out those classes and save a lot of money. But
we're also an institution that seems a lot of adult
learners that may have tried a career, or they have
a you know, maybe an opportunity elsewhere, or their employers say, hey,
(20:26):
go get that technical degree and so we can fill
another position in our company. And so what's unique about
us is that we accept Kentuckians regardless of their age,
regardless of the background, and that we are an open
at missions institution. And a lot of folks come to
us because they want a better job, and that they
spend two years or one year, or if you want
(20:46):
to become alignman and go out and fix these electric lines,
you can make seventy thousand dollars a year starting and
as little as fifteen weeks of training.
Speaker 1 (20:54):
And so we have a lot of options and doctor quarrels.
Speaker 2 (20:57):
I think what is important for some folks to understand.
Many know this, something may not that say you want
to attend kctcs to get your basic structure, your first
usually what's a couple of years of college out of
the way and not pay those big college prices.
Speaker 1 (21:11):
Your credits are transferable, right.
Speaker 12 (21:13):
That's right. We are double checking to make sure that
if students want to knock out that associate's degree the
gin EDS and then transfer to say Sullivan or UVL
or UK, that we're making that a seamless transfer. In fact,
we just celebrated a renewal and expansion of our transfer
to University of Louisville just as recently as December, so
(21:34):
that those students that want to save a lot of
money get those classes out of the way and have
them all transfer can do so seamlessly and remove barriers,
and in a lot of cases, like at U of L,
they add a scholarship component to it as well.
Speaker 2 (21:47):
Wonderful doctor Ryan Corels joining us before we late you go,
doctor Corarels. On the flip side of that coming up
later this month, do you have giving day? Can you
talk about that?
Speaker 12 (21:56):
Well, that's right on April sixteenth, you know, conveniently the
day after attacks. We're asking those that want to invest
in a fellow kentucky In's future to perhaps consider a
donation to one of the sixteen colleges. If you have
ever attended, or perhaps your child of taking classes with
a KCTCS institution, you know, a donation as big as
(22:17):
fifty dollars one hundred dollars can make a big difference.
And where's this money going, Well, a lot of it
goes to our emergency funds. Some of our students face
a lot of adversity that something is small as a
flat tire that may prevent someone from go to class,
may prevent someone from a completing a college degree. We
also have a big food insecurity problem across Kentucky, and
(22:37):
so sometimes those donations go towards putting food on the
table for our students as well. But April sixteenth is
Giving Day. I know that we don't have a big
football or basketball program that we can rally behind. Everyone
can rally behind their local community college because chances are
our graduates are staying in your community. We're the ones
that are fixing your cars, We're the ones that are
fixing your houses. We run the hospitals of Kentucky. We
(23:01):
are affecting Kentuckians and our workforce in ways that perhaps
others aren't.
Speaker 2 (23:05):
Yeah, it's just always a pleasure to talk to you,
doctor Quarrels. I could talk to you forever about this.
I'm a big, big fan of your institution. If say
somebody's out on the road right now, they're just not
in a place where they can get to a computer.
What's an easy way they can when they get to
a happy place, Look you guys up and see what
you have to offer.
Speaker 12 (23:22):
We are as closed as a Google search of kctcs
it's KCTCS dot edu and if you want just bruised
the website you can find financial aid. You can actually
start your application today at KCTCS dot edu.
Speaker 2 (23:37):
Doctor Ryan Quarrels, President of the Kentucky Community and Technical
College System, doing the good work they always do. April's
Community College Month, Doctor Quarrels.
Speaker 1 (23:46):
Thank you so much, Thank you so much.
Speaker 12 (23:48):
Be safe out there and don't forget the cheer on
your local community college this month.
Speaker 1 (23:53):
Thank you.
Speaker 2 (23:54):
Thank you again to doctor Ryan Quarrels, President of the
Kentucky Community and Technical College System. For more information, simply
is it kc TCS dot edu.
Speaker 1 (24:02):
We're back to close things out after this.
Speaker 2 (24:04):
I'm Scott Fitzgerald, and you're listening to Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 10 (24:09):
The more you listen to your kids, the closer you'll be.
So we asked kids, what do you want your parents
to hear?
Speaker 13 (24:17):
I feel sometimes that I'm not listening to I would
just want you to listen to me more often and
evaluate situations with me and lead me towards success.
Speaker 10 (24:26):
Listening is a form of love. Find resources to help
you support your kids and their emotional well being at
sound It Out Together dot org. That's Sounded Out Together
dot org, brought to you by the ad Council.
Speaker 2 (24:38):
I'm pivotal and thank you again doctor Shannon Moody on
this Child Abuse Awareness Month here in Kentucky. She is
coursed with Kentucky Youth Advocates as the lead on the
Face It movement. If you'd like more information on tips
on how to deal with child sexual abuse child abuse,
simply visit ky Youth dot org or Face It abuse
(24:59):
dot org. Well, thank you to doctor Ryan Quarrels for
taking time to talk to us about some of the
outstanding educational opportunities provided by the Community Technical and College system.
Speaker 1 (25:08):
If you'd like to look these up for either of
yourself or someone you.
Speaker 2 (25:11):
Know, the website is very simple, Casey TCS dot edu.
And finally, as we say goodbye on this edition of
Kentucky Focus, all of us here at the Kentucky News
Network want to take a moment and let our neighbors
across the state know our hearts are with you. To
everyone impacted by the recent flooding in storms, please know
that you're not alone.
Speaker 1 (25:30):
Or thinking of you.
Speaker 2 (25:31):
We're praying for you, and we stand ready to share
your stories, your strength, and your recovery in the days, weeks, months,
even years ahead.
Speaker 1 (25:40):
I know I speak for all of us here at
the Kentucky News Network.
Speaker 2 (25:42):
Take care of one another and we'll see you next
time on Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 3 (25:47):
Kentucky Focus on the Kentucky News Network, the show that
looks at issues affecting the Commonwealth and it's citizens. We
cover state politics and history, human interest stories, sports, and
even entertain It's Kentucky Focus on kNN.
Speaker 11 (26:05):
As veterans, we're no strangers to helping others.
Speaker 9 (26:09):
It's what we were taught, trained and told to do.
Speaker 6 (26:12):
It could be for anything, helping a friend move.
Speaker 11 (26:15):
Listening to a fellow veteran for hours at any hour.
Speaker 9 (26:18):
Of the day, or just simply making time for people
a neighbor, a loved one, or even a stranger.
Speaker 6 (26:25):
We're often the first to help all this, there's no
question about it.
Speaker 11 (26:28):
But we do have one question for the veterans listening.
Speaker 6 (26:33):
When is the last time you reached out for help?
Speaker 9 (26:37):
Perhaps it's time to do for yourself what you would
do for others.
Speaker 11 (26:41):
If you or someone you know needs resources, whether it's
for stress, finances, employment, or mental health, don't wait reach out.
Speaker 6 (26:51):
Find more information at VA dot gov slash Reach. That's
VA dot gov slash Reach.
Speaker 9 (26:58):
Brought to you by the United States Department of Veterans
Affairs and the AD Council.
Speaker 14 (27:05):
Hey, wouldn't it be great if life came with a
remote control? You know, you could hit pause when you
needed to or hit rewant like that time you knock
down that wasp's nest for that time you forgot to
roll up your windows in the car wash. Fantastic, Yeah,
or remote control would have come in handy. Then, well,
(27:26):
life doesn't always give you time to change the outcome.
Speaker 16 (27:28):
But pre diabetes does. With early diagnosis and a few
healthy changes like managing your weight, getting active, stopping smoking,
and eating healthier, you can stop pre diabetes before it
leads to type two diabetes.
Speaker 1 (27:42):
It's easy to learn your risk.
Speaker 16 (27:43):
Take the one minute test today at do I Have
Prediabetes dot Org. Life doesn't come with a remote control, right, so.
Speaker 3 (27:52):
You're on your own.
Speaker 16 (27:53):
With the wasps, you have the power to take control
of pre diabetes. Visit do I have Prediabetes dot org today?
That's do I Have Prediabetes dot Org? Brought to you
by the AD Council and its pre diabetes awareness partners.
Speaker 17 (28:05):
From ABCDS Tech Trends. Today was supposed to be the
day Nintendo fans could put in a pre order for
the hotly anticipated Switch Too, but late last week, Nintendo
announced its delaying pre orders indefinitely in order to assess
the potential impact of tariffs. It comes after the Switch
got a big price bump from three hundred to four
(28:25):
hundred and fifty bucks.
Speaker 18 (28:27):
I don't think the price will be a problem for
Nintendo whatsoever. I think they will still sell a trillion
of these polygons.
Speaker 17 (28:33):
Chris Plant says that's because the higher price isn't unheard of.
In the handheld gaming space.
Speaker 18 (28:39):
Val released a basically a portable PC called the Steam Deck,
and these things cost a lot of money. People want them,
he says.
Speaker 17 (28:46):
Generally, if you want more power, you're gonna need to
pay for it.
Speaker 18 (28:49):
People want to be able to play not just Nintendo games,
but the sort of games that they're playing currently on
the Xbox in the PlayStation, and that's where that extra
cost comes in.
Speaker 17 (28:59):
Switch to liveries are still set to start June fifth.
With tech Trends, I'm Mike Deboski, ABC News.
Speaker 19 (29:05):
We asked parents who adopted teens to share their journey.
Speaker 13 (29:09):
When I met both of them, it was like my
missing pieces were found. Like it was just like an instant.
These are my kids. If you're considering adopting a teen,
just do it. Kids need families. I don't care the age.
Everybody deserves a family.
Speaker 19 (29:23):
Learn about adopting a teen from foster care. Visit adopt
us kids dot org to learn more. A message brought
to you by adopt Us Kids, the US Department of
Health and Human Services, and the ad Council
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