The Cabbage Patch Settlement House was established in 1910 by Miss Louise Marshall. For 95 years we have been working with Louisville's struggling at-risk children and families to break the cycle of poverty. We are dedicated to the building up of families and children, so they can be self-sufficient and successful as they grow and develop. To accomplish this goal, we have formed four program areas developed to assist, inspire and educate our families. These programs are Educational Opportunities, Youth Development/Recreation, Counseling and Family Services.

We are not a member agency of Metro United Way and we do not receive direct government support. The Cabbage Patch’s service area consists of several at-risk neighborhoods where 50% of the families live in poverty and 38% of the households are headed by a single parent mother (71% of whom have children under the age of 17). In the Cabbage Patch service area, 38% of those 25 or older are not high school graduates.

The purpose of the organization is to profoundly change the lives of at-risk children and their families through holistic programs and services. Approximately 750 families and 1,100 individuals are served each year. Our three senior staff members have a combined tenure of 59 years. Almost half of our staff members have Masters degrees. Our annual budget is $1,543,237.

The Educational Opportunities Program is designed to provide support to capable, motivated youth who dream of pursuing a higher education, but may be discouraged by family hardships. Beginning in the eighth grade, staff, youth and parents or guardians collaborate to make considered decisions regarding high school selection, course loads, and extracurricular activities. By the junior and senior years of high school, students begin to concentrate on college goals: ACT training, scholarship needs, and the college application process. Throughout their college experience, staff and volunteers maintain a close relationship with each student to provide educational support, counseling, and enrichment opportunities. (Approximately 150 youth each year)

Youth Development/Recreation focuses on school-aged children. Programs are designed to help young people make positive choices and avoid pitfalls of gangs, violence, drug abuse, alcoholism, teen pregnancy and school dropout. Through a wide range of activities including tutoring, athletics, camping, outdoor education, and cultural and performing arts, children are encouraged to engage in constructive use of their free-time. The fun and nurturing environment of these programs helps youth develop successful study habits, discipline, fair play and cooperation. (Approximately 2,000 youth each year)

Family Services offers at-risk families the opportunity to discover long-term solutions to problems while providing assistance with basic human needs. For struggling families, clothing, food and financial assistance for rent, utilities and medical expenses are provided on an emergency basis. By coupling this aid with prevention-oriented classes in parenting, budgeting and other life-improvement skills, Family Services teaches struggling families how to become stable and productive members of the community. For many families, this program has effectively broken the cycle of poverty. (Approximately 650 families each year)

Counseling Services provides counseling for at-risk families in need. Counselors assist Cabbage Patch staff in creating individualized treatment plans for troubled children. Many of these children are from dysfunctional environments, with unstable family support systems, often struggling with unemployment, under-education, and insufficient living and coping mechanisms. Counseling for families, small groups and individuals is offered free of charge. (Approximately 250 individuals each year)