What is a Settlement House?
A “settlement house” is an institution commonly in an inner-city area providing educational, recreational, and other social services to the community. Many settlement houses were founded in the 1800’s and early 1900’s when most cities had large immigrant populations who needed help “settling” in their new country. Few, if any, governmental programs existed at this time to help low-income families improve their lives for the better.
Why are you called “The Cabbage Patch”?
We were originally founded in 1910 as a settlement house in the present-day Louisville neighborhood of Park Hill. Back then, the area was called “The Cabbage Patch” because of the many immigrants living in the area who had backyard gardens with cabbages. (This area of town also inspired Alice Hegan Rice’s book Mrs. Wiggs of The Cabbage Patch, which was published in 1901 and later produced as plays and films.) In 1929, The Cabbage Patch Settlement House had outgrown its facilities in that original location and moved to South Sixth Street. We are still located here today, and our name has remained the same since 1910!
Are you linked to the “Cabbage Patch Kids”
The Cabbage Patch Settlement House actually pre-dates the famous dolls created by American businessman Xavier Roberts by 68 years! We were founded in 1910, and the dolls were first introduced in 1978. We think the Cabbage Patch Kids are cute, but we share no connection.
Who can come to The Cabbage Patch?
Anyone is welcome at The Cabbage Patch. Our programs and services are open to anyone regardless of race, religion, or geographic area. Most of our programs are for school-age children and youth between the ages of 8 and 16, and most of our participants come from a 1 to 2 mile radius from our facility. Because of the generosity of our supporters, most programs at The Cabbage Patch are free to members. To learn more about enrollment, click here.
Why isn’t The Cabbage Patch a Metro United Way Agency?
The Cabbage Patch was established many years before community-wide funding agencies existed. As these systems emerged, our founder, Louise Marshall, (and those who have followed in her footsteps) felt strongly that The Cabbage Patch should make every effort to remain independent of these kinds of revenue streams, since they might create dependency or limit our ability to fulfill our mission. The Cabbage Patch does periodically collaborate with United Way on projects, and has received small, special grants given to non-United Way agencies who participate in collaborative efforts for the community.
Does The Cabbage Patch receive government funding?
The Cabbage Patch Settlement House does not receive any form of government grants or funding. Since our beginnings, we have made every effort to remain independent of funding streams that may create dependency or limit our ability to fulfill our mission or provide Christian-based programs or services.
Is The Cabbage Patch affiliated with a particular church/denomination?
The Cabbage Patch Settlement House is not officially under the auspices of any denomination, but we are most grateful for the financial support and involvement of several local church and denominations who see The Cabbage Patch as part of their ministry to those in need in their community. Our founder, Louise Marshall, was a member of Second Presbyterian Church, whose support of our mission continues today, more than 100 years later!
How can I help The Cabbage Patch as a volunteer?
Each year, approximately 2,000 volunteers from our community give more than 10,000 hours of time and service to The Cabbage Patch. This help is invaluable to the organization, saving us an estimated $325,000 annually. There are dozens of volunteer opportunities available at The Cabbage Patch, from being a mentor, coach, or tutor to serving on one of our committees. To learn more about these opportunities, contact our Volunteer Coordinator at (502) 753-4457 or visit the Volunteer section of this website.
Do you provide emergency help?
The Cabbage Patch provides limited emergency assistance (food, rent, utilities) to families who have children attending or remain closely connected to the organization.
Our trained social workers and counselors are available to discuss emergency needs, interact directly with families and create action plans to help them improve their lives. At The Cabbage Patch, we work hard to give families in need a hand-up, not just a handout.
Is my contribution to The Cabbage Patch tax-deductible?
The Cabbage Patch Settlement House, LLC, is a 501(c) 3 charity; therefore gifts given to The Cabbage Patch for which no goods or services are exchanged are fully tax-deductible, as defined by the IRS.
How much of my contribution goes to administration and fundraising?
The Cabbage Patch takes being good stewards of the funds we are entrusted very seriously. We work hard to keep our supporting services costs to 25% or less so that at least 75% of our expenses go to programs and services. The Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance states that nonprofits should use at least 65% of their total expenses for programs and services. We find that our donors understand that quality management and sound fiscal oversight require a reasonable amount of time be spent ensuring donations are wisely and efficiently used and that the needs of those we serve are met first and foremost.
In addition, The Cabbage Patch Settlement House has a 4-star rating (the highest rating available) from Charity Navigator, one of the country’s largest and most respected organizations for charities.
How is your organization conforming to IRS changes in the 990 and governance transparency concerns?
The Cabbage Patch Board of Directors takes their duty of ethical and transparent governance very seriously. Our Board Development, Finance, and Human Resources committees periodically review appropriate organizational documents and policies, as found below.
Articles of Incorporation (.pdf)
By-Laws (.pdf)
Conflict of Interest Policy (.pdf)
Executive Compensation Policy (.pdf)
Donor’s Bill of Rights (.pdf)
Do you have any additional questions, or would you like to learn more? We would love to hear from you. Contact Us>