The Cabbage Patch is celebrating an important milestone: 13,000 NTI assignments completed, and 668 hours of educational support!
At this time last year in 2020, Patch children were looking forward to finishing out the school year and signing up for summer camps. The organization’s new Executive Director Corey Miller had just started in January, and was looking for opportunities to expand the education and youth development programs.
A letter from Corey’s son’s college changed everything.
The letter outlined precautions and possible next steps as the world watched COVID-19 spread. Sensing an impending crisis, Corey convened a response team to monitor the situation. Within weeks, The Cabbage Patch ceased on site operations for the first time since the influenza pandemic of 1918. Staff members were reassigned to provide remote counseling and assistance to families.
The majority (79%) of Cabbage Patch members live in eight different zip codes representing downtown and West Louisville (40203, 40208, 40210, 40211, 40212, 40214, 40215, and 40216). Statistically, the people served by The Cabbage Patch were hit hardest by the pandemic. At a time before NTI community learning hubs were established throughout the city, The Cabbage Patch provided educational support – first by phone, and with deliveries of much-needed books and other supplies – then in person, in socially distanced groups adhering to childcare guidelines.
The Cabbage Patch was an early adopter of the Community Learning Hub model, and has been working with students on site since day one of the 2020-2021 school year. Elementary and middle school students participate weekly in their NTI Academy, while teens and college students receive weekly tutoring with staff. One student was 68 assignments behind when she came to the Patch for help, and the academic support helped her catch up.
The Cabbage Patch continues to adapt to the challenges presented by the pandemic, and will focus on academic recovery when schools transition back in in-person learning. Thank you for helping children in our community feel supported and confident in their schoolwork!