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South Central Kentucky Kids on the Block is a non-profit, educational puppet troupe of more than thirty puppets that offers K-6 children programs on physical challenges, medical conditions, and social and safety issues. Kids on the Block (KOB) is a highly praised organization that teaches children how to accept differences in others and themselves and how to make safer and healthier life choices.  The "kids" perform shows in schools across Kentucky, and in churches, and civic groups. These performances have proven to be a highly effective and non-threatening educational tool for children.
KOB began in Maryland in 1977. Ten-year old Anthony who had cerebral palsy was adjusting to his new school. Academically, Anthony did well, but he complained that his classmates ignored him because he was different. To help educate the boy's classmates about cerebral palsy, Anthony's teacher created a puppet she named "Mark Riley." As his classmates attitudes began to change, Anthony's school experience improved, and Kids on the Block was launched. Mark Riley and his message resonate with kids the world over and there are now troupes in all 50 states and 34 countries, including South Central Kentucky Kids on the Block. In the past 20 years, the Kentucky troupe has grown from a ten-puppet, all-volunteer effort with 60 performances a year to more than 40 puppets, 5 paid staff, and approximately 300 performances a year.  | | Click Image To View A Short Video! |
South Central Kentucky KOB offers programs on several topics: disabilities such as spina bifida, medical differences such as leukemia, educational differences including learning disabilities, and social concerns including sexual abuse prevention. The impact our troupe has had can be felt around the world. The bereavement program developed by Kids on the Block's national office was inspired by and named for Jamie Higgins, one South Central Kentucky Kids on the Block's founders and original puppeteers. We continue to perform for children across the state and with your help, we will have a positive impact on the community for years to come. If you would like to become a part of the Kids on the Block Team, please call 842-2259. Program funding provided by 
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Licence Plate and Tax Refund Check-Off Programs
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The Jamie Foundation provides long-term funding to ensure KOB continues to impact Kentucky's children.
