Kentucky awards $2.5M for new Family Nurturing Center HQ

A Northern Kentucky nonprofit that serves children and families affected by abuse and trauma is preparing to expand after securing $2.5 million in state funding for a new facility.

The Kentucky General Assembly approved the one-time allocation in the state budget to support Family Nurturing Center as it renovates and expands a recently acquired building in Crestview Hills.

Founded in 1979, the nonprofit provides free services aimed at preventing child abuse and helping families recover from trauma. It serves nearly 10,000 children and adults each year through counseling, education, supervised parenting time and other family support programs.

Organization leaders say the project will expand access to those services across Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati, where demand has continued to grow alongside the long-term effects of trauma, economic stress and family instability.

“This investment changes what is possible for the families we serve,” said Jane Herms, the organization’s president and CEO. “Every day, children and caregivers come to us seeking healing, hope and stability. This support helps us create the space and capacity to meet that need for years to come.”

Growing demand, limited space (for now)

The funding comes as the organization works to keep up with rising demand and limited capacity at its current location, according to center leaders. In a statement, Herms said waitlists and space constraints have made it harder to connect families with services in a timely way.

Advocates and researchers have long linked adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs, to higher risks of chronic health issues, substance use and economic instability later in life, underscoring the importance of early intervention and family support, according to the Family Nurturing Center.

The expansion will more than double the center’s current space. Project plans include additional counseling rooms, supervised visitation areas and sensory spaces designed to help children regulate stress, along with a therapeutic playground, family kitchen and staff training areas.

With the added space, the organization expects to hire more staff, reduce waitlists and serve more families, according to the center. A report by WCPO 9 in March said the expansion could allow the nonprofit to serve about 5,000 additional people over the next five years.

Family Nurturing Center didn’t release the total cost of the project and said it is continuing to seek additional funding. It also did not announce a construction timeline, though the WCPO report said the organization plans to move into its new home in October.

The nonprofit credited several state lawmakers with supporting the funding request, including state Rep. Stephanie Dietz, state Sen. Chris McDaniel and state Sen. Amanda Mays Bledsoe.

“Investing in the Family Nurturing Center is an investment in stronger families and safer communities across Northern Kentucky,” Dietz said in a statement.