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UNITE Activities
Watch for a new billboard to be displayed in July 2009 as part of the coalition's media campaign. Approximately 12,000 travelers monthly will see this anti-drug message.
Knox County hosted a Shoot Hoops Not Drugs basketball camp with Jeff Sheppard on July 10, 2008. To view photos Click here.
Operation UNITE coalition volunteers and students from across the Fifth Congressional District were honored Friday, November 9, 2007, for outstanding efforts during the past year. More than 800 people attended the program, held at the East Kentucky Expo Center in Pikeville.
For photos click here.
For story click here.
One Knox County school has a registered UNITE Club in the 2009-10 school year – Barbourville Independent (Middle/High combined).
The Knox County Coalition was recently awarded a $100,000 Kentucky Drug Free Community grant from the Office of National Drug Control Policy. The funding is being used to further anti-drug programs in the county.
Knox County is working to expand its Court Watch program and is in need of additional volunteers to assist.
In 2007 the coalition created a UNITE faith-based basketball and cheerleading league for kindergarten through eighth grade students. Approximately 420 youth and their families from throughout the county participated in 2007 and approximately 315 people in 2008. The 2009 league began Saturday, January 17. The most significant accomplishment of this project has been the character education component at half-time of each game and the positive self-esteem gained by each youth participant. The program is a model for youth sporting events. For information contact Claudia Gibson Greenwood.
There were 165 participants and approximately 40 coalition volunteers for the Hooked On Fishing-Not On Drugs® (HOFNOD) program during the summers of 2008 and 2009. Youth were taught angling skills along with learning self-esteem and other values.
Knox County offers a weekly Drug and Alcohol Recovery Lifeline group in Barbourville.
Knox County has collaborated resources to form a Drug Endangered Child Training Network. They have devised a policy manual, conducted training seminars with all agencies and law enforcement, and developed a protocol to be followed in such situations.
Thursday, March 4 - Two workshops on methamphetamine will be presented by UNITE as part of a networking/information day at Union College in Barboursville as part of National Social Work Month. A variety of social work agencies will have displays about social work career opportunities in the area.
Ongoing - Celebrate Recovery meets every Monday at 6 p.m. at Springfield Baptist Church on KY 1304 in Bimble. Meal and childcare provided. For details contact Pastor Josh Smith at 606-546-3625 or springfieldpastor@yahoo.com.
Ongoing - Al-Anon Family Group meets every Monday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 312 North Main Street, Barbourville. For information contact Eloise at 606-5445-9371 or lundy60@aol.com.
Recent Activities
2009 Activities
Thursday, September 24 - A five-week "How To Drug-Proof Your Kids" program began at Sacred Heart Church Hall in Corbin. This Focus on the Family program continued each Thursday through October 22.
For details click here.
Saturday, June 13 - A youth rally drew approximately 150 people from area churches. The group Live Fish presented a concert with anti-drug messages and testimony throughout the show.
Tuesday, June 9 - Awards were presented for the coalition's anti-drug poster contest. There were 203 youth participants entered the contest to creatively display their anti-drug message through the use of artistic expression. Contest period ran from May 11-22.
Saturday, May 16 - A free "Women of Worth" celebration to educate, uplift, enhance and inspire the lives of women in the Cumberland Valley Region was held at the Corbin Center for Technology. Lunch was served. This event was sponsored by Community Collaboration for Children, Region 9 FRYSC, and The Family Life Abuse Center. For details call Petra at 606-526-6303 or Teresa at 606-392-1120.
Friday, May 8 - The Knox County UNITE Coalition is a winner in the "non-profit organization" category for the 2008 Governor's Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Service. An awards ceremony was held at the Governor's Mansion in Frankfort. For details contact Claudia Greenwood at 606-546-9515.
Tuesday, April 21 - A graduation ceremony for participants in the Knox/Laurel Juvenile Drug Court program was conducted at the Knox County District Courtroom.
Saturday, April 11 - Fourth annual Knox County Buddy Bass fishing tournament and children's day camp was held at Grove Marina on Laurel River Lake. There were 81 boats participating in the tournament with 23 youth at the camp with 5 instructors from the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources. The event raised approximately $7,000 after expenses. For details contact Claudia Greenwood at 606-546-9515 or e-mail cgrenwo@barbourville.com.
Friday, April 3 - A Red Bud Cookout was held at Union College. For details contact Claudia Greenwood at 606-546-9515 or e-mail cgrenwo@barbourville.com.
Tuesday, March 17 - A free program - "Hot Drugs of Abuse" - on the current trends in drug abuse and what we can do in our families and communities was presented to approximately 150 people by UK College of Medicine Professor Emeritus Patrick J. Sammon and Lexington-Fayette County Assistant Chief Mike Bosse at the Corbin High School auditorium. For details call 1-866-678-6483.
To view photos click here.
Tuesday, February 24 - The first graduation ceremony for four participants in the Knox/Laurel Family Drug Court was held. UNITE President/CEO Karen Engle was guest speaker.
Saturday, January 17 - Knox County UNITE's faith-based basketball/cheerleading league for students in kindergarten through eighth grades began at Knox County Middle School gym with a basketball camp. League continued every Saturday for six weeks. A total of 243 ball players, 51 cheerleaders and 63 volunteer coaches participated. For information call Claudia Greenwood at 606-546-9515 or e-mail cgrenwo@barbourville.com.
Tuesday, January 6 - Knox County UNITE held a Celebrating Success and Recruitment Dinner. Approximately 53 people attended, including 20 who signed up to become actively involved.
2008 Activities
Thursday, December 18 - The Knox Adult Drug Court held a graduation ceremony for nine participants.
Thursday, November 6 - The Knox/Laurel Juvenile Drug Court held a graduation ceremony for one probation and two diversion participants in the Knox County District Courtroom. Doreen Cornelius was the guest speaker.
Thursday, October 30 - a "Fright Night" project provided approximately 2,000 youth and adults with a safe place to trick-or-treat. The movie, "This Place," highlighted recent facts and statistics that are closely related with underage drinking.
October - Approximately 63 youth from local schools came together to kick off Red Ribbon Week with the theme: "Plant the Promise to be Drug Free."
Saturday, October 4 - UNITE Bowl football games featuring youth in grades 5-8 from across Eastern Kentucky, including Knox County were held at the Leslie County High School Eagle Field. For complete schedule and more information about the event click here.
Wednesday, September 24 - The Whitley County Coalition combined forces with First Priority, UNITE Clubs and local churches across Knox, Laurel and Whitley counties for a special "See You At The Pole Rally." The event was held in the parking lot of First Priority's Tri-County Office in Corbin. Event featured University of Louisville Chaplain Chris Morgan as guest speaker, a concert by the Somerset band "Live Fish," three inflatables and games. For details contact Lee Schroeder at lee.schroeder@whitley.kyschools.us.
Wednesday, September 24 - Focus on the Family conducted a Community Champions team training for residents of Corbin and McCreary County at the Immanuel Baptist Church in Corbin. For information contact David Hampton at 606-521-3561 or UNITE at 1-866-OP-UNITE (1-866-678-6483).
Thursday, September 11 - Approximately 500 people participated in Summer Fest activities, focused around a community Olympics, in honor of community heros, and in support of National Recovery Month.
September-October - Approximately 57 youth participated in the T-It Up Program, which provided character development skills, life enhancing values and anti-drug messages while engaging them in a healthy, drug-free activity.
Tuesday-Saturday, August 19-23 - The Knox County UNITE Coalition sponsored the Knox County Fair at the Barbourville Business park on KY 225. Carnival rides and a main event were held each night. Approximately 200 youth participated in a rally held on August 20. Proceeds went to benefit local coalition efforts. For more information contact Claudia Greenwood at 606-546-9515 or Marsha Dixon at 606-545-7009.
Thursday, July 24 - Approximately 800 people participated in Summer Fest activities.
Monday-Friday, July 21-25 - Knox County held a Prevention Camp for 80 youth. Activities were designed around anti-drug themes.
Thursday, July 10 - UNITE Shoot Hoops Not Drugs basketball camp with Jeff Sheppard was held at Barbourville High School's new gymnasium. Camp was attended by 119 youth representing 7 counties (Bell, Clay, Harlan, Knox, Laurel, Perry and Whitley) and 1 other state (Georgia). Basketball goal winners were 13-year-old Raygan Hendricks of Evarts and 14-year-old Travis Mills of Heidrick.
For details click here.
Thursday, June 12 - A Town hall meeting session on How to Drug-Proof Your Kids was held during Summer Fest. Surveys were conducted allowing the coalition to gain data on anti-drug issues impacting Knox County youth. Approximately 750 people were affected by this project.
Wednesday, June 11 - A Town Hall breakfast meeting with Focus On The Family was held at the Corbin Center for Technology and Community Activities. Residents of the Corbin metropolitan area (Knox, Laurel and Whitley counties) were invited to discuss how a partnership between Focus on the Family and UNITE can work together to positively impact families. Anyone with a heart to make a difference in the community is invited to be part of the conversation. For details call 606-677-6179.
Sunday, June 1 - The first Somerfest program of the year was held in downtown Barbourville. For information call 606-546-9515.
Saturday, May 31 - Participants in this year's Hooked On Fishing-Not On Drugs® program were invited to Corbin Speedway where they received free admission, a tour of the pit area, and a $5 food certificate. For information call 606-546-9515.
Friday, May 23 - The Knox County UNITE Coalition set up an informational booth at Knox County General Hospital. For information call 606-546-9515.
Tuesday, May 20 - A public awareness program about methamphetamine was presented by the Corbin Area UNITE Group at the Corbin Parkway Church, 510 East Cumberland Gap Parkway. The program included signs of a meth lab, symptoms of a meth user and what to do if you encounter a meth lab.
Monday, May 19 - The Knox-Laurel Drug Court held a graduation ceremony at the Laurel County Courthouse.
Saturday, May 17 - The final Hooked On Fishing-Not On Drugs® program of the year was held at the Campbell Training Field pond in Artemus. For information call 606-546-9515.
Wednesday, May 14 - A presentation about Operation UNITE and opportunities for the church to become more involved was given at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Corbin.
Saturday, May 10 - A Hooked On Fishing-Not On Drugs® program was held at the Campbell Training Field pond in Artemus. For information call 606-546-9515.
Tuesday, May 6 - Knox County District Drug Court held a graduation ceremony at the Knox County Courthouse in Barbourville. For information contact Patricia Sears at 606-545-5423.
Saturday, April 19 - Third annual UNITE fishing tournament on Laurel Lake drew 99 boats (197 competitors) and raised approximately $10,000 for youth programs. First place received $2,500. A "Buddy Bass Day Camp" for kids had 30 participants, who received basic skills, safety and hands-on experience.
Monday, April 14 - Approximately 97 people attended a community forum to gain input and expression of concern for underage drinking in Knox County. Community leaders, law enforcement, faith-based and educational representatives were able to discuss specific concerns and indentify ways each community sector could help reduce the problem.
Monday, March 31 - We need U to uNITE Corbin. The Corbin Area UNITE Group recruitment dinner was held at the Grace on the Hill Church. Food was provided along with a silent auction. Guest speaker was former University of Kentucky football player Jeff Sheppard.
Saturday, March 29 - A Neighbors UNITED training was held at the Indian Creek Fire Department. Approximately 30 concerned citizens participated. For more details contact Claudia Greenwood at 606-546-9515.
Wednesday, March 26 - UNITE presented three drug awareness trainings to employees at Northern Contours in Corbin. For details contact Melissa Taylor at 606-523-5747.
Operation UNITE coalition volunteers and students from across the Fifth Congressional District were honored Friday, November 9, 2007, for outstanding efforts during the past year. More than 800 people attended the program, held at the East Kentucky Expo Center in Pikeville.