340 Legion Drive, # 20
Lexington, KY 40513
“Welcome to the Farm” is an ESL and SSL class that teaches basic horse farm and track terminology to facilitate better communication between management and co-workers. This program was developed for us and is offered exclusively by BGFC. The classes take place weekly at our Enrichment Center, and also at several area horse farms. We encourage farm management to enroll their Spanish speaking students in these classes to give them a proper introduction to horsemen terminology and basic English skills. A number of managers and human resources personnel are studying Spanish to be able to communicate with current and prospective employees.
“Farm Safety 101” classes are taught at several large horse farms, and will also be taught at our Enrichment Center beginning early 2009. Our instructor holds an MBA and will be able to teach two levels of safety classes in early 2009. The classes will focus on safety around animals and the farm environment. Our classes also stress the dangers of alcohol and drug impairment and we provide treatment for anyone suffering with substance abuse and addiction. Our interest is not only in protecting the workers, but also the horses entrusted to their care. These workshops have been very successful and as a result management reports a decrease in mistakes and accidents; better communication between co-workers; and an increase in worker retention.
“Lunch with the Chaplain” has become a much anticipated day for many workers. Our chaplain arrives at lunchtime in a designated area to spend time visiting with groups of men and women. It is at this time that concerns are shared; appointments are made for counseling; and needs are often brought to his attention. He shares a bible study; and they fellowship and make plans for recreational get-togethers outside work.
BENEVOLENCE AND CRISIS MANAGEMENT
Most people come to us through a referral from a farm owner or manager. The chaplain or executive director will meet with the head of household and perform a “Needs Assessment”. Our immediate goal is to address basic human needs.
HEALTH
Appointments for acute or chronic illnesses are made with the Community Health Center and BGFC pays a discount rate for doctor visits or prescriptions if the worker is unable to pay. Should we deem that an individual has long-term needs, we will work with the family or individual to make a budget; assist with a referral for government assistance, if applicable; find low income housing; or long-term medical care.
HOUSING/UTILITIES
Upon referral from farm management and a thorough "Needs Assessment", financial assistance may be available for rent and/or utiltity assistance on an emergency basis. In an effort to not exhaust the funds available through this program, we require verification of need.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND ADDICTIVE BEHAVIOR
The chaplain refers anyone with substance and addiction issues to a professional psychologist for counseling. Referrals for Alcoholics Anonymous and Gamblers Anonymous is also available through the chaplain. All of the above services are offered in English and Spanish. BGFC clients receive a special discount rate for professional counseling services based on income and ability to pay. Scholarships through BGFC may be available.
HOSPITAL AND HOME VISITS
Farm owners, managers or family may call upon the chaplain at any time to visit a worker or family member who has been hospitalized or is ill at home. Communion is available, and the chaplain is available for prayer and spiritual support.
FUNERAL AND BEREAVEMENT
Based on demonstrated need, BGFC assists families with burial or cremation expenses. Meals are provided, as needed, to bereaved families. The chaplain and executive director are trained in bereavement and can assist with funeral planning, if needed. The chaplain also conducts funerals. We maintain helpful communication with the referring owner or manager in a manner that does not compromise confidentiality, but allows us to all work together to help those dealing with loss.
OUTREACH
Our chaplain visits approximately 20 farms and equine businesses per week to talk with owners, managers and workers. The chaplain takes sick or injured workers to the doctor; visits workers and family members who are homebound or hospitalized; conducts funerals and provides confidential counseling and bereavement. He also provides many services to farm management such as assistance with translation and human resources matters and often acts as a liaison to bring about harmony in the workplace. BGFC conducts several trips to the Mexican Consulate in Indiana to assist workers with immigration matters. The chaplain also visits the barns during the race meet at Keeneland, and also during the sales there and at Fasig-Tipton. Free bibles and literature are given to anyone who shows an interest in Christianity, and the chaplain helps families get involved in a church close to their home, if requested.
Summer activities for farm workers include competitive sports such as soccer, volleyball and baseball. Since many large farms have sports teams that play regularly at their farm, BGFC provides an opportunity for some friendly competition between farms by staging playoffs. It’s enjoyed by all and is a great team-building event.
“Get Smart” is our summer outreach for children ages 5 through 14. Check out our SUMMER CAMP page to view this year's plans.
“The Ladies Guild” is an outreach to women involved in every aspect of Thoroughbred racing from farm owners to professional staff. The Ladies Guild meets monthly for fellowship time and conducts one large fundraising event for the BGFC each year,
Nags, Bags and Rags, an event that draws over 300 guests and raises a substantial part of the operating budget. The Ladies Guild provides the opportunity for women to network, share trials and triumphs, and experience personal development through workshops and service back into the industry. The Ladies Guild also conducts the annual Festival of Christmas. The majority of our volunteers come to us through this program.
“The Festival of Christmas” is perhaps our most popular outreach event and continues to grow each year. This is a wonderful time of celebration for the families to come for a meal, music and fellowship. Each child receives new books; coloring books and crayons; candy; a new toy; and winter hat and gloves. The families leave with a festive Christmas basket and ham. Farms, businesses and individuals contribute to this event to make sure that every low-income family and child has a nice Christmas. The celebration is open for low-income workers from the backstretch, farms, sales agencies, equine hospitals, and transport companies. More than 575 people attended the 2008 event at the Keene Entertainment Center.
THE FUTURE
Our board is committed to providing opportunities at every level to enhance the lifestyle and success of those dedicated to working in the Thoroughbred industry. Our future plans include continuing the above programs, making any improvements that may be necessary to achieve excellence; GED classes for both English and Spanish speaking students; introduction to computers; and free monthly health clinics to manage acute or chronic illnesses.
PHILANTHROPY
We are committed to working with industry and community leaders to cultivate an understanding of the importance of our mission, and to seek their support. It has been through planning, old-fashioned legwork and a clear objective of our goals that we have been able to bring along some dedicated individuals, farms, foundations and organizations to support us financially and allow for our growth.
At the present time, we do not receive any government funding and depend on the generosity of others for the day-to-day operation of the organization. We certainly cannot succeed without the many wonderful partnerships that we have formed.
When you support BGFC you can be certain that your investment benefits local workers in Central Kentucky. We invite you to support BGFC as it grows and faces the challenges ahead with great optimism and enthusiasm for what God has in store for us and those we serve in His name.
