2655 Crescent Springs Road
Erlanger, KY 41017
Sweet Dreams Bed Program
The St. Vincent Sweet Dreams Bed Program for children and youth provides a twin size bed to children under the age of 16 whose families are economically disadvantaged. During volunteers' home visits to determine the level of need, sadly they find many children sleeping in chairs or worse. The impact of these conditions is devastating on the lives of children as evidenced by the loss of dignity and the loss of the opportunity to develop normally in mind and body.
Now in its 21st year, over 14,500 beds have been distributed to those in need. St. Vincent de Paul is the only agency in Northern Kentucky that provides this service, and referrals are accepted from Brighton Center, United Ministries, NKY Area Development District, Catholic Charities and the Red Cross for children in need of a bed.
The program's annual goal was to distribute 534 beds; 564 were distributed.
Research shows that a child with a proper sleeping environment, such as having a bed, protects health and prevents behavioral problems. This year it was discovered that a bed is required for a relative to gain custody/kinship of a child. This can be a hardship, especially for grandparents on a fixed income raising grandchildren. This means that the Sweet Dreams Bed Program not only improves a child's health, it also preserves families.
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