..... Since 1989, our residential program has served more than 2000 youth who are referred to us through the Department of Community Based Services or Department of Juvenile Justice. Some are entrusted into our care because they are dependents of the state – meaning they are homeless. Some have committed status offenses, such as truancy or behavior beyond parental control, and some have committed public offenses. Many of the youth we serve have experienced abuse or neglect. Most are part of our Residential Program for eight - 12 months. It includes:

• Counseling – Group and individual counseling with a caring staff from which our youth can form a positive, trusting relationship. 
• Work – Learning how to accept responsibilities, such as daily housekeeping and maintaining the grounds. These work experiences help young people develop a sense of self-sufficiency and self-worth through a job well done. 
• Recreation time – Provides the opportunity to build positive relationships with peers and staff through teamwork, improve social skills and increase physical abilities and athletic skills.
• Voluntary Religious Services – Allow youth to practice their faiths or seek information to further their personal spiritual growth.
• Community Involvement – Allows youth to give back to our community, which is so supportive of our program. We help other organizations and sponsor a Work-A-Thon each year where we provide free yard work and general clean up for area elderly and disadvantaged.
• Education – Most attend the Ramey-Estep High School (REHS) on our campus. Residents can attend public schools for more advanced classes, college prep courses and to play competitive sports with the goal of obtaining college scholarships.

REHS offers smaller classes where students can get the more personalized attention they need to improve their academic skills. Our multi-faceted program consists of:
-    Assessment
-    Individualized education plan with goals and tactics
-    Service Learning Program offering hands-on experience for a wide range of jobs the Kentucky Department of Education recognizes as good opportunities for high school graduates in eastern Kentucky over the next twenty years. Additionally, our greenhouse and floral design programs teach job skills such as plant care, landscaping techniques, customer service and basic bookkeeping skills.

• General Education Diploma (GED) program

Ramey-Estep Homes also offers a Pre-Independent and an Independent Living Program for those who have completed our residential program, or who are referred from outside agencies, to further their education or obtain job skills. Participants learn skills such as cleaning, cooking, job search, balancing a checkbook and how to obtain community services. Some attend college or technical school and others have jobs.

Still have a question?
Contact: Tammy Jarrell at (606) 928-6648 or email