Author: Kathy Mills

 

 

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The Kentucky Works Program supports the Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program (K-TAP) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in the following Kentucky counties. Anderson, Breckinridge, Bullitt, Franklin, Grayson, Hardin, Henry, Larue, Marion, Meade, Nelson, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer, Trimble, Washington, and Woodford. Our goal is to assess these individuals to identify barriers, work to overcome those barriers to make them self- sufficient. We also have job readiness classes to help with resumes, job search, job interviews, etc.

 

•    We currently have 88 clients that are employed in the K-TAP Program. Our Employment Specialists continue to follow up with each of these clients and track the hours they are working. We served 330 clients in the K-Tap program for the year ending December 31st, 2025.

 

•  On the SNAP Employment and Training program we continue to reach out to these clients and complete assessments when they are referred to us. We served 746 clients for the SNAP program during quarter ending December 31st, 2025. We served 3,279 SNAP clients for the year of 2025.

 

• We continue to stay in touch with employers and if we do get referrals, we match the clients skills with the employer needs to have a good match. We call new employers each week and keep a current job listing for each county we serve.

 

• Our staff continues to stay in touch with staff meeting every other month, either in person or virtually to discuss all relative matters in the program.

 

• We continue to offer a wage subsidy program where if an employer hires one of our K-TAP clients they will be reimbursed for a portion of their wages during the first six month of employment. We added three wage subsidy contracts in 2025.

Congregate Meals started dine-in only in January, no more grab-n-go at our Senior Centers.

The seniors enjoyed holiday festivities at some of the centers that I visited, they were all decorated for Christmas. They had music, activities, baked goods, and games.

Congregate Meals served 4,446 meals to seniors in December 2025.

Look at this sweet lady pictured, she is 91 years old. Ms. Helen is from Washington County and comes to the center 5 days a week and rides the bike for 30 minutes each day.

This is the busiest time of year for the Community Services Staff. We have just completed the 2025 Fall LIHEAP Subsidy on December 12, 2025. For the 2025 Fall LIHEAP Subsidy, we assisted 2,736 families. The 2026 Winter LIHEAP Crisis began January 6, 2026, and Food Pantries have had numerous families come in. We, in the Central Office, continue to work to pay all of the vendors and balance the programs. We are in the process of completing the annual Needs Assessment Survey Process.  The results of the Needs Assessment Survey will determine the work plan for the next program year. The information will also be available to other programs and to the community. To participate in the Needs Assessment Survey, please use the link below.

WNTERCARE – The Wintercare Program is available to families for utility assistance. These funds are donated by utility customers as they pay their utility bill, and sometimes matched by the utility company. This program is used for families who are over income for LIHEAP, but under 200% of the federal poverty level. These families are often the “working poor” that fall between the cracks in income level eligibility.

Thanks to all the staff members who work so hard to balance all of these different programs and assist those in need. Their extraordinary efforts are greatly appreciated. We have a great team!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/B8VG7RH-2025-2026CNA

 

Happy New Year! I hope you and your loved ones had a wonderful holiday season and that 2026 is off to a wonderful start. I know I will be writing my dates wrong for at least a couple more weeks!

The LIHEAP Winter Crisis component began on January 6^th, 2026. Households who are in a home heating crisis and are at risk of having their utilities cut off due to unpaid balances may be eligible for Winter Crisis. Please send anybody in this unfortunate situation to their local Community Services Block Grant office. For more information call our central office at 270-692-2136.

CKCAC is looking ahead to an exciting 2026. We have partnered with Lincoln Trail Area Development District’s strategic communications department (LINC) to bring stronger messaging to you. We are actively exploring new funding streams by applying for Kentucky Housing Corporation’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund. CKCAC is finalizing a 3-year strategic plan that we hope to roll out to you in the coming months, as well.

Finally, CKCAC is also going to be advertising a few Board of Director openings for a couple of our counties. Please be on the lookout for the announcements and what counties have vacancies. We hope you will help identify and nominate folks who bring a passion for helping people and changing lives!

As always, thank you for all you do.

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Winter Crisis

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Crisis enrollment will begin on January 6 and run through March 27, 2026.

The Crisis component is designed to assist Kentucky households facing heating emergencies. Eligible households may qualify for assistance to resolve a heating crisis, such as imminent loss of heat, low fuel supply, or eviction due to unpaid utility bills. This program includes electric, natural gas, propane, coal, wood, or fuel oil.

Benefits are paid directly to the household’s energy vendor and cover the minimum amount required to alleviate the crisis, not exceeding the local cost for a deliverable supply of the household’s primary heating fuel or $400 for gas or electric. Households may reapply each time they experience a heating crisis until they reach their maximum benefit.

Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis, or until funds are depleted. Income eligibility is up to and including 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Prior LIHEAP assistance does not affect eligibility for the Crisis component.

Interested households should contact Central KY Community Action Council’s Community Services to apply. To locate your local CSBG office see attached list, visit ckcac.org or call 270-692-2136.

Eligibility Requirements

Households must meet program eligibility criteria, including income limits and proof of a heating emergency, to qualify for assistance.

Applicants are required to provide the following documentation at the time of application:

1. Proof of Social Security Number or Permanent Residence card (Green Card) for each member of the household.
2. Proof of all household’s (all members) income from the preceding month.
3. Most current electric bill, statement from your landlord if electric is included in your rent, statement from utility company if you participate in a Pre-Pay Electric Program.
4. The account number and name on the account for main heating fuel sources and electric bill.
5. For the Crisis component:
   • Disconnect or past-due notice for natural gas or electricity.
   • If heat is included in rent, a copy of the lease and eviction notice.
   • Pre-Pay Electric Program participants must show proof of having 10 days or less of pre-paid electric service.

Community Action Kentucky administers LIHEAP in partnership with the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, which receives funding as a pass-through block grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

 

 

 

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Throughout the winter months, our Head Start and Early Head Start program continues to provide young children and families with a safe, nurturing environment where learning and growth remain a priority—no matter the weather. Serving children beginning at age 2, our program supports early development during the years that matter most.

Our teaching teams build children’s early literacy, math, social-emotional, and problem-solving skills, which prepare them for future success in school. Classrooms emphasize kindness, structure, and consistency, helping children feel secure while developing independence and confidence.

Winter can present added challenges for families, and our program works closely with parents and caregivers to promote healthy routines, regular attendance, and access to supportive services. During periods of inclement weather, learning continues through virtual activities that serve as an extension of the classroom. Families are provided with individualized learning suggestions based on each child’s needs, ensuring continuity and meaningful engagement at home.

In addition to education, families benefit from developmental screenings, nutritious meals, and connections to community resources that strengthen the whole family.

Head Start and Early Head Start are more than early learning programs—they are partnerships. By working alongside families and community organizations, we help ensure children enter their next stage of learning healthy, prepared, and ready to thrive.