Author: Kathy Mills

Weatherization At Work For The Clients We Serve

The Weatherization Program provides weatherization services to our 8-county area. Our new contract year numbers through December 31, 2025: 4 completed units, 3 jobs in progress, 19 deferrals, and 31 clients on the waiting list. The Weatherization Program utilizes contractors to perform weatherization work, QCI inspections, HVAC and Electrical work that we must perform to the dwellings receiving services.

Our goal with weatherization is to continue to reduce energy waste and assure the health and safety of each client we serve through testing consisting of, aliening air and thermal boundaries, pressure diagnostics, heating system diagnostics, indoor air quality, and base load energy consumption diagnostics.

Central Kentucky Community Action Council Weatherization staff Samantha Ross Weatherization Administrative Support Specialist and David Lindsey Weatherization Program Director.

Central Kentucky Community Action Council has leveraged funds from utilities to expand the reach of the Weatherization Assistance Program. This year we are leveraging funding from DOE, BIL, LIHEAP, East Kentucky Power, Kentucky Utilities, and Louisville Gas & Electric.

Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)-Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Hello! My name is Sam Ross, and I am the new Community Services/HEAP Director. I come from the Weatherization Assistance Program but have been helping in the CSBG program since September last fall. It is my pleasure to serve in this role, and I look forward to continuing the good work the CSBG Program does in our communities.

It is always an exciting time to be a part of Community Action and see assistance in action. There are a number of programs and activities ending and beginning during this time between seasons.

Most recently, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services has approved a Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Spring Cooling Subsidy. This is an electric-only assistance program and will run from Monday, April 20 through Friday, May 22, 2026.

Eligible households must be within 150% of the federal poverty guidelines and willing to provide supporting documentation:

•      Address Verification, such as a metered utility bill, unopened legal piece of first-class mail confirming the name and address, etc.

•        Proof of all household income for the preceding month (award letter, pay stubs, etc.)

•     Photo ID for the applicant and Social Security card(s) or official documentation with social security numbers or Permanent Resident card numbers for everyone living in the household

•        Most recent electric bill or verification from landlord that cooling expenses are included in the rent (i.e. lease agreements)

 

Since this is a credit program to the client’s bill, we are encouraging all income-eligible households to call their local CSBG office to set up an appointment to apply.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT – April 2026

On behalf of Central Kentucky Community Action Council, I hope that you and your loved ones had a great Easter weekend and are looking forward to Spring. We are hard at work supporting the citizens of central Kentucky!

Spring LIHEAP Subsidy will run from April 20th to May 22nd. Unlike our Winter Crisis component, LIHEAP Subsidy program does not require a potential client to be in a shut-off situation. If you know folks who are struggling to afford utility and housing costs, please have them contact their local CSBG office in their county.

CKCAC is very excited to announce that we have received grant funding from Kentucky Housing Corporation to create an Affordable Housing Program for our area. The funding is limited, but we are excited to bring these resources to our communities and make meaningful impacts in folks’ lives. Be on the lookout for more details in the coming months.

State and Federal budget and policy decisions are something that we are monitoring closely. As we have concluded the budget session for Kentucky, CKCAC feels confident that we will be able to preserve our current programs, including Senior Congregate Meals and Non-Emergency Medicaid Transportation. From the Federal perspective, things are a bit murkier. The President’s skinny budget continues to completely cut CSBG, LIHEAP, and Weatherization programs and the Administration’s Office of Management and Budget has been delaying the release of funds that have already been appropriated for CSBG. We all need to work together to remind Congress of the importance of the work that CKCAC does with these funds as we move forward.

As always, thank you for all you do.

Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)-Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Spring Subsidy

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Spring Subsidy enrollment will begin on April 20 and run through May 22, 2026.

LIHEAP Spring Subsidy is designed to help households with income up to 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines to offset their cooling costs. It provides a one-time electric benefit, which is paid directly to the household’s electric vendor.

Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, or until funds are depleted.

Interested households should contact Central KY Community Action Council, Inc to apply. To locate your local outreach office, visit capky.org or call the phone numbers listed above for our 8-county area offices.

Eligibility Requirements

Households must meet program eligibility criteria, including income limits, 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 income for all household members from the preceding month.
  3. Most current electric bill, a statement from your landlord if electric is included in your rent, or a 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.

Spring Subsidy does not require a disconnect notice, a past due bill, or eviction notice. The Subsidy benefit can be applied as a credit on your account. Assistance received during previous LIHEAP components does not affect household’s eligibility.

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.

 

CKCAC HEAD START

The Spring Into Learning and Growth

As we welcome the season of spring, we are reminded of the beauty of growth, renewal, and new beginnings. This time of year, brings fresh energy into our classrooms, where children continue to build skills, confidence, and curiosity through meaningful learning experiences each day.

At Head Start, spring is a wonderful opportunity to extend learning beyond the classroom. We encourage families to spend time outdoors, explore nature, and engage in simple conversations that support language and development—whether it’s talking about the weather, observing plants growing, or enjoying a walk together.

We are also excited to continue strengthening our connection with the communities we serve. Head Start thrives because of strong partnerships—with local schools, organizations, businesses, and community members who believe in supporting children and families. These partnerships help us expand opportunities, provide resources, and create meaningful experiences for our children.

If you or your organization are interested in partnering with us—through volunteering, sharing resources, hosting events, donations or supporting our programs—we would love to connect. Together, we can make an even greater impact for the children and families in our community.

Our team remains committed to providing safe, nurturing environments where children can thrive. We also look forward to upcoming family engagement opportunities and continuing to build strong relationships with each of you. Your involvement plays a vital role in your child’s success, and we appreciate all the ways you support their learning journey.

Thank you for being a valued part of our Head Start community. We are excited for all this season will bring!

Congregate Meals Program

The new RFP for Congregate Meals was turned in last Friday. I had several hands that helped get this together, thankful for the guidance. We will find out the results in a few months.

We served 2,814 meals in February. The weather and President’s Day lowered our numbers for the month.

Senior Celebration is coming up May 21st. The centers are getting the seniors that plan to ride with CATS signed up with the proper paperwork. The seniors truly enjoy this special day just for them. If you know of any seniors that are independent, drive themselves, tell them about it, they will really enjoy this day.

I will be visiting the senior centers to speak with them to understand their needs, and see what can be done to help.

If you are 60 years of age or older you may sign up for the senior meals. It’s not just a meal, it’s a chance to meet new friends, find things you have in common, play cards, and have great conversations with people that become family.

Child Care Nutrition Program

Child Care Nutrition Program – Kathy L. Hagan, Program Director (Formerly known as Family Child Care Homes and Unaffiliated Centers Program)

Central Kentucky Community Action Council (CKCAC) is proud to announce the renaming of one of its programs. Once called the Family Child Care Homes and Unaffiliated Centers Program, or simply the ‘Food Program’ by some, this important nutrition program is now called the Child Care Nutrition Program. Why the change? Because let’s face it, most people didn’t really understand what the technical title meant and the simpler version of the ‘Food Program’ doesn’t really put the emphasis on child nutrition, which is the program’s primary focus.

What else has changed with the Program? CKCAC is expanding the Child Care Nutrition Program’s sponsorship reach beyond the counties we currently serve to include eligible Child Care Homes or Centers in any Kentucky county. We are excited and ready to expand our outreach for this important cause.

The program has a logo now as well. What does this mean for the program? It means better recognition and understanding of CKCAC’s commitment to helping children receive nutritious meals at child care services throughout Kentucky.

What is the Child Care Nutrition Program? For those of you who are not familiar with this program (no matter what it’s called), the Child Care Nutrition Program is responsible for CKCAC’s sponsorship of the USDA’s Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). The CACFP benefits the children with healthier meals; the Family/Center Child Care with monthly reimbursements to help cover food costs; and the parents/guardians with well-nourished children and lower child care costs.

The Child Care Nutrition Program is Looking for Child Care Homes & Centers to Sponsor in the Child and Adult Care Food Program! Do you know of a Kentucky Child Care Home or Center that recently opened or that has been in business for a while and is not currently taking advantage of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)? If so, please have them contact CKCAC’s Child Care Nutrition Program Director Kathy Hagan at kathy.hagan@ckcac.org or by calling 270-402-1977 for more information.

With rising food costs, now’s the time for all eligible Kentucky Child Care Homes and Centers to participate in the CACFP. Let Central Kentucky Community Action Council help you apply for the CACFP as your sponsor today!

Community Collaboration for Children (CCC)

Spring is here and the Community Collaboration for Children is busy planning April Child Abuse Awareness Month. April 2nd we will be planting pinwheels in Washington County at 10am and Marion County at 3pm. Trail of Hope Regional Network will be hosting Lunch and Learns in Washington, Nelson, Hardin, Meade and LaRue counties. For more information, please reach out to Ronda Bertrand at ronda.bertrand@ckcac.org. Community Baby showers: Marion County, April 15th 4:30-6:30pm; Breckinridge County, April 23rd 3:30- 5:30pm (central time); Nelson County, May 5th 4:30-6:30pm; Meade, May 9th 9-12pm; Hardin County, May 20th 4-6:30pm and Washington County will be in June.

Parent Engagement Meeting Program helping to prevent truancy in Elizabethtown City, Hardin County Elementary and Bardstown City schools. We have served 163 families since the end of February.

Trail of Hope Regional Networks Build A Bed program has been extremely busy already making sure 127 children have a bed. We are working on sponsorships to purchase bed frames, mattresses, bedding, and pillows. Trail of Hope Regional Network will meet in person at 708 Westport Road at the CKCAC building. Our last meeting will be May 19th at 10am. If you are interested in being a network member please reach out to Ronda Bertrand, CCC Network Coordinator at 270-692-7553.