Author: Kathy Mills

CKCATS is working diligently to complete the vast number of trips that are scheduled daily. The CKCATS team is working overtime to ensure that these trips are covered in a timely manner. Kudos to the staff for all their hard work and dedication!!

CKCATS Annual Training was held on August 19^th. The annual training went well and this year, certificates were given along with gift cards to staff for awards. The staff picked their peers for an Engagement Award that was given to a driver in each county, a Rising Star award was given to 2 new employees, and a Driver of the Year award was picked by me. This was a nice way to show staff appreciation and engage all employees.

Several CKCATS employees attended the KPTA Conference in Lexington on August 22-24. Drivers Steven Spalding and Sandra Amador competed in the Roadeo, a driving course that tests the skills of the drivers in buses and completed a written exam. They both received a certificate for participation.

Melissa Tonge received the “Driver of the Year” award at the KPTA Conference. Melissa has been with CKCATS for nine years and displays an exceptional work ethic that sets a shining example for other drivers.

CKCATS received the “Most efficient award for lowest cost per mile”. CKCATS is proud to be able to provide services to its communities at an affordable rate!

CKCATS attended the first Senior Fair held in Washington County at the Washington County Extension Office on September 29th. There were many Seniors and Vendors in attendance. Judge Executive, Tim Graves attended and spoke at the event.

CKCATS has contracted with Acces2Care to provide Medicare trips in Marion, Washington, Nelson, Larue, Breckinridge, and Grayson counties. We completed our first Medicare trip on October 4^th! Since then, things have been running smoothly with the transportation of Medicare clients. The CKCATS office does not sign-up clients for Medicare trips; we only provide the trips. All we were told is that most Wellcare, Aetna and Anthem Medicare coverage cover transportation. Anyone wanting to know more about their Medicare transportation coverage can call 1-833-833-9764.

CKCATS’ Compliance Review with the Office of Transportation Delivery was held in October. The on-site vehicle and facility inspection was completed on October 10^th and the virtual admin review was completed on October 30^th. We do not expect any findings from the Compliance Review. Thanks to everyone in the Central Office who helped gather information for the review.

And as always, CKCATS is actively seeking drivers in all counties. If you or anyone you know would like to join the staff at CKCATS please go to careers@ckcac.org to apply. CKCATS is hiring full-time and part-time drivers in Marion, Larue, Hardin, Nelson, Breckinridge, Meade, and Grayson counties.

As we approach the season of gratitude and togetherness, the Central Kentucky Community Action Council (CKCAC) extends warm wishes to each of you. Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the blessings in our lives and the profound impact of coming together as a community.

This year, amidst numerous challenges, CKCAC has continued its unwavering commitment to serving the members of our community, from the youngest to the oldest. Through our array of programs, we have been able to assist in vital areas, from supporting kids in our Head Start programs to aiding struggling families and offering vital assistance to seniors.

Here are some highlights of our ongoing initiatives:

Head Start Program: Our Head Start program remains a cornerstone in nurturing the educational and social development of our young children. By providing comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and family engagement services, we’re proud to support the growth and readiness of our youngest community members.

Family Support Services: CKCAC remains dedicated to helping struggling families by providing essential support. From housing assistance to food security and utility bill support, we strive to alleviate the burdens faced by families, particularly during challenging times.

Senior Assistance Programs: Our commitment to seniors is unwavering. Through various initiatives, including meal programs, health and wellness check-ins, and companionship services, we aim to ensure that our seniors are supported and cherished. Their well-being remains a top priority for CKCAC.

As we approach this season of thanks, we extend our gratitude to each volunteer, donor, partner, and supporter. Your generosity and dedication have been instrumental in helping us continue our mission of serving the community. Together, we’ve made a difference in the lives of countless individuals.

Thanksgiving is not only about gratitude but also about action. We invite you to join us in continuing to support and uplift our community. Your involvement, whether through volunteering, donations, or spreading the word about our programs, helps us create a stronger, more resilient community for everyone.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we wish you and your loved ones a joyous holiday filled with love, gratitude, and togetherness.

More to come………..much more 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

National Energy Awareness Month is an annual observance held in October to raise awareness about energy conservation, efficiency, and sustainability. It provides an opportunity for organizations, communities, and individuals to come together and focus on the importance of responsible energy usage. For Central Kentucky Community Action Council and the state of Kentucky as a whole, participating in National Energy Awareness Month carries several significant implications:

1. Promoting Energy Efficiency: Kentucky can use this month to encourage its residents and businesses to adopt energy-efficient practices. This includes steps like using LED lighting, sealing and insulating buildings, and investing in energy-efficient appliances and technologies.
2. Reducing Energy Costs: Promoting energy awareness can help Kentucky residents reduce their energy bills by adopting energy-saving measures. This can be especially beneficial for low-income households, as it helps them save money on utility expenses.
3. Environmental Benefits: Emphasizing energy awareness also contributes to environmental sustainability. Kentucky can promote cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, to reduce its carbon footprint and combat climate change.
4. Educational Initiatives: National Energy Awareness Month is an excellent time to launch educational campaigns and programs in schools, colleges, and communities. These initiatives can teach people about the importance of energy conservation, renewable energy sources, and the role individuals can play in reducing energy consumption.
5. Community Engagement: Central Kentucky Community Action Council will engage with local communities to promote energy awareness. Empower individuals to take practical steps to reduce their energy consumption.
6. Economic Opportunities: Kentucky can also use this month to highlight the economic benefits of energy conservation and renewable energy initiatives. It can showcase how investments in energy efficiency and clean energy can create jobs and stimulate economic growth.

In summary, National Energy Awareness Month presents an opportunity for Central Kentucky Community Action Council and the state of Kentucky to emphasize the importance of responsible energy usage, promote sustainability, and empower individuals and communities to take action in reducing their energy consumption. It’s a chance to make positive changes that can benefit both the environment and the economy of the state.

More to come……………much more

CSBG/LIHEAP 2023

Our program continues its work from being an immediate emergency assistance provider to becoming a program that really helps the families of low-income change their lives. Although we continue to provide emergency assistance, we also assist with budgeting, developing family goal plans and strategies to avoid future emergencies. As we work with families to develop strategies to prevent future emergencies, tips such as budget billing, paying your rent first, shopping at less expensive stores, and controlling impulsive spending are helpful and sometimes well received. Those not working are encouraged to find employment. Our employment and education programs can assist with small barriers to gaining full time employment or better employment. How do we help? It can be partial assistance with a CNA, CDL class, or proper clothing and shoes for a new job, or even gas for transportation to work for a week.

SUMMER COOLING   2906 households have been assisted; total spent $526,356.00.

LIHWAP Water Assistance 1,122 households have been assisted, total spent $108,750.00.

PREPARING FOR LIHEAP

Official Dates for Subsidy, Nov. 6^th  through Dec. 15^th.    

We will be taking appointments this year.

The vendor information packets have been sent to over 100 vendors. Vendor advertisements have run in local papers throughout the 8-county region. The vendor agreements must be on file in the Central Office before vendors can participate in the Low-Income Heating Assistance Program. Special thanks in advance to Judith for a job well done. When these agreements are returned by mail, they will be reviewed, filed, and then the information updated in the computers in the county offices.

Pre-registration opportunities for the 2023-2024 Subsidy Heating Assistance Program will be offered by appointment, October 23rd – November 3rd for those residents who are on a fixed income, and who are elderly (age 60 or over) or disabled receiving social security, SSI, pension, or Black Lung benefits. Pre-registration benefits will be posted in November.

Applicants must be within 150% of the federal poverty guidelines and willing to provide the documentation below:

• Address Verification, 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 (food stamp award letter, pay stubs, etc.).
• Social Security card(s) or official documentation with social security numbers or Permanent Resident Card Numbers for everyone living in the household.
• Most recent heating bill or verification from landlord that heating expenses are included in the rent (i.e., lease agreements).

Income-eligible residents who do not meet the requirements for pre-registration (who are not elderly or disabled) may still apply for Subsidy LIHEAP benefits starting November 6 – December 15, 2023, by appointment. Walk-ins will be offered an appointment or wait for an opening. 

COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT for 2023-2024 is underway. The results help determine the CSBG program budget for the upcoming year. We need a broad range of community members to complete the survey, so feel free to share. Your help is greatly appreciated. If you are a CKCAC Board member completing the survey, please choose board member.

Could you please go online and complete this survey for Central Kentucky Community Action? This survey is for our Community Needs Assessment for year 2024-2025.

The survey allows us to continue to have programs in our county. You can do this by clicking on the link below. 

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HXWPKW3-2023-2024CNA

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.

Covid-19 has had a significant impact on both of our programs over the past couple of years with a state of emergency “Good Cause exemption” where clients were not required to participate in the programs, but as of July 1, 2023 that exemption has ended for both KTAP and SNAP E&T programs.

·       KY Works currently has 39 clients that are employed in the K-TAP Program. This is up 5 from when last reported. Our Employment Specialists continue to follow up with each of these clients and track the hours they are working. We served 69 clients in the K-Tap program for the first quarter of the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023.

·       On the SNAP Employment and Training program, we continue to reach out to these clients and complete assessments when they are referred to us. KY Works served 376 clients for the SNAP program during the last quarter.

·       KY Works continues 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.

·       KY Works continues 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.

·        KY Works is under contract for KTAP and SNAP E & T through June 2024.

The Weatherization Program has 63 clients on the waiting list for weatherization services as of September 30, 2023. The Weatherization Program provides weatherization services to our 8-county area with 6 jobs completed, 5 walkaways, 2 cancellations and 6 jobs in-progress. The Weatherization Program is working with staff and additional crew, and we are continuing to utilize contractors to perform HVAC and electrical work that we must perform during the dwellings receiving services. We look forward to the future of this new contract year for CKCAC’s Weatherization Program to progress and better serve our 8-county service area.

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 Program is staffed with a highly trained supporting and technical staff consisting of Josh Mattingly, Dwelling Needs Evaluator EA/QCI Trainee and Crew Leader; Mike Burden, Retrofit Installer and Barbara Garrett, Weatherization Administrative Support Specialist. We would like to say a huge thank you to our Weatherization staff for their dedication to improving the quality of work and to ensure the health and safety of all the clients we serve.

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, DOE BIL, LIHEAP, East Kentucky Power, Kentucky Utilities, and Louisville Gas& Electric.