Category: Newsletter

Community Collaboration for Children (CCC)

Trail of Hope Regional Network will be meeting at Hardin County Extension Office in Elizabethtown at 10 AM on September 17th for our first meeting of the year. The Trail of Hope Regional Network is comprised of anyone from the Lincoln Trail region who come together to increase awareness of child abuse and neglect. If you are interested in being a network member please reach out to Ronda Bertrand, Community Collaboration for Children (CCC) Director at 270-692-7553. On November 19th CCC Trail of Hope Regional Meeting will meet at Hardin County Extension Office in Elizabethtown at 10 AM. Trail of Hope Regional Networks Build A Bed program has been busy making sure 14 children have a bed since the first of July. We are working on sponsorships to purchase bed frames, mattresses, bedding, and pillows.

Parent Engagement Meeting Program is excited to partner with Washington County Elementary schools and Elizabethtown Independent Schools this year. We are working on expanding into other counties.

Wow!! Cakes 4 Kids volunteers have been busy the past several months. CCC has delivered 6 cakes to our families.

October 1st, CCC will be putting out Toys for Tots boxes in Nelson County. 

 
 
 

 

Goode News – September 2024

Upcoming SEACAA Conference: Preparing for a Stronger Future

As we look ahead to the upcoming Southeastern Association of Community Action Agencies (SEACAA) Annual Conference, I am excited to represent Central Kentucky Community Action Council (CKCAC) and join leaders from across the region. This conference provides us with invaluable opportunities to grow, learn, and develop strategies that help us better serve the needs of our community.

Building Stronger Communities Through Collaboration

SEACAA’s mission is to equip Community Action Agencies with the tools and knowledge to work more effectively with local leaders, volunteers, and other organizations. The importance of these partnerships cannot be overstated. Through collaboration, we can tackle challenges such as poverty, housing, and food insecurity with a united front. At this year’s conference, I look forward to learning new approaches and sharing ideas with fellow attendees on how to better engage and mobilize local resources to meet the diverse needs of our communities.

Focus on Early Childhood Education and Head Start

CKCAC Head Start Director, Bryan Conover will be attending the conference as well and one of the critical issues that SEACAA continues to address is early childhood education. Our Head Start programs are at the heart of this effort, providing comprehensive services that go beyond just classroom learning. Head Start ensures that children receive access to healthcare, nutrition, and family support, giving them the strong foundation they need to succeed in school and beyond. At the conference, there will be important discussions around the future of early childhood education and how we can continue to enhance these services for the benefit of children and families.

Who SEACAA Is and Why It Matters

For those unfamiliar, SEACAA is an organization that supports Community Action Agencies across the Southeastern United States. Their work focuses on empowering agencies like ours to reduce poverty and improve the quality of life for low-income families. SEACAA provides resources, advocacy, and training that help us to expand our reach, improve our programs, and build stronger communities.

I have attended the SEACAA conference in the past and firmly believe those conferences are  equipped with new insights and strategies that will help Central Kentucky Community Action continue its mission of supporting our most vulnerable neighbors.

Thank you for your continued support, and more to come……………………much more……………….

Senior Companion Program (SCP)

The Senior Companion Program (SCP) is actively looking for volunteers and our numbers are growing!


Our Senior Companion Volunteers met for their regular monthly training in Elizabethtown on Thursday, August 8th. Volunteers met with the program director at the American Legion Hardin Post 113, to talk about the program, answer questions, brainstorm new ideas, and fellowship with one another. They shared stories and gave encouragement and support to one another on their pathway of service. The Legion was gracious enough to allow us to use their space free of charge, and we are grateful for them as a community partner.

 

Our volunteers offer respite care for caregivers, and companionship and light household assistance to their client companions. In the last year these 25 amazing volunteers provided 23,660 hours of service to the frail elderly and their families across 6 counties in central Kentucky. The work they do allows many elderly people to remain in their homes and live independently. They also provide peace of mind for their clients and their families.

 

If anyone would be interested in learning how they can become a senior companion. Please reach out to our Program Director, Mary Jean Blake at 270-402-7194 or mary.blake@ckcac.org. If you or your business, civic organization, or other group would like to support our efforts, we are always looking for sponsors for our training sessions, gifts that can be given as prizes at meetings and training sessions, inviting spaces for recognition ceremonies, or your time if you have information that would be beneficial for seniors in the community. We would love to count you as one of our community partners.

 

Congregate Meals Program

Congregate Meals has been working on Grants for their program.

  • United Way
  • Bishop Fund
  • Emergency Preparedness Grant (Working with Lincoln Trail)

Interviews were conducted in Grayson County. Congregate Meals still needs to hire for Nelson County. Our Congregate Meals in Breckinridge, Grayson, Hardin, LaRue, Marion, Meade, Nelson, and Washington Counties still continue to grow.

Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) Needs Volunteers!

Jerry Hicks has been a RSVP Volunteer at The Kentucky Railway Museum (KRM) in New Haven since February 2008. He drives from Louisville and has donated 3,352 volunteer hours.

 

The Kentucky Railway Museum has been a RSVP workstation since April 2001 and currently has 10 RSVP volunteers. KRM has had 11,008 guests from January 1 – June 30, 2024.

 

RSVP would love to have more volunteers like Mr. Hicks!

 

Contact Melissa Bland at 270-737-1059 or RSVP.Director@ckcac.org if you would like more information about becoming a volunteer.

Central KY Community Action Transportation Services (CKCATS)

The CKCATS team continues to work hard to provide services in all counties. Our newly added Non Emergency Medical Transportation Medicare trips are growing and bringing in more clients in all counties.

CKCATS took a total of 78 Seniors in 8 buses to the Senior Celebration in Elizabethtown on May 23rd. The event was very successful with it serving a total of 450 Seniors in the Lincoln Trail area! We are very proud to participate and partner in making this event successful each year.

CKCATS attended the annual contract meeting with their Brokers on June 17th and June 27th. These meetings are held each year to sign new contracts, discuss the new rates, and any issues or concerns that any of the Sub-contractors may have.

CKCATS set up a booth at Senior Fair Day at the Fairgrounds in Marion County on June 27th. This is another successful event that is put on each year for the Seniors in Marion and surrounding counties. Seniors get to eat, play games, listen to music, and congregate with other Seniors while learning about the services that are offered to them in the area.

Several staff members of the CKCATS team attended the Community Action Kentucky (CAK) Conference in Lexington from June 11-15. Myself and two other staff members from CATS attended a training course in Lexington from June 5-8. This training was a complete deep dive into being a newly Transit Director or Administrator. This training was one of the most informative training courses that I have attended due to it being a smaller setting and most of the information I retained came from the group discussions. There were representatives from the Office of Transportation who attended as well, and they were able to give clear, concise answers to all our questions. This was part 1 of a 2-part training. I plan to attend Part 2 of the training when it is offered in September.

CKCATS has ordered 11 new buses through the KPTA Bid#11. According to the seller, TESCO, we should expect for these vehicles to arrive within 4-6 months. We are in dire need of new buses since it has been a lengthy period that these have been unavailable for purchase. We have been keeping our older bus fleet running smooth and safely by replacing engines, transmission, etc., but we are excited to finally receive new buses in all counties.

CKCATS is fully staffed at this time, but we are continuing to accept applications for future hiring.

Goode News – August 2024

It is August, hard to believe we are looking into 2025. As we approach the end of the year, the Central Kentucky Community Action Council remains committed to our mission of supporting individuals and families in our community who are dealing with poverty. I thought it would be a good time to share some innovative and impactful ways you can contribute to making a difference in the lives of those in need during this critical time.

1. Holiday Food Drives

It’s coming up. The holiday season is a time of giving, and one of the most immediate ways to help is by organizing or participating in food drives. Non-perishable food items, as well as holiday-specific groceries, can provide much-needed relief to families struggling to put meals on the table.

2. Warm Clothing Donations

As temperatures drop, the need for warm clothing becomes more pressing. Consider donating coats, gloves, scarves, and other winter essentials. These items can be life-saving for individuals without adequate shelter or heating.

3. Utility Assistance Programs

Many low-income families face challenges in paying their utility bills during the winter months. Contributing to utility assistance programs can help keep the lights on and homes warm for those in need. Your donations can make a significant impact on a family’s ability to stay safe and comfortable.

4. Volunteer Your Time

Time is one of the most valuable gifts you can give. Volunteering at local shelters, food banks, and Senior centers can provide essential support and services to those in need. Whether it’s serving meals, organizing donations, or offering your expertise, your involvement is crucial.

5. Educational Support

Supporting education can break the cycle of poverty. Consider donating to scholarship funds, providing school supplies, or volunteering as a tutor. Empowering individuals through education equips them with the tools they need to achieve long-term success.

6. Financial Contributions

Monetary donations are always welcome and provide the flexibility to address the most urgent needs. These funds can be used for emergency assistance, program support, and other critical services that directly benefit those struggling with poverty.

7. Support Local Businesses

Purchasing goods and services from local businesses can stimulate the local economy and create job opportunities. This economic boost can help alleviate some of the financial pressures faced by low-income families.

8. Advocacy and Awareness

Raising awareness about poverty and advocating for policies that support low-income individuals are powerful ways to make a long-term impact. Engaging with local government officials, participating in community forums, and using your voice to highlight these issues can lead to systemic changes that benefit everyone.

At the Central Kentucky Community Action Council, we believe that together, we can make a significant difference. As we reflect on the past year and look forward to the future, let’s continue to work hand in hand to support our neighbors in need. Every action, no matter how small, contributes to a brighter, more hopeful tomorrow.

For more information on how you can get involved, please visit our website at www.ckcac.org or contact us directly. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our mission.

More to come…………..much more…………

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

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Summer Subsidy

Purpose:

To assist low-income households with home energy cost through:
1. Subsidy – provides assistance to all eligible households.

Operation:

Community Action Kentucky contracts with twenty-three community action agencies to operate both components in all 120 counties. Applications for both components will be taken at local community action agency offices or designated sites in each county.

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Summer  Subsidy Cooling enrollment will begin on July 16 and run through September 13, 2024 or until funds are expended.

Designated Representative: Applicants who are unable to apply for themselves must contact the local community action to make other arrangements. If the designated representative is not the head of household or spouse, the representative must have a signed statement giving authorization to apply for the household. Individuals without a designated representative should contact the local community action agency which may be able to assist them in finding one. Only one person from each household should apply.

  • Proof of Social Security Number or Permanent Residence card (Green Card) for each member of the household.
  • Proof of income from the preceding month for all members of the household.
  • 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.
  • The account number and name on the account for main heating fuel sources and electric bill.

Subsidy Benefits Provided: The benefit amount that a household receives will be determined by the household’s housing category and
income level. All eligible households will receive a benefit. Benefits are paid directly to the household’s primary electric vendor.

Client Referral: Clients requesting additional information regarding this LIHEAP component should be referred to their local community
action agency or Community Action Kentucky (CAK), toll-free number 1-800-456-3452 (TTY available for the hearing impaired).

Applicant Rights: Each applicant will be informed of their rights should they be denied assistance. Any applicant who wishes to appeal the
case should be informed by local community action agency staff of the procedures for filing a complaint. Should the applicant not be satisfied
with the local decision, they may further appeal to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.

Rules: Do NOT give false information or hide information to receive LIHEAP benefits. Use LIHEAP benefits only for your household. If you
BREAK these rules, you may be stopped from receiving LIHEAP benefits and you may be prosecuted for fraud. Report any information
about fraud or misuse of LIHEAP benefits by calling the Fraud Hotline at 1-800-372-2970.

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