Category: Newsletter

As we close out 2023, it is time for reflection and celebration! Central Kentucky Head Start has had a very successful first half of this school year and is excited for the time to recharge as we prepare for 2024!

Central Kentucky Head Start is fully enrolled and fully staffed, which are two things that many Head Start programs across the United States cannot say. We are very fortunate and proud of our families and staff that Central Kentucky Head Start is as strong as we have ever been with 470 Head Start and 24 Early Head Start children and their families across our area are being fully served by our staff. That is a wonderful accomplishment to share!

The picture you see here is one of our new initiatives at CKYHS. Kendra Furmon, our new Program Support Specialist, is the first participant in our Emerging Leaders Program. Ms. Furmon is tasked with supporting all classrooms across the program and helping teach staff with strategies and interventions. Additionally, Ms. Furmon will be receiving additional professional development and beginning to pursue her college degree as part of the Emerging Leaders Program. CKYHS wants to create internal advancement opportunities and workforce development pipelines to help build our program. Kendra has been a rockstar and we are lucky to have her as our first Emerging Leader!

As 2023 ends, we want to wish you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday season and Happy New Year! Thank you for your continued support of Central Kentucky Head Start! Please help us raise awareness of the educational and employment opportunities for Head Start. Be on the lookout for some new marketing efforts (billboard, commercials, car decals, and more)! We want to make sure all members of our communities know the wonderful things that Head Start is up to!

Happy Holidays from CKYHS!

Central Kentucky Community Action Council (CKCAC) currently sponsors 21 Family Child Care Homes (FCCH) and 23 Unaffiliated Centers (UC) in 19 Kentucky counties which include: Anderson, Boyle, Casey, Fayette, Franklin, Hardin, Jessamine, LaRue, Lincoln, Meade, Mercer, Nelson, Pulaski, Russell, Scott, Taylor, Washington, Wayne, and Woodford. A former FCCH client is currently working towards reopening her home for child care, so we’re anticipating having 22 FCCH clients soon. As for our UC clients, Busy Bees in Hodgenville is scheduled to close its center as of December 22, 2023. The owner decided to sell the building and is not planning to move the daycare center. The current Director mentioned she may try to pursue her own child care center for the Hodgenville area, so we’re hoping to work with her on CACFP sponsorship in the coming year. Busy Bees Campbellsville will continue to be in operation. However, another center Director gave her 30-day sponsorship notice to try her hand at reporting directly with the state. Her last reporting month with us will be December, which is reported in January. We wished her the best and told her that our ‘door is open’ should she decide she’d prefer to be sponsored again in the future. Lastly, we’re currently working with a new center that is to open in Radcliff, KY. We’re in the preliminary stages of getting the sponsorship application to submit for state approval, but do not anticipate any issues. Our UC total will soon be 22. We anticipate getting more FCCH and UC clients in the new year and will update these numbers as they change. 

 

Community Collaboration for Children has been busy collecting Toys for Tots for Nelson County. In-Home services have a few clients waiting but will be open in the next few weeks. Shannon, Kasey and Jazmine are working extremely hard to keep the waiting list down. 

Parent Engagement Meeting Program for Washington County Elementary schools is off to a start for the year 2023-24. We are working on expanding into Hardin County after the New Year.

Trail of Hope Regional Network’s Build A Bed Program has been extremely busy making sure 79 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 Hardin County Extension Office in Elizabethtown at 10 AM on January 10^th, 2024. If you are interested in being a network member please reach out to Ronda Bertrand, CCC Director/Trail of Hope Network Coordinator at 270-692-7553.

Wow!! Cakes 4 Kids volunteers have been busy the past several months. CCC has delivered 8 cakes to our families. 

The Senior Companion Program (SCP) is actively looking for volunteers! 

On October 26, volunteers with the Senior Companion Program gathered with seniors from the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) to be recognized by their program directors for the hours of service they provide in their community. Each year participants look forward to this opportunity to gather for a special meal and time of fellowship with one another as they are celebrated for their contributions in our communities. This year 15 of our 18 current volunteers were able to come together in Elizabethtown at The American Legion Post 113. They were able to chat with other volunteers in the area about their different experiences in the Senior Companion Program, enjoy a wonderful meal provided by the Post, and receive a gift and recognition for their service.

We are proud of our Senior Companions, and our new Project Director is looking forward to getting to know them all better and working with them to serve other seniors in our community. Some of the tasks performed by our Senior Companions are light housework, helping seniors dress, transporting them to the store or appointments, playing cards, reading, or just talking and listening to them.

If you would like to be a Senior Companion or know someone you believe would enjoy helping others in this way, please contact Mary Jean Blake at 270-692-2136 or mary.blake@ckcac.org. Senior Companions must be 55 or older, qualify financially, and be able to pass fingerprint and name-based background checks. Senior Companions can earn a stipend of $4 per hour, and be reimbursed for mileage, as well as some meals while working. The program is available in Marion, Washington, Nelson, Hardin, Grayson, and Breckinridge Counties.

In October we served 8,647 hot meals to our seniors. We received donations from some of our seniors ($901) in October so that will go back into the Congregate Meals Program.

Congregate Meals is still seeking a Site Coordinator for Griffon Manor Senior Center in Elizabethtown.

Congregate Meals Program reopened the Meade County Senior Center on November 8th; it had been previously closed. There was a meet and greet on November 6th to get paperwork completed in order to know how many seniors would be wanting to get a hot meal. We served 70 on opening day.

The Congregate Meals Program is serving a great need in our communities for our seniors.

The annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon for RSVP Volunteers and Senior Companion Volunteers was held in Elizabethtown on Thursday, October 26th . Approximately 50 volunteers attended.

Officer Chris Denham from the Elizabethtown Police Department was the guest speaker. He shared several examples of popular scams that often target seniors as well as the benefits of all the recent round-a-bouts in the Lincoln Trail Area. He also reminded everyone to hang up on anyone calling asking for your personal information, keep your car and house doors locked, and not to go out at night alone. He also suggested purchasing an inexpensive home security system.

The meal was served after Officer Denham answered numerous questions and 20 door prizes were presented to the winners. All the volunteers received appreciation gifts for their service.

RSVP needs additional volunteers. The only requirements are that you must be 55 or older and willing to volunteer in Hardin or Nelson County. Volunteers may receive up to $60 per month in mileage reimbursement driving to and from their volunteer work station.

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

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