Category: Newsletter

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

This is the busiest time of year for the Community Services Staff. We have just completed the Subsidy Component LIHEAP Subsidy, collaborated with other service organizations in our communities for a successful Christmas Program. LIHEAP Crisis Program started on January 9, 2024.
LIHEAP SUBSIDY in our eight-county services area, we assisted 3,229 families with home heating assistance in the amount of $420,707.00. This program began on October 16, 2023, with the pre-registration, and ran through December 15, 2023. New this year is appointment scheduling for assistance. The program proceeded smoothly, with few problems, thanks to the hard work of our dedicated staff members. We, in the Central Office, continue to work to pay all the vendors and balance the program.
COUNTY BENEFIT /AMOUNT /FAMILIES SERVED
Breckinridge /$58,439 /433
Grayson /$80,431 /640
Hardin /$78,780 /624
LaRue /$31,100 /228
Marion /$59,114 /454
Meade /$40,047 /296
Nelson /$36,116 /301
Washington /$36,680 /253
LIHEAP Crisis began on January 9, 2024.
We are in the process of completing the annual Needs Assessment Survey Process. This survey information will be entered into a database for accurate compilation. 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.
If you are a Board member, please choose board member when completing the survey.
Wintercare, Winterhelp, Warmhearts – These Programs are 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 in local areas.
Thank you to all the staff members who work so hard to balance all these different programs and assist those in need. Their amazing efforts are greatly appreciated in our communities. We have a great team!

Goode News – January 2024

I hope this message finds you well and in good spirits. As we embark on a new year, I am thrilled to share with you the exciting plans and initiatives that Central Kentucky Community Action Council (CKCAC) has in store for 2024.
One of our primary focuses for the upcoming year is the improvement and expansion of our facilities, with particular attention to the Elizabethtown building. We recognize the vital role it plays in serving our community, and we are committed to ensuring that it remains a hub of support and assistance for those in need. With our ongoing programs, our team will be working diligently to enhance the infrastructure and resources available at the Elizabethtown location to better meet the diverse needs of our community members.
Recognizing the invaluable contributions and unique needs of our senior population, CKCAC is dedicated to developing targeted programs and support systems for this demographic. We aim to foster an environment that promotes the well-being and independence of our seniors, ensuring that they continue to thrive and actively participate in the community.
We understand that our mission is best achieved through collaboration and community engagement. As we move forward, we will actively seek partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and individuals who share our commitment to creating positive change. Together, we can amplify our impact and address the challenges faced by our community more effectively.
Stay tuned for regular updates through our newsletters, social media channels, and community events as we progress throughout the year together. If you have any questions or would like to get involved, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Thank you for your ongoing support, and here’s to an impactful 2024 for Central Kentucky Community Action Council!
More to come…………..much more

*PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE * Central KY Community Action Transportation Services (CKCATS)

FEBRUARY 28, 2024 at 1:00 PM

Public Meeting Notice

Central Kentucky Community Action Transportation Services (CKCATS) is conducting a meeting to identify unmet public transportation needs in the region. Following the meeting all needs will be assessed and potential funding sources reviewed.  Where possible the needs identified will be used to develop FY 24-25 Transit Grant applications, however, preparing a request does not guarantee that service will be provided.  To thoroughly access the needs of the region a public Coordination meeting has been scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on February 28th, 2024, at Central Kentucky Community Action Council, INC., 328 Hood Avenue, Lebanon, Kentucky. If you have questions regarding this public input, or would like to submit written comments to attend, please contact Kerri Taylor at (270) 692-9313.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

CKCATS Central KY Community Action Transportation Services (CKCATS)

INVITATION FOR BIDS

BID # 0123-SW

CKCATS will receive bids pertaining to a major software/camera system upgrade for all transit operations in its fleet.  

All bids must be turned in to CKCATS, 332 Hood Ave., Lebanon KY 40033, no later than 5:00 PM EST on February 23rd, 2024. Bids cannot be accepted at any other location. The complete bid package can be requested in writing by email to amanda.tungate@ckcac.org  on or before February 16th, 2024 by 5:00 PM EST. Bids will be opened there upon or about 12:00 PM EST on February 26th, 2024, at a public bid opening at CKCATS, 332 Hood Ave., Lebanon KY 40033. Bids must be received by the designated date and time, and none will be considered thereafter.

Electronic Bids: electronic bids can be emailed to amanda.tungate@ckcac.org with a CC to kerri.taylor@ckcac.org

Pre-Bid Meeting: There will be no pre-bid meeting set for this project.

Questions and Approved Equals Request Deadline:

Requests may be submitted in writing by email to amanda.tungate@ckcac.org  on or before February 16th, 2024, by 5:00 PM EST.

Answers to Questions and Approved Equals Requests:

Answers will be posted on www.ckcac.org on or before February 23rd, 2024. Changes and addendums will also be emailed to all known possible bidders based on the return of “Confirmation of Receipt”.

CKCATS reserves the right to reject any and all bids received, and to select that bid which it determines to be in its best interest. The award of this bid will be made on the basis of the lowest evaluated bid price as permitted in KRS 45A.365.

All bid forms, information, and specifications regarding this bid are available from CKCATS. Bidders must submit their bid in a sealed envelope, and the bidder is advised to clearly mark the sealed bid with the bid number and description, opening time and date listed above. CKCATS is not responsible for the premature opening of, or the failure to open, a sealed bid not properly addressed or identified.

This bid package is subject to the requirements of Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 26, Participations of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises in Department of Transportation Financial Assistance Programs. The bid package is subject to a financial assistance between CKCATS, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinets Office of Delivery, and the Federal Transit Administration.

Bidders are invited to attend in person at 12:00 PM EST on February 26th, 2024, in order to hear the opening of the bids submitted.

CKCAC HEAD START

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!

Family Child Care Homes/Unaffiliated Centers Food Program (FCCH/UC)

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 (CCC)

 

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 10th, 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. 

Senior Companion Program (SCP)

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.