Category: Newsletter

February 2021
With COVID-19 the new emphasis of working from home has heightened, as well as has internet capacity.  Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman announced last week that the state of Kentucky needs your help with the launch of the Kentucky Broadband Speed Test, a crowd-sourcing project that will gather data from Kentuckians needed to expand internet home access for distance learning, telework and telehealth.
Kentuckians can take the free, anonymous speed test from Jan. 19 to Feb. 18 at http://ewdc.ky.gov/Initiatives/Pages/KBI.aspx. 
By participating it will provide the needed data to spread internet coverage around the state.  
To participate, the device must be connected to your home Wi-Fi service and disconnected from a virtual private network (VPN) that may be connected to a workplace or school. For the most accurate results, ensure that no one else connected to your home internet is using a substantial portion of the internet bandwidth for activities such as streaming video or gaming during the test.
Individuals without Wi-Fi access in their home can visit their local library or other locations such as stores or restaurants that offer free internet access to submit the address of a home with no available service.
Governor Beshear has noted that the budget proposal he recently offered up before the General Assembly contains $50 million dedicated to the last mile of broadband to areas in need. This historic investment would be the first time state money funded an expansion of broadband, which the pandemic has shown to be crucial to schools, telehealth, business and more.
This announcement comes after the Beshear-Coleman Administration first dedicated $8 million in CARES Act funding to broadband expansion in August 2020. Since then, Kentucky has reduced the number of students without internet access from 35,000 to 13,000. The speed test marks the second step in the state’s initiative to build a better Kentucky for everyone through expanded broadband access.
In addition to finding out their own upload and download speeds, Kentuckians who participate in the speed test will help detect slow spots around the state and where Wi-Fi access and affordability are lacking. The speed test can be done from any device connected to the Wi-Fi signal in your home.
“There is a digital divide in households across Kentucky, especially in rural areas, that has become even more apparent during the pandemic when so many people need it to attend school, go to work, get government services and conduct personal business from home,” Lt. Gov. Coleman said. “As an educator, I am especially concerned about the 13,000, or 2%, of Kentucky students who lack internet access at home so they are basically cut off from their teachers and classrooms. We have to do better by them.”
Although the Federal Communications Commission maps internet speeds, its results are sometimes based on the results of one location within a census block, which can cover several square miles in rural parts of the state. Those results are often inaccurate for residents or businesses in those locations.
Kentucky is partnering with geospatial engineering firm GEO Partners LLC, as well as The Center for Rural Development, to obtain actionable data.
To see images of the Speed Test in-progress, click here.
For more information about the project, visit http://ewdc.ky.gov/Initiatives/Pages/KBI.aspx. 

Normally this is the busiest time of year for the Community Services staff, however; this year has been exceptionally busy. We have just completed the Subsidy Component LIHEAP. We dispersed $657,144 for the Healthy At Home Program in just 10 days when the money ran out state-wide. We collaborated with other facilities and organizations in our communities for a successful Christmas Program. Our food Pantries have had numerous families come in for assistance. We also prepared the second quarter CSBG Service and ROMA reports. And, all of this happening amidst our offices being closed to the public during a nation-wide pandemic. Luckily, all programs proceeded smoothly, with only a few problems, thanks to the hard work of our dedicated staff members.  

LIHEAP SUBSIDY In our eight county services area assisted 3300 families with home heating assistance of $606,200.00 This program began on October 12, 2020, and ran through December 20, 2020. LIHEAP Crisis began on January 4, 2021.
We, in the Central Office, continue to work to pay all of the vendors and balance the programs. 

We are in the process of completing the annual Needs Assessment Survey Process.  An email link has been sent to the Board of Directors for their input. If you are a Board Member for CKCAC, please complete our survey as a board member. 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. 

WINTERCARE – The Wintercare Program is 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. This program is used for families who are over income for LIHEAP, but under 200% of the federal poverty level. These families are often the “working poor” that fall between the cracks in income level eligibility.

Emergency Food and Shelter Program Phase 37 and CARES monies are being spent in Breckinridge, Grayson, Hardin, Larue, Marion, Meade, Nelson and Washington counties. This money is available to families for utility and rent/mortgage assistance. Preparation for Phase 38 is taking place and is currently being advertised.

Thanks to all of the staff members who work so hard to balance all of these different programs and assist those in need. Their extraordinary efforts are greatly appreciated. We have a great team!

Central Kentucky Community Action’s Weatherization (WX) Program has started off the year fully staffed and looking forward to what the new year will bring. The WX program already has 32 clients on the waiting list to receive services as of January 1^st 2021.

CKCAC’s WX program has completed a total of 13 homes with DOE and LIHEAP funding with only 2 cancellations since the new fiscal year started in July 2020. Unfortunately, we had to defer 15 homes due to having needs outside the WX program guidelines, such as mold issues or a leaky roof.

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

Our goal with weatherization is to continue to reduce energy waste and ensure the health and safety of each client we serve. The testing we provide consists of; aliening air and thermal boundaries, pressure diagnostics, heating system diagnostics, indoor air quality, and base load energy consumption diagnostics. If you feel you may qualify for WX services, please contact David Lindsey at 270-259-0021.

The Weatherization Program is fully staffed with an in-house crew, but continues to utilize contractors outside of the agency to perform HVAC and Electrical work. The highly trained WX program staff consists of Denny Baxter, Dwelling Needs Evaluator EA/QCI; Josh Mattingly, Crew Leader; Ashley Hines & Tessa Hinton, Retrofit Installers and supporting staff Barbara Garrett, Accounting/Weatherization Assistant. There could never be enough appreciation and gratitude shown to the WX staff for their dedication to improving their quality of work and to ensuring the health and safety of all the clients we serve.

COVID-19 is still having a significant negative impact on the KY Works program. However, our staff continues to work as much as we can with clients. When we can’t work with clients, we engage in professional development activities.

The KY Works staff recently participated in a virtual learning series called “Calm in the Storm” which dealt with handling and adapting to changes in the world. The series focused specifically on the current worldwide pandemic and how each individual chooses to deal with it. KY Works employees have also participated in CPR & First Aid training.    

Due to the pandemic, the state has implemented a “Good Cause Exemption” where clients are not required to participate in the programs which is in effect through January 31, 2021, but could be extended beyond that date. The clients are not penalized for choosing not to participate at this time. However, we currently have 13 clients that are participating and are employed in the K-TAP Program. Our Employment Specialists continue to follow up with each of these clients and track the hours they are working.

On the SNAP Employment and Training program we continue to reach out to clients and complete assessments when they are referred to us. We continue to stay in touch with employers. When we get referrals, we match the clients skills with the job criteria order to have a good match which will hopefully lead to more permanent employment. We call new employers weekly and keep a current job listing for each county we serve.

Unfortunately, most of our Work Experience Program sites are either closed or unable to accept referrals because of the impact of COVID-19. However, there are currently 22 open and/or willing to accept referrals. Therefore, we continue to accept referrals and continue to work with clients.

In addition, we continue to offer a wage subsidy program to employers who hire K-TAP clients. These employers are reimbursed for a portion of the K-TAP client’s wages during the first six months of their employment. This is a huge benefit to businesses, especially small businesses, who otherwise could not afford to hire new employees right now.

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. If you would like to learn more about obtaining job skills, training, or work placement through these programs, please contact Tommy Wheatley at 270-230-6418.

Tommy is also available to discuss the wage subsidy program with employers interested in partnering with CKCAC.

Your New Year’s plans for 2021 were probably a lot different than normal. However, it’s still tradition to decide on a few New Year’s resolutions. This year, a renewed focus on your health may be top of mind. Or, you may be tired of thinking about meals or your waistline, in which case you’ll turn your sights on your mental health, or your sleep routine, or the mess in your living room — or the mess of your closet!

If you haven’t given resolutions a thought at all, here are a few ideas to take into consideration that are great ways (and easy) to get your year started in the right direction:        

*Cook one new thing each week.  Everyone wants to eat healthier in the new year, but you should also try to eat more diverse foods.       

*Read more books. January is the perfect time of year to check out a new book. Local public librarians can offer suggestions for books you may like.    

*Eat veggies regularly. Whether you’re slimming down or just staying healthy, vegetables are your friends. (I keep telling myself, anyway.)       

*Take the stairs. Take 10 minutes to run up the stairs in your office or home.       

*Drink up. Drink more water and stay hydrated.

*Volunteer.   Research shows that pitching in regularly can lead to less stress and lower blood pressure.        

*Decorate with family history. In happy and long-lived cultures, people often display items from their families’ pasts.       

*Sanitize your phone weekly. Like, now! We check our phones a gazillion times a day, and if you’ve taken yours into the rest room lately, you’re not the only one.        

*Explore new hobbies. Whatever is fun.        

*Take more walks. Even if you can’t keep track of a new fitness routine, keeping yourself moving on a simple walk around the neighborhood is a must.        

*Finally, ease stress with kindness.  Kindness towards yourself! Recent research shows that practicing self-compassion slowed people’s heart rate and sweating which are two symptoms our bodies produce when under chronic stress.

This year, fill your resolution list with easy, good-for-you goals. Find those easy ways to squeeze a little more of what you enjoy into your busy days.

CKCAC would like to thank the current CKCAC Executive Board of Directors for their commitment to our agency and the hard work and dedication that they have exhibited throughout the last 2 years. Now, a new Executive Board of Directors has been approved and those members will begin their term on January 1, 2021.

Selected as Chairperson for the upcoming Executive Committee is Judge David Daugherty who is a current Board representative of Marion County. The Vice- Chairperson is Mr. Andrew Adkins who represents Breckinridge County on the Board. Sister Barbara Joseph Lammers, who represents Nelson County, will serve as Secretary. And, the position of Treasurer will be Ms. Christy Carpenter of Washington County.

The Central Kentucky Community Action Council Board of Directors Meetings for 2021 have been scheduled for 3 p.m. on January 20 via Zoom. Other scheduled meetings are as follows: March 17, May 19, July 21, September 15 and November 17, 2021. The date and time for each of these meetings may change based on COVID-19 restrictions at the time. Meetings may be scheduled in person at the Lincoln Trail Area Development District office or via Zoom.

Goodwill Industries Part 2 of 2

Abraham Lincoln has been attributed as saying that the best way to predict your future is to create it. And, create it is exactly what Penny Dickens did when she decided she wanted a part-time job. She marched over to the Senior Citizens building in Washington County, asked if they needed any help, and told them she’d like a job.

Dickens interviewed with representatives of Goodwill Industries and the very next day began employment through the Senior Community Service & Employment Program (SCSEP). The Goodwill SCSEP is a government funded program that is able to pay Senior Citizens to do community service at non-profit and government agencies in the county in which they live while also helping them look for more permanent paid employment. “I was so, so, so happy to have a job!” Dickens said.

Dickens began employment through CKCAC in October of 2019 and has spent the entirety of her placement working at the Washington County Senior Citizens Center. Through her work, Dickens reported that she has learned to have even more patience. “You have to be understanding of what the elderly ask of you,” she explained. “You have to make them feel important – because they are important. I want someone to treat me that way when I get older.”

When Dickens talks about her work at the Senior Citizens Center, she smiles and can recall story after story about the individuals she has encountered through her work. She tells of compliments given to her by an elderly woman who uses a cane to walk. Dickens explained that she holds the arm of this woman and meets her at her car every morning to assist her in the building and then walks her out every afternoon and this lady always tells Dickens, “you are so sweet.”

Dickens indicated that she misses that daily interaction, however. Since the COVID-10 pandemic to keep the seniors safe, the Senior Citizens offices have been closed. Seniors are still being served hot meals each day, but only through a drive thru line. “It’s lonesome now. I miss them,” Dickens said.

Monday through Friday from 9 am – until 1 p.m., you can find Penny at the Senior Center. However, when she isn’t working she’s likely at church or with her family. Dickens has 2 sons and 1 daughter. Dickens lost her oldest daughter in a car wreck about 5 years ago. She also has 4 grandsons and 1 granddaughter. She praised each child and grandchild separately for their accomplishments in life. She also has 4 brothers and 4 sisters of whom she is the oldest. “And, they all love to tell that,” she joked. “I got to gamily get togethers and dance a little bit. I like to have fun. I like to take walks. I love my church and I read the Bible a lot. I have all kinds of love and I like being good to and helping people.”

Seniors interested in applying for a job through Goodwill Industries should reach out to Kimberly Culliton, SCSEP Coordinator, at (270) 823-6193. Culliton can also assist non-profit and government agencies by placing senior citizens in community service assignments at their facilities. Please visit www.goodwill.org/scsep/ for more information.

Although Tammy Stanley was just recently named as the Interim Head Start Director, she is no stranger to the CKCAC Head Start program. Stanley worked with the Head Start Program for almost 25 years before her retirement in early 2020. By late 2020, she was asked to come back to fill in until a new Director can be chosen. CKCAC is glad she accepted.

Head Start is continuing to provide services to meet the needs of the children and families as this pandemic drudges on. Staff are working closely with the Lincoln Trail Health Department in keeping families and personnel informed of guidelines and recommendations. Regular contact is made with each family to ensure their basic needs are being met and to assist if any type of crisis may arise. 

Educational tablets sent home with enrolled children allows teachers to track their usage, measure their skill level and make changes accordingly. All centers are assisting the local school systems in providing meals to our families, as well as distributing back pack food. 
The two Head Start buildings that are currently under construction in Springfield and Lebanon are on schedule to be completed in April of 2021.

The Community Collaboration for Children program is working in full capacity as we approach the new year! But our program looks remarkably different than it did this time last year. COVID 19 has pushed us to implement our In Home Services in a different way. We are still providing services to families with children 18 year or younger. We continue to aid families in identifying their strengths and weaknesses and then in making a plan to address these weaknesses and improve their overall daily functioning. The pandemic has changed the way that we are able to interact with our families.

Though we are an In Home Service program we are no longer going inside homes to deliver services. We currently are able to meet with families outside their homes, meaning on their porches, decks or yards. We do follow all CDC recommended guidelines. We take our temperatures and assess our own physical health and wellbeing before driving to the home visit. We wear our masks and stay 6 feet away from our clients at all times. We also keep our own chairs inside our vehicles if we need to take a seat.

We are implementing the use of telehealth services such as phone calls, FaceTime, and virtual meeting rooms when needed. We continue to complete goals with our families, including parenting classes, self-sufficiency and overall family health. We are persevering to meet the needs of our families and do what we can to provide support, guidance and encouragement during this time. If you have any questions or are interested in our program or the referral process, please contact CCC supervisor, Ashley Caldwell-May at acaldwell@ckcac.org or 270-766-8027.

TRAIL OF HOPE LINCOLN TRAIL REGIONAL NETWORK

The Lincoln Trail Regional Network, Trail of Hope, held its first regular Network Meeting on September 23, 2020, via Zoom. Trail of Hope is a group of concerned citizens throughout the entire Lincoln Trail Area. The focus of this network is to increase the awareness and prevention of child abuse and neglect. The network uses its designated funds to assist in spreading awareness through various programs and activities in our service area. New members are welcome and this is the perfect time to join! If you are interested in attending please contact Regional Network Coordinator, Ashley Caldwell-May at acaldwell@ckcac.org or 270-766-8027. Our next regular meeting will be held January 20^th at 10:00 via Zoom.

Trail of Hope offered the Darkness to Light: Child Sexual Abuse Training via Zoom on December 9,2020, at 10:00am. Darkness to Light believes that protecting children is an adult’s responsibility and that through education and training adults will be empowered to act. The trainings are evidence-informed, adult-focused child sexual abuse prevention trainings proven to increase knowledge and change behavior. Trail of Hope will be offering the Darkness to Light Training again on February 11, 2021, from 6 pm to 8 pm. We hope that this later time frame will encourage more parents to attend the training.

Trail of Hope will be offering an ACE Study Training on March 31, 2021, at 10 am. This training will be a kick off for April’s Child Abuse Awareness Month. Dr. TJ Kimble will be training participants on how to use the ACE Study research and scores to better understand trauma and behavior. This training will lead us into many activities that will be happening for April’s Child Abuse Awareness Month. If you have any questions or would like to register to attend, please contact me at acaldwell@ckcac.org.

2020 has been an extremely difficult year for Child Care Centers and Family Child Care Homes. On top of the three-month closure ordered by the Governor, each center or home must temporarily close for 14 days every time a staff member or student tests positive for COVID-19. This has been a huge financial barrier for all my centers and the families of the students. Luckily, I work with very good providers and the amount of temporary closures, since the centers reopened in June, has been far less than expected.

                Even with the barriers Covid-19 has presented, the Child and Adult Care Food Program was able to sign up three new centers during the month of November. The program has welcomed Educating Butterflies in Springfield, Kids Universe in Elizabethtown, and Kyle’s Corner Learning Center in Lawrenceburg. Adding new centers to the program during such a difficult time for childcare providers has been a huge accomplishment.  We have been actively searching for new centers and homes to expand the program even further.

                If you are a Family Child Care Home or Child Care Center and would like more information on the Child and Adult Care Food Program, you may contact Jane Claire Hupman at 270-402-1977.