Category: Newsletter

Central KY Community Action Transportation Services (CKCATS)

CKCATS is fully staffed with 62 employees and has been busy providing various transportation services to 15 counties:

Marion, Breckinridge, Grayson, Nelson and Larue Counties- we provide General Public, VET, Senior, Department of Corrections, Medicaid and Medicare trips.

Meade and Hardin Counties-we provide Senior trips.

Washington County- we provide Senior, Medicaid and Medicare trips.

Edmonson and Hart Counties-we provide VET trips.

Bullitt, Adair, Boyle, Taylor, and Green Counties- we provide Medicare trips.

CKCATS held their annual Public Hearing meeting on February 26th at 1pm EST at the CATS Central Office. This meeting is advertised and made available to the public each year to address the needs and concerns of the general public in all counties. Surveys are given to clients and Stakeholders in all counties and the information gathered is used for discussion to help improve transportation services.

During the public meeting, I connected with American Legion Commander, Tom Sparks, who asked me to attend his event, Donuts with VETS at the Marion County Public Library to speak with the veterans about our services. We attended this event on April 3rd and May 1st and are working with the veterans on some suggestions on how to increase VET trips.

Executive Director, Bryan Conover, and I attended the R.E.A.C.H. Pre-Release Program on April 24th at the Marion County Detention Center. This program is held to inform inmates who are eligible for release within a month of the resources that Marion County has that could possibly be of help to them. This is a new program and CKCAC plans to attend each month to help these inmates take advantage of the resources that the community has available for them upon release.

CKCATS is gearing up for the Senior Celebration that will be held on May 22nd at the Pritchard Community Center in Elizabethtown. This is a huge event for Senior participation each year. CKCATS will be providing transportation from the Senior Centers to Pritchard Community Center for all seniors who pre-register for the ride. CKCATS will also have a booth at the Senior Celebration and will be talking with seniors to make them aware of the services that we provide.

Several staff members of the CKCATS team will be attending the Community Action Kentucky (CAK) Conference in Lexington from June 10-12th. We are looking forward to networking and learning valuable information.

At one point, CKCATS went three years without receiving vehicles due to the shortage of the vehicles that we use for transporting. Fortunately, we were able to maintain our current fleet by using funds received from 5339b grant to rehab our fleet. I am happy to report that since February of 2024, CKCATS has received 24 new vehicles that are all wheelchair accessible. 1 of those vehicles was a new bus that was purchased by Louisville Wheels and given to CKCATS. We are currently waiting for the delivery of 2 more new vehicles with 3 more on back order. CKCATS now has enough vehicles and spare vehicles on hand for each county!

CKCATS is fully staffed at this time, but we are continuing to accept applications for future hiring. With that being said, CKCATS has a wonderful and dedicated group of staff! Thanks to the staff for working diligently each day! If you or anyone you know has questions about CKCATS or any of our services, please contact the office at 1-800-242-8225 or 270-692-9313 to speak with any of our experienced verification clerks.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT – APRIL 2025

On behalf of Central Kentucky Community Action Council, I hope that you and your loved ones had a great Easter weekend and are looking forward to Spring. We are hard at work supporting the citizens of central Kentucky!

We are operating a LIHEAP Spring subsidy program that will run through the end of May. If you know of any folks in our area who need help paying utility bills, please send them to their local CSBG office in each county.

CKCAC’s new property in Elizabethtown (708 Westport Road) is almost fully renovated. Our contractors with Woodbine Construction anticipate that they will be done with their work by the end of May. We are hoping to begin moving our Elizabethtown/Hardin County programs, including Community Services Block Grant, Elizabethtown Head Start, Senior Congregate Meals, Community Collaboration for Children, Kentucky Works, and Transportation offices by mid-June. Be on the lookout for more information and a ribbon-cutting celebration this summer!

CKCAC is continuing to monitor policy changes at the federal and state levels. I am in constant contact with our Congressional and General Assembly delegations and will continue to work across the Community Action network to identify areas of growth. I want to ensure the longevity and success of CKCAC and appreciate any support you can provide on this journey. We are all in this together!

Thank you for all you do.

Weatherization At Work For The Clients We Serve

The Weatherization Program provides weatherization services to our 8-county area. Our final numbers for the contract year are as follows: 13 completed units, 20 jobs in-progress, and 23 deferrals. The Weatherization Program is staffed with an in-house crew, and we are utilizing contractors to perform QCI inspections, HVAC and electrical work that we must perform to the dwellings receiving services.

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 fully staffed with highly trained supporting and technical staff consisting of Josh Mattingly Dwelling Needs Evaluator/Crew Leader, Tessa Hinton/ Crew Leader, Mike Burden Retrofit Installer, and Samantha Ross Weatherization Administrative Support Specialist. We would like to say a huge thank you to all 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 Department of Energy, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Low-Income Home Assistance Program (LIHEAP), East Kentucky Power, Kentucky Utilities, and Louisville Gas & Electric.

Kentucky Works Program

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.

·       We currently have 83 clients that are employed in the K-TAP Program. This is up 2 workers since the last quarter and up 33 form two quarters ago. Our Employment Specialists continue to follow up with each of these clients and track the hours they are working. We served 99 clients in the K-Tap program for the quarter ending March 31st, 2025, which was an increase form 85 the previous quarter. We placed 77 clients in the quarter which was up from 60 the previous quarter.

·       On the SNAP Employment and Training program we continue to reach out to these clients and complete assessments when they are referred to us. We served 1,015 clients for the SNAP program during quarter ending March 31st 2025.

·       We continue 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.

·       We continue 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.

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

Maria Pasley has been volunteering at Washington County Community Action since 2023. She was a CNA and childcare provider for many years. She loves being able to help others. She is a wonderful asset to Community Action and is great with our clients. She is always doing what she can to help out in any way. On the days we offer food assistance, Ms. Maria jumps in without hesitation to help provide our families in need.

Emma Edelen started at Central KY Community Action Council, Inc (CKCAC) where she was a volunteer for Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) around 2017. Ms. Emma took clients’ applications along with volunteering each month at our food distribution at the fairgrounds. On June 19, 2020, Ms. Emma received the Altha Hamilton Volunteer of the Year Award. Altha Jo Hamilton Volunteer award honors the spirit and achievement of someone who has embraced the power of volunteerism as an opportunity to improve their lives. Ms. Emma retired from CKCAC December 29, 2023, and decided to come back and volunteer on February 26, 2025, to help CSBG program. We are grateful for Ms. Emma willingness to give her time, energy, and dedication. All of your volunteer work is greatly appreciated.

 

Carrie Wyatt is a LaRue County. She has lived in Hodgenville for the past few years. She has been volunteering at the LaRue County Community Action for over 3 years now. She was a great help during our 2024 move of our LaRue County Community Action office to its new location. Carrie comes in to volunteer almost everyday to answer the phones and clients questions; as well as helping to keep our office clean and tidy. Ms. Carrie has a big heart and loves helping others. Our clients just love her.

 

Spring Subsidy assistance starts April 15th and ends May 30th. This program helps eligble low-income households pay their electric bill during the warmer months. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis until the program funds are depleted. Benefits are paid directly to the household’s electric vendor. Contact your local Community Action Agency to apply.

Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)-Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Spring Subsidy 2025

Spring is in the air, Kentucky!
And with it comes LIHEAP Spring Subsidy. Central KY Community Action Council, Inc. is accepting applications for the program from April 15 to May 30, 2025.
This program is available to households with income up to and including 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, and you could qualify for an electric benefit. Assistance received during previous LIHEAP components does not affect your eligibility.
For more details or to apply, call our offices in our service area:
Breckinridge Community Services (270)756-6813
Grayson Community Services (270)259-3500
Hardin Community Services (502)764-2222
LaRue Community Services (270)358-3937
Marion Community Services (270)692-6411
Meade Community Services (270)422-2545
Nelson Community Services (502)348-9596
Washington Community Services (859)336-7766

CKCAC is requesting proposals for Technology Support Services

Request for Proposal for CKCAC Technology Support Services

Central Kentucky Community Action Council, Inc., is requesting proposals for Technology Support Services. CKCAC serves eight counties (Grayson, Hardin, LaRue, Marion, Meade, Nelson, and Washington) with various technology needs and is looking for a service provider who can meet them. Please review the attached RFP for more details. Proposals are due via email to bryan.conover@ckcac.org by April 30, 2025.

Request for Proposal (RFP) for CKCAC Technology Support Services

Project Overview

Central Kentucky Community Action Council, Inc. (CKCAC) is a 501(c)(3) organization with our central office in Lebanon, Kentucky. CKCAC operates community service programming, public transportation, early childhood education, and other service functions for citizens and families in need across eight counties of central Kentucky, including Breckinridge, Grayson, Hardin, LaRue, Marion, Meade, Nelson and Washington counties.

CKCAC requests proposals from qualified service providers to offer comprehensive technological support for our organization. CKCAC requires support for our technology infrastructure across 25 main office locations and 8 additional offices, (the 8 additional require device-only support not network support) throughout our service area. Currently, CKCAC has 227 laptops and/or desktops with approximately 230 email accounts in use, and we are looking for a partner who can help ensure our systems and technology run smoothly. The successful service provider will be responsible for:

1. Technology Support Desk Services

  • Support Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Communication Methods: Phone, email, and an online support portal for easy access to assistance.
  • Response Time: We expect timely responses to address technical issues or user questions.
  • Types of Support: This includes troubleshooting, configuration, problem-solving, and user support for all Microsoft devices and applications.
  • Coverage: Support should include all devices in use across the organization, such as desktops, laptops, printers, mobile devices, and other Microsoft-based devices.

2. Ticketing System for Support Requests

  • A clear and efficient ticketing system will be used to manage and track all support requests.
  • The system should allow users to easily submit, monitor, and communicate their needs and concerns.
  • The system should send automatic updates to both the user and support staff about the status of their request.
  • Features should include priority tracking, service level agreement (SLA) monitoring, and reporting.

3. Strategic Leadership Expertise and Execution Support

  • We require access to experienced professionals for complex issues, such as network troubleshooting and strategic advice. This may include Network Administrators, IT Directors, or Virtual CIO (vCIO) services.
  • CKCAC has twelve programs with varied technological needs. A successful service provider will work with each Director to ensure that programs are operating efficiently and effectively with technology needs met.
  • Support for advanced network issues, server configurations, firewall management (including 8 SonicWall firewalls), and security will be necessary.
  • A vCIO / IT Director will be needed to guide the long-term strategy in collaboration with CKCAC’s Executive Director and Program Directors, including planning for growth, recommending technology (hardware and software) upgrades, and ensuring that our infrastructure can scale with our business within budgetary constraints.
  • The service provider will also be responsible for supporting our server environment, which includes a server running Windows Server 2016, that if we continue use will require an upgrade of the OS before end of life.

4. Infrastructure Support

  • Network Support: Assistance with all network-related issues, including local networks, wireless networks, firewalls (8 SonicWall devices), and network switches.
  • Device and Software Support: Help with all Microsoft devices (desktops, laptops, servers) and software applications like Microsoft 365, Windows OS, and Teams. This should include updates and patches to our devices.
  • Antivirus and Security: Ongoing protection against cyber threats with Sophos Antivirus and comprehensive security measures, including firewall management and patching.
  • Microsoft 365 Management: The service provider will be responsible for managing our Microsoft 365 environment, including user setup, licensing, email management, and troubleshooting.
  • Server and Backup Support: Regular management and monitoring of our host server (Windows Server 2016). Proposals should consider a backup plan that ensures business continuity in case of failure.
  • Security Camera Systems and Support: Management and support of (10) existing ExacqVision camera systems and new locations including adding/deleting users, assist in retaining footage as necessary and making sure connections are stable.
  • Phone system: Maintain and support 3CX phone system in 6 locations and any new locations. This includes setting up ring groups, inbound/outbound rules, SIP trunks, extensions, E911 configurations, and all other support.

5. Onsite Resource Support

  • CKCAC has one internal employee who serves as an onsite resource and can provide a “set of hands”, that also has a working knowledge of end user support issues.
  • The service provider will be required to collaborate with and assist with this internal resource regarding tasks, project work, and other support activities.
  • There is also a higher-level technical person that can answer initial questions during onboarding but will have limited access to assistance in the future.
  • Coordination between the service provider and the onsite resource will be essential to ensure smooth operation and timely resolution of issues.

6. Scalability and Flexibility

  • The service provider should be able to accommodate our future growth, both in terms of new users, additional devices, and expansion of our infrastructure.
  • The solution must adapt to changes in technology, including cloud integration, network expansion, or additional server deployments.

7. Key Deliverables

  • A Service Level Agreement (SLA) outlines response times and resolution expectations for different types of issues.
  • Quarterly reports showing data about our systems and our tickets.
  • Scheduled system maintenance and recommendations for technology upgrades or improvements.
  • Clear documentation for any major changes made to our systems or configurations.

8. Proposal Requirements

  • A detailed description of your company’s experience providing support services, particularly for organizations like ours in size and structure.
  • Overview of your support model with an explanation of how your ticketing system works and integrates into your support process.
  • Breakdown of the support plan, including your hours of operation, how you handle escalations, and your expected response times.
  • Clear pricing, including hourly rates, package costs, and any additional fees for specialized support. Please note that CKCAC is a tax-exempt entity and documentation will be provided to the successful provider.
  • Any additional services or solutions you offer that could be beneficial for our organization.

9. Evaluation Criteria

We will evaluate proposals based on:

  • The quality and thoroughness of the proposed support services.
  • The experience and qualifications of your support team.
  • Your ability to meet service expectations and resolve issues quickly.
  • The flexibility of your proposed solution to grow with our organization.
  • Your organization’s ability to assist with strategic planning.

Submission Details

Please submit your proposal via email by Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at COB to bryan.conover@ckcac.org.

If you have any questions or need clarification regarding this RFP, please reach out to bryan.conover@ckcac.org by Monday, April 21, 2025 at COB to ensure adequate time to share appropriate response(s).

Central Kentucky Community Action Council, Inc., looks forward to reviewing your proposal and establishing a strong partnership for our technological support needs for us to better serve the needy citizens and families of central Kentucky.