Category: Newsletter

I’m not big on New Year’s Resolutions. Even though I do love thinking of January 1 as a time to feel extra motivated to be the best version of myself possible that year. This year, I’m making resolutions with a purpose, and I want you to join me.

1. Read and learn as much about poverty as you can.

Poverty is a complex and diverse problem. The issues that trap people in cycles of poverty can range from country to country, and as we know, community to community. The first step to combating poverty is to understand it. Though poverty is too complex to ever be fully grasped, being armed with knowledge on the subject will help you move forward.

2. Volunteer

Your time can be as valuable as your money. Volunteering with organizations both locally and abroad helps companies end extreme poverty. Plus, volunteering usually helps you learn more about the problem of poverty and the ways various companies are working towards a solution.

3. Tell your friends, family and church about the causes of poverty.

Advocacy is one of the best things you can do to promote the programs here at CKCAC. Tell your friends and family why it’s important to you. Give them CKCAC’s website or an annual report that will inform them of the many programs available to assist.

Resolutions are like a new pair of shoes. How much you wear them will determine how you break them in. Join us today in one of our meaningful campaigns.

More to come….much more.

Central Kentucky Community Action’s Weatherization Program is in full swing and performing weatherization services in our eight-county service area. As of the end of December 2018, CKCAC completed 17 homes with 10 walkaways. As of January 1, CKCAC had 52 clients on the waiting list to receive services. The Weatherization Program is fully staffed with an in-house crew, along with contractors to perform HVAC, electrical work as well as weatherization that we have to perform to the dwellings receiving services.

Staff includes highly trained supporting and technical personnel, including Denny Baxter Dwelling Needs Evaluator/QCI Dustin McGowan Crew Leader, Aaron Haycraft Crew Worker, Bob Turci Crew Worker, and supporting staff Barbara Garrett Accounts Payable/Property Coordinator. We would like to say a huge thank you to all staff for their dedication for improving the quality of work and the dedication to ensure the health and safety of all the clients we serve.

Our testing services consist of aliening air and thermal boundaries, pressure diagnostics, heating system diagnostics, indoor air quality, and base load energy consumption diagnostics. Staff will be attending training January through March to obtain new certifications, which are now required by DOE.

This fiscal year, the program received funding from both DOE and LIHEAP with DOE funding totaling just over $260,000 and LIHEAP being just over $699,000. 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 is to continue to reduce energy waste and assure the health and safety of each client we serve. We look forward to the future of CKCAC’s weatherization program and to better serve our eight-county service area.

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, prepared the second quarter CSBG Service and ROMA reports, and began the LIHEAP Crisis Program.

LIHEAP Subsidy – In our eight-county service area, we assisted 3,482 families with home heating assistance in the amount of $475,625. This program began on November 5, 2018, and ran through December 21, 2018. The program proceeded smoothly thanks to the hard work of our dedicated staff members. The number of applicants was down across the state, maybe due to the warmer weather.

LIHEAP Crisis began on January 7, 2019.We are in the process of completing the annual Needs Assessment Survey. An email link has been sent to the Board of Directors for their input. 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 150 percent 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 in Breckinridge, Grayson, Marion, Meade, and Nelson Counties is available to families for utility and rent assistance.

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!