Category: Newsletter

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: 11 completed units, 9 jobs in-progress, and 9 deferrals to carry over into the next contract year. 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 a 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 dedication to ensuring 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 DOE, BIL, LIHEAP, East Kentucky Power, Kentucky Utilities, and Louisville Gas and 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 66 clients that are employed in the K-TAP Program. This is up 16 workers since the last quarter. Our Employment Specialists continue to follow up with each of these clients and track the hours they are working. We served 88 clients in the K-Tap program for the quarter ending September 30, 2024. We placed 59 clients in the 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 3,024 clients for the SNAP program during the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, up from 1,334 from the previous fiscal year.

·       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)

CSBG/LIHEAP September 2024

Our program continues its work from being an immediate emergency assistance provider to becoming a program that really helps the families of low-income change their lives. Although we continue to provide emergency assistance, we also assist with budgeting, developing family goal plans and strategies to avoid future emergencies. As we work with families to develop strategies to prevent future emergencies, tips such as budget billing, paying your rent first, shopping at less expensive stores, and controlling impulsive spending are helpful and sometimes well received. Those not working are encouraged to find employment. Our employment and education programs can assist with small barriers to gaining full time employment or better employment. How do we help? It can be partial assistance with a CNA, CDL class, or proper clothing and shoes for a new job, gas for transportation to work for a week.

SUMMER COOLING   3,098 households have been assisted; total spent $554,757.00.

PREPARING FOR LIHEAP

Official Dates for Subsidy, November 5th   through December 20th.

We will be taking appointments this year.

The vendor information packets have been sent to over 100 vendors. Vendor advertisements have run in local papers throughout the 8-county region. The vendor agreements must be on file in the Central Office before vendors can participate in the Low-Income Heating Assistance Program. When these agreements are returned by mail, they will be reviewed, filed, and then the information updated in the computers in the county offices.

Pre-registration opportunities for the 2024-2025 Subsidy Heating Assistance Program will be offered during the appointment, October 21st – November 1st or those residents who are on a fixed income, and who are elderly (age 60 or over) or disabled receiving social security, SSI, pension, or Black Lung benefits. Pre-registration benefits will be posted in November.

Applicants must be within 150% of the federal poverty guidelines and willing to provide the documentation below:

  • Address Verification, metered utility bill, unopened legal piece of first-class mail confirming the name and address, etc.
  •  Proof of all household income for the preceding month (food stamp award letter, pay stubs, etc.).
  • Social Security card(s) or official documentation with social security numbers or Permanent Resident Card Numbers for everyone living in the household.
  • Most recent heating bill or verification from landlord that heating expenses are included in the rent (i.e. lease agreements).

Income-eligible residents who do not meet the requirements for pre-registration (who are not elderly or disabled) may still apply for Subsidy LIHEAP benefits starting November 5 – December 20, 2024, by appointment. Walk-ins will be offered an appointment or wait for an opening.

COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT for 2024-2025 is underway. The results help determine the CSBG program budget for the upcoming year. We need a broad range of community members to complete the survey, so feel free to share. Your help is greatly appreciated. If you are a CKCAC Board member completing the survey, please choose board member.

Could you please go online and complete this survey for Central Kentucky Community Action? This survey is for our Community Needs Assessment for year 2025-2026.

The survey allows us to continue to have programs in our county. You can do this by clicking on the link below or scanning the QR code.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/32QCM9X-2024-2025CNA

Goode News – October 2024

As we step into October, the change in seasons reminds us of the importance of change in our own lives, particularly for those striving to overcome the challenges of poverty. At Central Kentucky Community Action Council, our mission remains centered on helping individuals and families break free from the cycle of poverty, and leadership is key to making that possible.

Leadership isn’t just about guiding others; it’s about lifting them up and providing the tools they need to move forward successfully. For many, escaping poverty feels overwhelming, like trying to climb an impossible hill. Our role is to offer not only a hand but also hope, practical resources, and ongoing support that helps build confidence in a brighter future.

Success stories show us that with proper guidance, education, job training, and community support, people can find sustainable paths out of poverty. Our team works hard every day to lead with compassion, empowering individuals to make choices that change their lives for the better.

But leadership extends beyond our staff—it includes every community member who supports our programs. Whether it’s through volunteerism, donations, or simply spreading awareness, you are part of the leadership that strengthens our efforts. Together, we are laying the foundation for a stronger, more resilient Central Kentucky.

As we continue into the fall, let’s keep leading with purpose, knowing that our efforts have the potential to create real and lasting change. Let’s continue to believe in the power of community action.

Thank you for being part of this important mission. More to come…………….much more

CKCAC HEAD START

August is a time for renewal. Central Kentucky Head Start (CKYHS) welcomed all staff back for an exciting and innovative new school year. We implemented cluster trainings where a few centers would meet together and have more one-on-one time with our trainers. CKYHS also rolled out enrollment and screening procedures that are like our school system partners. Our mission is to teach, to lead, and to serve. All these changes are in hopes to provide the highest quality preschool experience for our children and families. Central Kentucky Head Start has also created the theme for this year as our “Year of We Are S.A.F.E.” S.A.F.E. stands for “Supportive”, “Attuned”, “Forming Relationship”, and “Empathic.” CKYHS will be recommitted to these tenets for this upcoming year.

Our Bardstown Head Start and Family Enrichment Center have relocated to the new Central KY Community Action Council (CKCAC) campus at 820/830 Pennsylvania Avenue in Bardstown. Having Head Start next door to other CKCAC programs has created a one-stop shop for our children and families. Renovations of the property are almost complete with new walls, paint, flooring, and playground all almost complete! We are so excited to better serve the families in Nelson County and Bardstown, specifically.

Lastly, CKYHS is hoping to get final decisions regarding our enrollment levels for Early Head Start and Head Start. We are about to begin a new five-year grant cycle and have requested to convert a few classrooms from Head Start to Early Head Start. We have also proposed 16 Head Start children per classroom to better align with educational best practices. The hope with these requests is that we can create a sustainable and supportive environment for our program’s next five years.

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

Central Kentucky Community Action Council (CKCAC) is a proud sponsor of the USDA’s Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). The CACFP is a federal program designed to promote the serving of nutritious meals and snacks to children and adults in the care of participating childcare centers, day care homes and adult day care centers. CKCAC currently sponsors 24 Family Child Care Homes (FCCH), 24 Unaffiliated Day Care Centers (UC) and 1 Emergency Shelter in the following 18 Kentucky counties: Anderson, Boyle, Casey, Fayette, Franklin, Hardin, Jessamine, LaRue, Lincoln, Meade, Mercer, Nelson, Pulaski, Scott, Taylor, Washington, Wayne, and Woodford.

The CACFP benefits the children, the child care facilities, the parents/guardians of the children and our communities. Below are some of the many benefits the food program provides.

CACFP Benefits for Children Include:

·  Served three meals a day that are USDA certified: usually breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack.

·  Served cow’s milk or nutritional equivalent twice a day.

·  Served fruits and vegetables daily; often fresh which they may not receive otherwise.

·  At least one of the grains served each day is a whole grain.

·  Some FCCH and Centers have small gardens and get the children involved with the gardening process and the rewards of fresh fruit and/or vegetables. The more the children are involved in the growing, gathering and/or preparing of meals, the more likely they are to try new foods.

·  CACFP requires sugar limits on cereal, etc. that is provided as CACFP components. (Sugar/Serving Size=0.212 or less)

·  CACFP helps children receive needed nutrients that they may not otherwise receive; while helping them create healthy eating habits they can continue into adulthood, or at least revisit as adults.

Sponsored Home and Center Benefits Include:

·  Can advertise as a CACFP participant which lets parents/guardians know their children will receive USDA certified menus while in their care.

·  Receives food costs reimbursement based on the number of meals served and the Free, Reduced and Paid eligibility of the children in their care, which helps with rising grocery costs.

·  Sponsor provides staff training each year; checks the monthly reports for accuracy and makes necessary changes before submitting reimbursement information to the state; and bears the weight of any issues like requested refunds by the state.

Parent/Guardian Benefits Include:

·  Child is receiving a well-rounded diet which promotes a healthy child physically and emotionally, often resulting in a happier child and less medical costs.

·  Childcare receiving CACFP reimbursements are less likely to have to raise their rates due to the rising cost of food.

·  Children exposed to more types of foods may be more willing to try additional food options the parent/guardian provides, resulting in a less picky eater.

Community Benefits Include:

·  CACFP makes child care in our communities more affordable due to the food costs reimbursements received by Family Child Care Homes and Centers participating in the program.

·  CACFP promotes healthy eating habits for community youth which ultimately results in a healthier community.

·  CACFP encourages needed child care homes and centers to open in our communities because it’s more affordable due to the food costs reimbursements, which in turn enables more parents/guardians to enter the local workforce.

If you know of any Family Child Care Homes and/or Day Care Centers who are interested in finding out more about the Child and Adult Care Food Program and whether they are eligible to participate, they may contact CKCAC’s FCCH/UC Director, Kathy Hagan at 270-692-2136 X501 or by email at kathy.hagan@ckcac.org.

Community Collaboration for Children (CCC)

Trail of Hope Regional Network will be meeting at Hardin County Extension Office in Elizabethtown at 10 AM on September 17th for our first meeting of the year. The Trail of Hope Regional Network is comprised of anyone from the Lincoln Trail region who come together to increase awareness of child abuse and neglect. If you are interested in being a network member please reach out to Ronda Bertrand, Community Collaboration for Children (CCC) Director at 270-692-7553. On November 19th CCC Trail of Hope Regional Meeting will meet at Hardin County Extension Office in Elizabethtown at 10 AM. Trail of Hope Regional Networks Build A Bed program has been busy making sure 14 children have a bed since the first of July. We are working on sponsorships to purchase bed frames, mattresses, bedding, and pillows.

Parent Engagement Meeting Program is excited to partner with Washington County Elementary schools and Elizabethtown Independent Schools this year. We are working on expanding into other counties.

Wow!! Cakes 4 Kids volunteers have been busy the past several months. CCC has delivered 6 cakes to our families.

October 1st, CCC will be putting out Toys for Tots boxes in Nelson County. 

 
 
 

 

Goode News – September 2024

Upcoming SEACAA Conference: Preparing for a Stronger Future

As we look ahead to the upcoming Southeastern Association of Community Action Agencies (SEACAA) Annual Conference, I am excited to represent Central Kentucky Community Action Council (CKCAC) and join leaders from across the region. This conference provides us with invaluable opportunities to grow, learn, and develop strategies that help us better serve the needs of our community.

Building Stronger Communities Through Collaboration

SEACAA’s mission is to equip Community Action Agencies with the tools and knowledge to work more effectively with local leaders, volunteers, and other organizations. The importance of these partnerships cannot be overstated. Through collaboration, we can tackle challenges such as poverty, housing, and food insecurity with a united front. At this year’s conference, I look forward to learning new approaches and sharing ideas with fellow attendees on how to better engage and mobilize local resources to meet the diverse needs of our communities.

Focus on Early Childhood Education and Head Start

CKCAC Head Start Director, Bryan Conover will be attending the conference as well and one of the critical issues that SEACAA continues to address is early childhood education. Our Head Start programs are at the heart of this effort, providing comprehensive services that go beyond just classroom learning. Head Start ensures that children receive access to healthcare, nutrition, and family support, giving them the strong foundation they need to succeed in school and beyond. At the conference, there will be important discussions around the future of early childhood education and how we can continue to enhance these services for the benefit of children and families.

Who SEACAA Is and Why It Matters

For those unfamiliar, SEACAA is an organization that supports Community Action Agencies across the Southeastern United States. Their work focuses on empowering agencies like ours to reduce poverty and improve the quality of life for low-income families. SEACAA provides resources, advocacy, and training that help us to expand our reach, improve our programs, and build stronger communities.

I have attended the SEACAA conference in the past and firmly believe those conferences are  equipped with new insights and strategies that will help Central Kentucky Community Action continue its mission of supporting our most vulnerable neighbors.

Thank you for your continued support, and more to come……………………much more……………….