Author: Katlyn Miller

Community Action Kentucky Affirms Its Core Values

Join us at CAK as we continue to strive for equality, dignity, and respect for all. Our values assert, “We believe that all people should be treated with dignity and respect and recognize that structural race, gender and other inequities remain barriers that must be addressed.” Community Action Kentucky affirms that there is no place for racism in our communities. We commit ourselves to the well-being of every individual and reject acts of hate. We denounce all forms of violence and any acts that dehumanize anyone. We echo the words in the Community Action Promise, “We care about the entire community”.

The Community Action Promise states: “Community Action changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.”

We stand in solidarity with our Board Chair, Catrena Bowman, who recently experienced a reprehensible act of hate. We want to affirm that Community Action Kentucky condemns this act and any form of racism or hate. We believe in treating all people with dignity and respect, and we recognize that structural race, gender, and other inequities remain barriers that must be addressed. We echo the words in the Community Action Promise, “We care about the entire community”.

In response, Catrena Bowman wrote this piece: Targeted with hate message, I ask ‘is this the community we want?

We are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other, and we will continue to work tirelessly to make our community a safe and inclusive place for everyone.

Beat the Heat: LIHEAP Summer Subsidy Cooling 2024 Enrollment Opens July 16

Kentuckians Apply for Cooling Assistance at Your Local Community Action Agency

FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 8, 2024): The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Summer Subsidy is here to help Kentucky households offset summer cooling costs. Enrollment starts July 16 and runs until September 13, 2024, or until designated funds are depleted. Households with incomes up to 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines can apply on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The Summer Subsidy Component provides households one-time benefit ranging from $50 to $250 depending on income levels and housing category. Benefits are paid directly to the household’s electric vendor.

To apply, contact your local Community Action Agency office. Find your local office by calling 800-456-3452 or visiting www.capky.org/network. Kentucky’s Community Action Network collectively operates outreach offices in all 120 Kentucky counties.

All applicants will be required to supply the following documentation at time of application:

  • Proof of Social Security Number or Permanent Residence card (Green Card) for each member of the household.
  • Proof of income from the preceding month for all members of the household.
  • Most current electric bill, statement from your landlord if electric is included in your rent, statement from utility company if you participate in a Pre-Pay Electric Program.
  • The account number and name on the account for main heating fuel sources and electric bill.

The Summer Subsidy does not require a disconnect notice or past due bill. The benefit can be applied as a credit on your account. Assistance received during previous LIHEAP components does not affect household’s eligibility.

Community Action Kentucky administers LIHEAP in partnership with the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services who receive the funding as a pass-through block grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For more information about LIHEAP, including contact information for all local Community Action agencies, please visit the Community Action Kentucky website at www.CAPKY.org.  

### 

About Community Action Kentucky 

Community Action Kentucky is the statewide association representing and assisting the 23 Community Action agencies across Kentucky that work to empower individuals and families to attain greater economic stability and long-term success. With a presence in all 120 Kentucky counties, Community Action agencies provide life-changing resources and programs to support a wide array of service areas, including food security, transportation, home energy, early childhood education, senior support, emergency services, housing assistance, workforce development, youth enrichment and more. As a statewide voice for local agencies, Community Action Kentucky works to address policy issues that impact low-income individuals and cultivates broad-reaching partnerships that improve the lives of thousands of Kentuckians, making it possible for them to achieve their goals. For more information about Community Action Kentucky, visit www.CAPKY.org.  

Community Action Kentucky Appoints Rick Baker as New Executive Director

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 14, 2024) – As part of its ongoing commitment to building and strengthening the network of Kentucky’s Community Action Agencies, Community Action Kentucky (CAK) is pleased to announce Rick Baker, as its new Executive Director, effective June 3, 2024.

Catrena Bowman, CAK’s Board Chair, shared her excitement about Baker’s appointment saying, “The board of directors are excited to announce the hiring of Rick Baker as Community Action Kentucky’s (CAK) new Executive Director. Rick has worked for many years in the Community Action Network and is a Certified Community Action Professional. He is the former Executive Director of LKLP Community Action Council and is currently serving as the 1st Vice-Chair on the National Community Action Partnership board. We are all looking forward to seeing the direction Rick takes our state association.”

Rick Baker, a seasoned professional in the Community Action Network, expressed his enthusiasm about his new role, stating, “I am deeply honored to be selected to help lead Community Action in Kentucky. I have spent 34 years in service to Community Action and I am humbled to follow in the footsteps of the first executive director of Community Action Kentucky, the late Jesse Amburgey. I am committed to maintaining the high level of excellence that Community Action provides to the citizens of our Commonwealth, especially to help alleviate the distress of poverty. For the past 60 years Community Action has helped people and changed lives. I look forward to helping our 23 Community Action Agencies continue this great work for the next 60 years!”

As Executive Director, Baker will oversee the strategic direction of CAK, working closely with the Board of Directors, staff, and community partners to ensure the continued growth and success of Kentucky’s Community Action Network. His leadership will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Community Action in Kentucky, driving innovative strategies to combat poverty, mobilizing resources, and fostering community engagement and leadership development across its network of 23 Community Action Agencies.

For more information about CAK and the 23 CAAs in Kentucky, visit https://www.capky.org/.

###

About Community Action Kentucky

Community Action Kentucky is the statewide association representing and assisting all 23 Community Action agencies across Kentucky that work to empower individuals and families to attain greater economic stability and improved health outcomes. With a presence in all 120 Kentucky counties, Community Action agencies provide life-changing resources and programs to support a wide array of service areas, including food security, transportation, home energy, early childhood education, senior support, emergency services, housing assistance, workforce development, youth enrichment and more. As a statewide voice for local agencies, Community Action Kentucky works to address policy issues that impact low-income individuals and cultivates broad-reaching partnerships that improve the lives of thousands of Kentuckians, making it possible for them to achieve their goals. For more information about Community Action Kentucky, visit www.CAPKY.org.

Kentucky’s Community Action Network Celebrates 60 Years of Community Action

Empowering Individuals and Families across the Commonwealth

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 1, 2024) – Imagine a Kentucky where every individual and family has the resources they need to thrive. That is the vision that has fueled 60 years of Community Action.

May is designated as Community Action Month, a time to celebrate our collective mission of empowering individuals and families to attain greater economic stability and long-term success. Kentucky’s Community Action Agencies have been a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of people annually, providing life-changing resources.

Community Action Agencies were established as part of President Lyndon B Johnson’s War on Poverty. What makes these agencies special is their use of the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), a federal grant program designed to combat poverty at the local level. The CSBG network includes over 1,000 agencies across the country.

Kentucky’s Community Action Network is comprised of 23 agencies, who collectively serve all 120 counties. CAAs offer a comprehensive range of services. These include food security, transportation, home energy, early childhood education, senior support, emergency services, housing, workforce development, and family advocacy.

As we celebrate this legacy, we also look to the future, renewing our commitment to serve Kentucky communities through our 23 CAAs and empower individuals and families to build better lives.

In honor of this milestone, we invite all Kentuckians to share their stories of how Community Action has positively impacted their lives or communities on our Facebook page @ComActionKY. Your experiences help highlight the invaluable work of our agencies and inspire others to engage with and support our mission.

For more information about CAK and the 23 CAAs in Kentucky, visit https://www.capky.org/.

###

About Community Action Kentucky

Community Action Kentucky is the statewide association representing and assisting all 23 Community Action agencies across Kentucky that work to empower individuals and families to attain greater economic stability and improved health outcomes. With a presence in all 120 Kentucky counties, Community Action agencies provide life-changing resources and programs to support a wide array of service areas, including food security, transportation, home energy, early childhood education, senior support, emergency services, housing assistance, workforce development, youth enrichment and more. As a statewide voice for local agencies, Community Action Kentucky works to address policy issues that impact low-income individuals and cultivates broad-reaching partnerships that improve the lives of thousands of Kentuckians, making it possible for them to achieve their goals. For more information about Community Action Kentucky, visit www.CAPKY.org.

Enrollment for LIHEAP Spring Subsidy Cooling Opens April 16 – May 31, 2024

FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 9, 2024): Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Spring Subsidy Cooling Component applications will be accepted on a first come, first-serve basis from April 16 to May 31, 2024, or until designated funds are depleted. Kentucky households, up to 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, can receive a benefit to offset their home electric cost.

The Spring Subsidy Cooling Component provides households one-time benefit ranging from $38 to $200 depending on income levels and housing category. Benefits are paid directly to the household’s electric vendor.

Interested households should apply through their local Community Action outreach office. To locate your local office, please call 800-456-3452 or visit www.capky.org/network. Kentucky’s Community Action Network collectively operates outreach offices in all 120 Kentucky counties.

All applicants will be required to supply the following documentation at time of application:

  • Proof of Social Security Number or Permanent Residence card (Green Card) for each member of the household.
  • Proof of income from the preceding month for all members of the household.
  • Most current electric bill, statement from your landlord if electric is included in your rent, statement from utility company if you participate in a Pre-Pay Electric Program.
  • The account number and name on the account for main heating fuel sources and electric bill.

Assistance received during previous LIHEAP components does not affect household’s eligibility.

Community Action Kentucky administers LIHEAP in partnership with the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services who receive the funding as a pass-through block grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For more information about LIHEAP, including contact information for all local Community Action agencies, please visit the Community Action Kentucky website at www.CAPKY.org.  

### 

About Community Action Kentucky 

Community Action Kentucky is the statewide association representing and assisting the 23 Community Action agencies across Kentucky that work to empower individuals and families to attain greater economic stability and long-term success. With a presence in all 120 Kentucky counties, Community Action agencies provide life-changing resources and programs to support a wide array of service areas, including food security, transportation, home energy, early childhood education, senior support, emergency services, housing assistance, workforce development, youth enrichment and more. As a statewide voice for local agencies, Community Action Kentucky works to address policy issues that impact low-income individuals and cultivates broad-reaching partnerships that improve the lives of thousands of Kentuckians, making it possible for them to achieve their goals. For more information about Community Action Kentucky, visit www.CAPKY.org.  

LIHEAP Crisis Enrollment Starts January 9th at Kentucky’s Community Action Agencies

FRANKFORT, Ky. (December 13, 2023): Starting January 9 through March 31, 2024, Kentucky’s Community Action Agencies (CAK) will accept applications for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Crisis component on a first-come, first-serve basis, or until funds are depleted.

This program assists eligible households facing a home heating emergency, such as imminent loss of heat, low fuel supply, or eviction due to unpaid utility bills. Households must meet eligibility requirements, including income eligibility of up to and including 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Prior LIHEAP assistance does not impact a household’s eligibility.

Crisis benefits will cover the minimum needed to alleviate the crisis not to exceed the Community Action Agency’s local cost for a deliverable supply of the household’s primary heating fuel or $400 for gas or electric. Households can reapply each time they experience a crisis until they reach their maximum benefit. Benefits are paid directly to the fuel vendor.

Kentucky’s Community Action Network collectively operates outreach offices in all 120 Kentucky counties. To apply, contact your local Community Action Agency office or call 800-456-3452. Visit www.capky.org/network to find the nearest office.

All applicants will be required to supply the following documentation at the time of application:

  • Proof of Social Security Number or Permanent Residence card (Green Card) for each member of the household.
  • Proof of all household’s (all members) income from the preceding month.
  • Most current heating bill, statement from your landlord if heating expenses are included in your rent, statement from utility company if you participate in a Pre-Pay Electric Program.
  • The account number and name on the account for main heating fuel sources and electric bill.

For the Crisis component, applicants requiring assistance for natural gas or electric must bring a disconnect/past due notice. If your rent includes heat, bring a copy of your lease and eviction notice. Pre-Pay Electric Program participants must show they have 10 days or less of pre-paid electric service.

Community Action Kentucky administers LIHEAP in partnership with the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services who receive the funding as a pass-through block grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For more information about LIHEAP, including contact information for all local Community Action agencies, please visit the Community Action Kentucky website at www.CAPKY.org.  

### 

About Community Action Kentucky 

Community Action Kentucky is the statewide association representing and assisting the 23 Community Action agencies across Kentucky that work to empower individuals and families to attain greater economic stability and long-term success. With a presence in all 120 Kentucky counties, Community Action agencies provide life-changing resources and programs to support a wide array of service areas, including food security, transportation, home energy, early childhood education, senior support, emergency services, housing assistance, workforce development, youth enrichment and more. As a statewide voice for local agencies, Community Action Kentucky works to address policy issues that impact low-income individuals and cultivates broad-reaching partnerships that improve the lives of thousands of Kentuckians, making it possible for them to achieve their goals. For more information about Community Action Kentucky, visit www.CAPKY.org.  

Call for Session Proposals: CAK 2024 Annual Conference

CAK is excited to announce that we are accepting session proposals for the 2024 Community Action Kentucky Annual Conference. The conference is scheduled for June 11-13, 2024, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Lexington/UK Coldstream in Lexington, KY.

We invite you to submit session proposals using this online form. All submitters will be notified of their proposal’s status, whether accepted or denied, by April 1, 2024.

Please note that all submissions will require the following:

  • Session Information: This includes the title, focus area, and other relevant details about your proposed session.
  • Session Summary: 35-word description that will appear on the conference program website and app. 
  • Session Description: A 250-word description of your session, including a summary of the topic and of the information, takeaways, benefits, or lessons that you expect attendees to gain.

We welcome presentations on any topic of interest to the Community Action Network, including but not limited to: Aging, CSBG, Case Management and Family Support, Head Start, Information Technology, Leadership, Organizational Management, Program Management, and Transportation.

LIHEAP Fall Subsidy enrollment opens November 6th at Community Action Agencies.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (October 31, 2023):  Starting November 6, Kentucky households can apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Fall Subsidy. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis through December 15, 2023, or until designated funds have been expended.

LIHEAP Fall Subsidy is available through Kentucky’s Community Action Network. Individuals should apply through their local Community Action Agency office. To locate your local office, please call 800-456-3452 or visit www.capky.org/network.

LIHEAP Fall Subsidy provides households with a one-time benefit, ranging from $34 to $274, depending on housing category, fuel type used for heating, and income level. Benefit can be applied towards home heating cost for electric, natural gas, propane, coal, wood, or fuel oil.

Benefits are paid directly to the household’s fuel vendor. Prior LIHEAP assistance does not impact a household’s eligibility. Households must meet eligibility requirements, including income eligibility of up to and including 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Community Action Kentucky administers LIHEAP in partnership with the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services who receive the funding as a pass-through block grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For more information about LIHEAP, including contact information for all local Community Action agencies, please visit the Community Action Kentucky website at www.CAPKY.org.  

### 

About Community Action Kentucky 

Community Action Kentucky is the statewide association representing and assisting the 23 Community Action agencies across Kentucky that work to empower individuals and families to attain greater economic stability and long-term success. With a presence in all 120 Kentucky counties, Community Action agencies provide life-changing resources and programs to support a wide array of service areas, including food security, transportation, home energy, early childhood education, senior support, emergency services, housing assistance, workforce development, youth enrichment and more. As a statewide voice for local agencies, Community Action Kentucky works to address policy issues that impact low-income individuals and cultivates broad-reaching partnerships that improve the lives of thousands of Kentuckians, making it possible for them to achieve their goals. For more information about Community Action Kentucky, visit www.CAPKY.org.  

LIHEAP and LIHWAP Summer Subsidy enrollment opens July 25th at Community Action Agencies.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 21, 2023): The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Low-Income Home Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) Summer Subsidy Programs will be available soon through Kentucky’s Community Action Agencies. These programs can assist households, up to and including 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.


Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis starting July 25, 2023, through September 22, 2023, or until designated funds have been expended. Individuals should apply through their local Community Action Agency office. To locate your local office, please call 800-456-3452 or visit www.capky.org/network.


Households can apply for one or both programs, and assistance is paid directly to the household’s vendor. Prior LIHEAP or LIHWAP program assistance does not impact a household’s eligibility. Households must meet eligibility requirements, including income guidelines.


LIHEAP Summer Subsidy provides households with a one-time electric benefit ranging from $50 to $250, depending on income and housing category.


LIHWAP Summer Subsidy provides households with a one-time water service benefit, water and/or wastewater, ranging from $50 to $100, depending on housing category.


Community Action Kentucky administers LIHEAP and LIHWAP in partnership with the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services who receive the funding as a pass-through block grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For more information about LIWHAP and LIHEAP, including contact information for all local Community Action agencies, please visit the Community Action Kentucky website at www.CAPKY.org.

###

About Community Action Kentucky

LIHEAP Spring Subsidy Cooling offering Kentuckians assistance with electric cost.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 17, 2023): Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Spring Subsidy Cooling Component applications will be accepted on a first come, first-serve basis through June 2, 2023, or until designated funds are depleted. Households, up to 130 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, can receive a one-time benefit to offset their home electric cost.

The Spring Subsidy Cooling Component provides households one-time benefit ranging from $38 to $200 depending on income levels and housing category. The benefit amount awarded is based on a household’s income and housing category. Benefits are paid directly to electric vendor.

Interested applicants are encouraged to contact their local Community Action outreach office for specific application instructions. Kentucky’s Community Action Network collectively operates outreach offices in all 120 Kentucky counties.

All applicants will be required to supply the following documentation at time of application:

  • Proof of Social Security Number or Permanent Residence card (Green Card) for each member of the household.
  • Proof of all household’s (all members) income from the preceding month.
  • Most current electric bill, statement from your landlord if electric is included in your rent, statement from utility company if you participate in a Pre-Pay Electric Program.
  • The account number and name on the account for main heating fuel sources and electric bill.

Community Action Kentucky administers LIHEAP in partnership with the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services who receive the funding as a pass-through block grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. More information about LIHEAP and a listing of LIHEAP outreach offices can be found at the Community Action Kentucky website at www.CAPKY.org.

###

About Community Action Kentucky

Community Action Kentucky is the statewide association representing and assisting all 23 Community Action agencies across Kentucky that work to empower individuals and families to attain greater economic stability and long-term success. With a presence in all 120 Kentucky counties, Community Action agencies provide life-changing resources and programs to support a wide array of service areas, including food security, transportation, home energy, early childhood education, senior support, emergency services, housing assistance, workforce development, youth enrichment and more. As a statewide voice for local agencies, Community Action Kentucky works to address policy issues that impact low-income individuals and cultivates broad-reaching partnerships that improve the lives of thousands of Kentuckians, making it possible for them to achieve their goals. For more information about Community Action Kentucky, visit www.CAPKY.org.