Community Action Kentucky Announces Board Leadership Transition

FRANKFORT, Ky. (August 18, 2025): Community Action Kentucky’s August Board Meeting signified the beginning of Brandon Harley’s leadership as Chair of the Board of Directors. Harley, Executive Director of Audubon Area Community Services (AACS), officially began his two-year term during the meeting held on Friday, August 15, 2025.

Harley brings more than a decade of leadership experience in both the public and nonprofit sectors to his role as Chair. Having served nearly 10 years at AACS, Harley has been instrumental in advancing programs that empower individuals and families across the region. His experience and dedication will help guide Community Action Kentucky’s mission to strengthen communities and expand opportunities for Kentuckians.

“It’s an honor to serve as Chair of the Community Action Kentucky Board of Directors,” said Brandon Harley, Executive Director of Audubon Area Community Services. “I’m proud to work alongside such dedicated leaders across the state as we continue advancing our shared mission—empowering families, strengthening communities, and creating opportunities for all Kentuckians.”

The Executive Committee was elected during CAK’s Board of Directors election in June 2025. The newly elected Executive Committee includes:

  • Brandon Harley, Audubon Area Community Services, Chair
  • Martina Roe, Gateway Community Action Agency, Vice Chair
  • Troy Roberts, Blue Grass Community Action Partnership, Secretary
  • Robin Whitaker, Daniel Boone Community Action Agency, Treasurer
  • Catrena Bowman, Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission, At Large
  • Paul Dole, KCEOC Community Action Partnership, At Large

A complete list of Board Members can be found on 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.  

Kentucky’s LIHEAP Summer Subsidy: Applications Open July 28- September 12, 2025

Cooling Assistance Available Through Community Action Agencies in All 120 Counties

FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 24, 2025): Kentucky households responsible for their electric costs may qualify for cooling assistance through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Summer Subsidy. Applications will be accepted at Kentucky’s Community Action Agencies from July 28 through September 12, 2025, on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The program provides households with a one-time electric benefit, determined by the household’s housing category and income level. Households must meet eligibility requirements, including income eligibility of up to and including 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Prior LIHEAP assistance does not affect eligibility, and benefits are paid directly to the utility provider.

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 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 program does not require a disconnect notice, past-due bill, or eviction notice, and benefits can be applied as a credit to your account.

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.  

Teacher Appreciation Day Emphasizes the Importance of Head Start

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 2, 2025): May 6 is National Teacher Appreciation Day, and schools across the state will be celebrating our educators all week. As members of the Kentucky Head Start Association and the Commonwealth’s Community Action Head Start programs, we want to show our appreciation for the critical work our early childhood educators in Head Start do by highlighting their economic importance. Head Start teachers keep Kentucky working.


A third of Kentucky’s workforce has children under the age of five, yet more than half of Kentucky’s children live in a childcare desert, meaning there isn’t enough care available for every family that needs it. Often, especially in our more rural areas, Head Start is the only option available.


Gaps in childcare quality, availability, and affordability keep people out of the job market, but Head Start teachers step into these
gaps. They provide thousands of workers with the means necessary to stay on the job, enter or re-enter the workforce, or pursue the
training they need to help employers meet their workforce requirements.


Family success is at the core of Head Start, which is why our teachers work to keep families focused on building their individual pathways to success, which drives economic prosperity for all.


Through early childhood education, pediatric dental and primary care assistance, nutrition education, behavior management coaching, connections to community resources, and so much more, Head Start teachers set families up for success. Parents receive the education and community connections they need to raise healthy and resilient families, and children reap the benefits at school and at home.


These teachers know that Head Start’s proven success means that even as their parents improve family circumstances now, these kindergarten-ready children are more likely to graduate from high school, attend college, and boost their lifetime earning potential
as adults. Head Start builds decades of success and prosperity for the nation.


To our Kentucky Head Start teachers who educate more than 16,000 children ages zero to five across thousands of families every
year – we see you, we hear you, and we vow to show our appreciation by continuing to promote this vital work and the
opportunities you bring to our communities.


We invite our community members to join us in celebrating our teachers by visiting https://nhsa.org/advocacy-actions/ to send a
letter or by calling the Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and letting our representatives know that Head Start matters to Kentuckians. Let your members of Congress know that Head Start teachers keep Kentucky learning and working, and they deserve everyone’s acts of appreciation.