Category: News

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.

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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.  

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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.

Kentucky’s LIHEAP Spring Subsidy Cooling enrollment at Community Action Agencies

One-time Cooling Assistance available April 15- May 30 in all 120 Counties

FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 10, 2025): Kentucky households may qualify for a one-time electric benefit through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Spring Subsidy Cooling Component. Applications will be accepted from April 15 to May 30, 2025, on a first-come, first-served basis.

Spring Subsidy is designed to help households with income up to 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines offset their cooling costs. It provides a one-time electric benefit, which is paid directly to the household’s electric vendor.

Interested applicants should contact their local Community Action Agency office to apply. Kentucky’s Community Action Network collectively operates outreach offices in all 120 Kentucky counties. Call 800-456-3452 or 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.

Spring Subsidy does not require a disconnect notice, a past due bill, or eviction notice. The Subsidy 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.

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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 Crisis Program: Applications Period Extended Until March 31, 2025

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 14, 2025): The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Winter Crisis enrollment has been extended until March 31, 2025. Kentucky Community Action Agencies will be accepting applications in all 120 counties.

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.

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 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.

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.

Assistance in prior LIHEAP components does not impact a 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.  

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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.

Senator Brandon Storm Recognized as Community Action Opportunity Maker

FRANKFORT, KY, November 1 – Senator Brandon Storm was honored on October 31, 2024, with the Community Action Opportunity Maker award by Kentucky’s Community Action Network. The award, presented by Rick Baker, Executive Director of Community Action Kentucky, recognizes legislators who have shown a commitment to creating opportunities and fostering positive change for Kentuckians.

The award ceremony took place at the future home of a Laurel County family, a project led by the Daniel Boone Community Action Agency, funded by the Kentucky Housing Corporation and USDA Rural Development. Remarks were made by Robin Whitaker, Executive Director of the Daniel Boone Community Action Agency, and Roger Schott, Laurel County Circuit Court Clerk and Agency’s Board Chair, who highlighted the significance of community action and Senator Storm’s contributions to their communities.

Elected to the State Senate in 2020, Senator Storm represents Kentucky’s 21st Senate District. During the 2024 legislative session, he supported Community Action’s efforts to expand resources for workforce development. In his role as Vice-Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, he has successfully secured vital funds for Kentucky’s transportation infrastructure. This has led to job creation and improved transportation within his district, proving invaluable to the Daniel Boone Community Action Agency’s Transportation Program.

Senator Storm’s support of Kentucky’s Community Action Network, evident in his readiness to listen, collaborate on solutions that affect Kentuckians, and his dedicated support to initiatives like workforce development, makes him a deserving recipient of this award. His work for the Commonwealth reflects the spirit of a Community Action Opportunity Maker.

Included photo from the award ceremony features Senator Brandon Storm; Rick Baker, Executive Director of CAK; Robin Whitaker, Executive Director of Daniel Boone Community Action Agency; Mona Whitaker, Deputy Director of Daniel Boone Community Action Agency; Roger Schott, Laurel County Circuit Court Clerk and the Agency’s Board Chair; Donna McClure, Field Representative for Senator Mitch McConnell; and David Westerfield, Laurel County Judge Executive. A photo of the future home is also included.

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

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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.

Prepare for Fall – LIHEAP Subsidy Enrollment November 5th through December 20, 2024

FRANKFORT, Ky. (October 29, 2024): Starting November 5, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Fall Subsidy enrollment is available through Kentucky’s Community Action Network for eligible Kentucky households. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis through December 20, 2024, 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. Please be aware that some offices may be closed on November 5th for the General Election.

LIHEAP Fall Subsidy provides households with a one-time benefit 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 energy 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.

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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.

Senator Jimmy Higdon Receives Community Action Opportunity Maker Award

FRANKFORT, Ky. (October 23, 2024) – On October 14, 2024, at the Central Kentucky Community Action Council in Lebanon, KY, Kentucky’s Community Action Network was honored to name Senator Jimmy Higdon as the first-ever recipient of the Community Action Opportunity Maker award. Presented by Community Action Kentucky’s Executive Director, Rick Baker, the award is inspired by Community Action’s founding under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 and recognizes legislators who have demonstrated commitment to creating opportunities and fostering positive change for Kentuckians.


As Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, Senator Higdon has made strides in addressing transportation challenges. His impact extends beyond transportation, aligning with Community Action’s goal to provide a ‘hand up’ to our fellow Kentuckians. His support of Kentucky’s Community Action Network is echoed through his willingness to listen and collaborate on solutions that impact individuals in the Commonwealth.


Senator Higdon has been a steadfast supporter of community action, making a significant impact on the lives of many through his work in the Kentucky State Senate and locally through the Central Kentucky Community Action Council.
It is this alignment of values and commitment to service that makes him a deserving recipient of this inaugural award. Community Action Kentucky is grateful for his dedication and is honored to recognize him as the inaugural Community Action Opportunity Maker.


Included is a photo from the award ceremony. Pictured are Senator Jimmy Higdon, Rick Baker, Executive Director of CAK, and Executive Directors from across Kentucky’s Community Action Network: Uppinder Mehan of West Kentucky Allied Services, Robin Whitaker of Daniel Boone Community Action Agency, Hal Goode of Central Kentucky Community Action Council, Rob Jones of Audubon Area Community Services, and Harold Monroe of Pennyrile Allied Community Services.


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

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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.

CAK 2025 Annual Conference: Call for Session Proposal

CAK is excited to announce that we are accepting session proposals for the 2025 Community Action Kentucky Annual Conference. The conference is scheduled for June 10-12, 2025, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Lexington/UK Coldstream in Lexington, KY.

We invite you to submit session proposals using this online form. We will be in touch as soon as the session is reviewed.

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, Housing, Information Technology, Leadership, Organizational Management, Program Management, Transportation, and Workforce Development.