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Helping People, Changing Lives
Our programs and services are changing lives, strengthening families and building better communities.
For more than half of a century, Community Action Kentucky has advocated on behalf of the disadvantaged, fought to end poverty and celebrated the accomplishments of the people it serves. By providing a hand up to those in need, CAK is strengthening families, building better communities and investing in Kentucky’s future.
Through strategic partnerships and the steadfast work of thousands of volunteers and dedicated Community Action team members, our agency partners are able to offer a variety of life-enhancing programs and services.
Below is an overview of the many program areas Community Action agencies deliver on a daily basis. We invite you to reach out to your local agency to explore the many ways we can help those in need in your community.
Workforce Development
Helping low-income Kentuckians obtain steady employment that will provide economic security is a cornerstone of Community Action Kentucky’s efforts. We can not only provide career counseling and job training assistance, but have solid partnerships with employers across the state, making it easy to connect clients with solid job leads and placements. We can also support educational goals through scholarships, internships and tuition assistance that lead to better employment opportunities.
Transportation
Whether it’s going to a doctor’s appointment, work, the grocery, airport or just around town, many Kentucky communities have access to our Community Action Kentucky partner transportation services. We provide safe and accessible transportation to seniors, veterans and the general public at little to no cost, helping citizens get to where they need to be.
Housing
Finding a place to call home, keeping a roof overhead or bouncing back from an unplanned emergency, are all necessities to supporting a healthy and happy lifestyle. Our resources allow us to help those in need identify and secure a safe living environment, provide financial relief in times of crisis and ensure our clients get back on their feet.
Senior Support
We love our seniors and no other organization works harder to ensure its senior community stays healthy, active and supported. Through a variety of programs, we offer companionship, volunteer opportunities, transportation and mobilization services, healthcare assistance and respite care, meals and nutritional education and more. Additionally, there are Senior Centers located in many of our communities that offer regularly scheduled activities to keep seniors active.
Food Security
People sometimes take for granted that they never have to worry about where they’ll get their next meal. But for thousands of Kentuckians, that very question can be a daily struggle. Across the state, Community Action Kentucky partners have stepped up to the plate, literally, providing hundreds of thousands of meals to those experiencing food insecurity. At our many Senior Centers, through delivery and voucher services, food banks, backpack snack programs and more, we are providing for those that would otherwise go without.
Youth Enrichment
Ensuring that our most vulnerable youth grow and develop into long-term, productive members of their communities is of the utmost importance to Community Action Kentucky. That’s why we support programs that encourage participation in life-enhancing experiences. From summer camps and classroom activities, to mentoring and civic engagement opportunities, we are proud to open doors for Kentucky’s youth.
Early Childhood Education
Education is the key to rising above poverty. Through our Head Start and Early Head Start programs, we are laying the groundwork for Kentucky’s at-risk youth to become confident, educated, lifelong learners. With an emphasis on school readiness, our dedicated teaching staff provide daily hands-on instruction, while also tailoring to each child’s individual learning needs. Just as important is the engagement and support we provide our Head Start families. We know that when they also achieve their educational or self-improvement goals, the entire family wins.
Family Advocacy
Strengthening the bonds of family through parenting classes, child abuse awareness and prevention, as well as tackling the core issues causing poverty is at the heart of ensuring the cycle of poverty comes to an end. Community Action agencies are there to be the voice of change.
Asset Building
Too many families find themselves living paycheck to paycheck and do not have the means to cover even a small unexpected expense. Our Community Action Kentucky partners can help create customized financial plans that build for the future. Whether it’s through establishing a checking or savings account, helping to find a higher-paying job or providing income management tools and resources, we want to see our clients succeed.
Home Energy
Higher utility costs and outdated or broken heating and cooling systems can be a real financial drain on our most vulnerable citizens. By helping to weatherize properties that improve home energy efficiency, we not only save people money, but create healthier living environments as a result. We’re also able to offset high energy costs for those experiencing a financial hardship.
Health & Well-Being
Living one’s best life starts with living a healthy life. Through a variety of programs and services, we are working every day to improve access to affordable healthcare, educate children and adults on proper nutrition, provide physical and emotional health screenings, arrange support on the road to recovery, and so much more. Our efforts are helping thousands of Kentuckians lead healthier, more productive lives.