On May 19, Community Action celebrated the groundbreaking of its new Allen County Scottsville multi-purpose center. Once completed, the 13,600 square foot, two-story building will be home to services including, but not limited to: programming for three and four year old children; services to senior citizens through the Senior Center, home delivered meals, and the Retired and Senior and Volunteer Program; and services to families and children through rent and utility assistance, Garden Program, Educational Scholarship Program, Supervised Visitation Program, Family Team Meetings, and case management services. The Laura Goad Turner Charitable Foundation has both generously donated the property for the building and given a lead gift toward the cost of construction. The Foundation has also issued a challenge grant, whereby it will match dollar for dollar all pledges/contributions that Community Action of Southern Kentucky receives in support of this project, up to a total of $250,000. The match grant funds are to be committed by 12/31/09.

On the 13th of August, almost 700 three and four year old Head Start children started the school year with Community Action of Southern Kentucky. For many of the children, this was their first time in an organized educational setting. In addition, for a number of children, it was their first time on a bus. Head Start is a national program that promotes school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of children through the provision of educational, health, nutritional, social and other services to enrolled children and families.

Community Action held its annual Golf Classic on May 28, 2009, at Barren River State Park. The day brought over 185 golfers, volunteers and Agency staff together in support of the many programs administered throughout the 10-county Barren River Area Development District. First place teams won $300/team and were as follows: First flight Adam McDougal, Brad Johnson, Josh Stiles, and Alan Talley; Second flight Ruth Morgan, Michael Robbins, Betty Robbins, and Garry Robbins; Third flight Lee McKinney, Joe Harbaugh, Kerissa McKinney, and Brian McKinney. Second place teams won $200/team in Kentucky Parks/Tourist Gift Cards and were as follows: First flight Scottie Woodcock, Rick Starks, N.E. Reed, and Curtis Sullivan; Second flight Keith Riordan, Bobby Young, Terry Martin, and Phillip Riordan; Third flight James Supulski, Doug Polk, Matt Malloy, and Gable Volkert. A very special thank you goes to the many individuals and companies who provided sponsorships or cash, door prize, welcome bag or food donations. We also thank the Barren River State Park Golf Course staff for their generosity and hospitality during the event, which netted proceeds of over $9,000 for the Agency. Of that amount, $1,900 was designated for the new Allen County Community Action Center and will apply toward the Laura Goad Turner Foundation match grant.

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Gov. Steve Beshear today visited Bowling Green to present local officials with federal stimulus funding aimed at improving public transportation. Community Action of Southern Kentucky, which operates transit services for the city of Bowling Green, will receive $1.14 million for new buses, equipment and facilities. “This is a worthy investment that will improve public transportation for the people of Bowling Green,” said Gov. Beshear. “It is important, now more than ever, to have a transit system that meets the needs of this vibrant community.” The award will fund engineering and design work on a bus maintenance garage and will pay for five new 24-passenger buses and miscellaneous maintenance equipment.

The mission of the Kentucky Head Start Association(KHSA) is to “Support the Kentucky Head Start community’s efforts to enrich the lives of children and families in the Commonwealth through advocacy, collaboration and training.” Tracy Haddix, Director of Children’s Services, currently serves as President of the Association. Tracy has been actively involved with KHSA since 2002 and has also held the positions of Public Relations Officer and First Vice President. Carla Brown, Child Development Team Leader for Children’s Services, serves as Secretary and Deborah Barnett, former Head Start Parent, holds the position of Third Vice President. KHSA hosts an Annual Parent and Staff Conference, each year Head Start Centers are invited to display pictures of children in the classroom or in a playground setting. The theme for the conference was “Head Start: A National Treasure”.

For more information visit www.khsa.org

Community Action of Southern Kentucky, in partnership with Western Kentucky University and the Foster Grandparent Program, is a recipient of the third annual Reading is Fundamental Program Excellence Honors 2008, sponsored by MetLife Foundation. The 25 honored programs and their volunteers were recognized by RIF during a celebration in Washington, D.C., June 16–18, for successfully partnering with outside organizations to advance children’s literacy in their communities. Out of over 4,000 RIF programs across the nation, 135 programs were nominated for the award. Of that number 25 were selected. Each honoree received an award, a banner and $500 for literacy projects.

A Grand Opening was held on February 18, 2009 which included guest speakers Mayor Elaine Walker and Judge Michael Buchanon. The 1200 square foot facility includes six classrooms (1 Infant room, 1 Toddler room, 2 Head Start rooms, 1 School Age room, and 1 Before & after Care room). Childcare assistance is available which could pay all or part of the daycare costs. For more information contact Little Scholars Childcare at 270-904-0247.