Member Spotlight: KCEOC Community Action Partnership
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2020 marks Fahe’s 40th anniversary of building the American Dream. Over these four decades, Fahe has invested over $1.5 Billion which has directly changed the lives of over 616,000 people. Our 50+ Members, all local leaders, are directly responsible for our ability to connect communities to investments and opportunity. As we celebrate our anniversary throughout the year, we are taking time to acknowledge and showcase our Members and highlight the important work they are doing which will impact the future of our communities for the next 40 years and beyond.
KCEOC Community Action Partnership – Gray, KY
Founded in 1964, KCEOC Community Action Partnership was one of the first Community Action Agencies established under the Economic Opportunity Act during President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty. For the last 56 years, KCEOC has been dedicated to recognizing human potential, improving communities, and creating opportunities for change.
Working in Southeastern Kentucky, KCEOC has been
providing the means and assistance necessary to break the chain of poverty that
has been facing the region for generations. KCEOC offers several programs that
are, in part, funded through the Cabinet for Health and Family Services with
funds from the Community Services Block Grant Act of the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services. These programs include child development (Head Start
and Early Head Start), community resources guides, emergency programs, and
housing including rental, housing counseling, tenant based rental assistance,
and youth homeless services.
KCEOC is partnering with Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program (EKCEP) to renovate the former Barbourville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and create the Barbourville Work Ready Training Center. The training center will allow students to get certifications skilled jobs including welding, medical coding, and electrical technology among several others. Enrollment is expected to begin in fall of 2020.
KCEOC also operates an 8 bed Youth Crisis Center in Barbourville, KY named
Ryan’s Place. It is a place for single and parenting homeless youth (ages
18-24) to live and receive services to help them obtain permanent housing.
Participants residing at Ryan’s Place are provided with a supportive environment designed to help them become emotionally and physically stabilized. During their stay, participants are provided with services including case management, intensive life skills workshops, education and employment, housing counseling and placement, and others. The ultimate goal is to prepare each and every homeless youth to successfully transition into long-term stable housing and an adulthood free from the adverse effects caused by the experience of youth homelessness.
Ryan’s Place is named after Ryan White, a homeless youth client KCEOC served who later became involved in the fight to end youth homelessness. He wanted to see youth in the community to have a voice and a safe place. Ryan passed away in a car wreck shortly after his 18th birthday, before the center became a reality.
To learn more about KCEOC, the services they provide, and their latest projects, follow the links below:
Join our Anniversary Celebration
Over the course of 2020, we will be celebrating Fahe’s history through sharing historical photos, family stories, and future projects, as well as other Member Highlights. Please join our 40th anniversary celebration by sharing your memories, pictures, and support for Fahe on social media. Please join in by using the hashtag #WeAreFahe. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter.
