Message from the Executive Director

Once again, the 2005 - 2006 program year has been very successful. With the aid of the excellent staff that we have in place, LKLP Community Action continues to set the standard for excellence in human service delivery programs. With the addition of five new regions in the Human Service Transportation Delivery (HSTD) program, we now operate programs in 62 counties in the Commonwealth -- over 50%of the counties in the state. With satisfactory performance, the Transportation Cabinet can renew this contract for up to five (5) years which could result in over $100 million in funding.

However, the funding for all programs is not as bright. We have experienced cuts in several programs this year due to cuts at the national and state level. And with the increased emphasis in accountability, the next couple of years will be even tougher. But with the continued operation of successful programs by our dedicated staff we feel more confident than ever with our resolve to "help people help themselves".

During the past several program years, we have implemented an annual training session that brings staff together from all programs to share ideas and strategies. This comprehensive approach led to the recognition and development of "Families In Transition" or FIT. FIT families are identified and an entire team of Agency staff helps these families develop a plan that provides intensive services that will lead them to self-sufficiency. Each families needs are enumerated and the appropriate staff mobilized to meet the needs of each family member and the family as a whole.

The addition of the Compassionate Hearts Adult Day Health program has proven to be very rewarding. This vulnerable population was at risk of losing this program when we were approached with the opportunity to assume the operation of the center. We now have the program relocated to the Log Cabin at the Perry County Park and it is fully integrated with the Senior Citizens Center that is located there. The consumers from both programs receive services that are better coordinated to obtain maximum participation for everyone. We are currently pursuing grants to establish the 2nd Wellness Center in the Commonwealth. This is a facility that provides education and health related activities that promotes the health of the elderly.

The LKLP family has experienced quite a bit of growth this year. As stated earlier, we have added to our transportation program which resulted in the addition of fifteen (15) new staff. One of the greatest benefits of our growth has been that we have been able to hire these staff locally. Although clients may call to schedule transportation from Bowling Green, Owensboro, Ashland, Richmond, or Covington, they talk to a person in our Jeff office that lives in Leslie, Knott, Letcher, or Perry county. We create local jobs, for local people and this is something we are very proud of.

It has been a pleasure to play a part in the past 40 years of services to the residents of Leslie, Knott, Letcher, and Perry counties. There has been many staff that have given freely of their time and expertise to make our four counties a better place to live and I would like to personally thank each and every one of them. I look forward to the next 40 years and the positive changes LKLP will continue to make in our communities, both locally and throughout the Commonwealth.

Joe Duke
Executive Director