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2024 Programs Supported By UWCK

United Way of Central Kentucky (UWCK) funded partners encompass a range of local programs and organizations that address the needs of residents in Hardin, Meade, LaRue, Breckinridge and Grayson counties in the areas of health, education and financial stability. This fiscal year, UWCK is distributing over $500,000 to funded partners. UWCK is addressing the critical needs of our communities in the areas of health, education and financial stability. With immense help from our supporters and volunteers, we are empowering individuals and families to reach their fullest potential.

The Full List of the 2024 Funded Partners includes:

  • Cloverport Independent Schools District’s Career Jump Start program, serving Breckinridge County residents.
  • Tri-County CASA, serving residents of Grayson County.
  • Heartland Adult Education Consortium’s Student Pantry program, serving residents of Hardin, LaRue, Breckinridge and Grayson counties, and their One-on-One Individualized Instruction program, serving residents of Hardin, LaRue and Breckinridge counties.
  • The Grayson County Ministerial Association’s Financial Assistance program, serving residents of Grayson County.
  • Magnolia Cumberland Presbyterian Church’s Shepherd’s Pie Food Pantry program, serving residents of Hardin and LaRue counties.
  • The Grayson County Alliance’s Food Pantry program, serving residents of Grayson County.
  • Helping Hand of Hope’s Emergency Food Assistance, Emergency Financial Assistance and Beds for Children programs, serving residents of Hardin County.
  • Hardin County Schools’ First Connections program, which serves residents of Hardin, Meade and LaRue counties.
  • Elizabethtown Independent Schools’ Panther Place Afterschool Program, which serves Hardin County residents.
  • The Community Health Clinic’s A Healthier Heartland program, serving residents of Hardin, Meade, Breckinridge, LaRue and Grayson counties.
  • Warm Blessings’ Community Engagement program, serving residents of Hardin, Meade, Grayson and LaRue counties.
  • New Hope Life Ministries’ Food Pantry, Senior Nutrition, Soup Kitchen and Hope on a Rack programs, serving Hardin County residents.
  • Springhaven’s Client Assistance Program, serving residents of Hardin, Meade, LaRue,
  • Breckinridge and Grayson counties.
  • Silverleaf Sexual Trauma Recovery Services, serving residents of Hardin, Meade, LaRue, Breckinridge and Grayson counties.
  • CASA of the Heartland, serving Hardin County residents.
  • Elizabethtown Community and Technical College’s Student Emergency Fund, serving residents of Hardin, Meade, Breckinridge, LaRue and Grayson counties.
  • The Salvation Army’s Rent and Deposit Assistance program, serving residents of Hardin County.
  • Central Kentucky legal services provided through the Legal Aid Society, serving residents of Hardin, LaRue, Grayson, Meade and Breckinridge counties.
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Youth Mentoring program, serving Hardin County residents.

Apart from these allocated funds, UWCK extends its support to partners through various other initiatives. These include engaging volunteers in activities such as the annual Day of Action, supporting Hardin County Schools’ 21st Century Program, providing emergency funding when needed and offering assistance through the Mini-Grants Program, which backs ongoing community projects and initiatives that may lie beyond the scope of UWCK’s conventional funding structure.

EDUCATION IMPACT

United Way of Central Kentucky recognizes that investing in quality education is imperative to the future of our community.  

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In 2021, United Way of Central Kentucky invested $260,465 toward organizations, schools systems and initiatives that help ensure every child gets a strong start in life, teenagers have the tools to learn and grow, and young adults thrive in the job market.

SUCCESS STORIES

Ben, a first grader who moved to LaRue County, was virtually a non-reader when he enrolled in August. His teacher quickly identified him as someone needing a reading mentor as well as a positive role model. The LaRue County Reads coordinator matched him with a volunteer mentor who quickly formed a bond with the student as they began reading, practicing sight words, and studying for weekly spelling tests. The mentor, though only required to meet with Ben for 30 minutes each week, also dedicated additional time with the student, even finding special ways to celebrate academic milestones. School personnel and the student’s family are amazed at Ben’s academic and social progress since the mentorship began. – LaRue County Schools’ Read, Tutor, Mentor grant recipient, sponsored by Jarred Butler State Farm.

Through United Way of Central Kentucky, Elizabethtown Independent Schools received $34,000 to provide at-risk students with homework assistance, educational enrichment, and physical/arts activities at Panther Place After-School Program. Here is what some who are involved with Panther Place had to say: 

  • “Panther Place is an amazing place for kids that would not otherwise have help with their academics. Panther Place does a wonderful job.” – Mrs. Billings, Morningside Elementary School teacher.
  • “The homework assistance is helpful because when she gets home, we can sit down and eat dinner and spend time talking as a family. I don’t understand all her homework at times. We are both very grateful.” – Panther Place grandparent and guardian. 
  • “They have laughed and cried with us. The support is amazing!” – Panther Place parent.

HEALTH/BASIC NEEDS IMPACT

United Way of Central Kentucky is committed to ensuring community members in need of basic services and healthcare are provided with crucial resources that address issues such as providing healthcare for the uninsured, providing support for victims of sexual or domestic assault, providing meals for those who are food insecure and more. These services are critical to ensuring vulnerable populations can get back on track toward self-sustainability. In 2021, United Way of Central Kentucky invested  $442,500 toward the following community partners:

SUCCESS STORIES

-Now that the weather has cooled off a little, our therapists have been able to use the Healing Garden with more consistency. It has become a safe haven for children receiving both forensic interviews and undergoing therapy. Our therapists who specialize in trauma recovery will use a variety of techniques to make their clients feel comfortable. This Healing Garden gives them another outlet to do that in a peaceful and calming atmosphere. – Silverleaf Sexual Trauma Recovery Services: receiving $40,000 to provide forensic medical exams and counseling services to children who have suffered sexual abuse.

-Earlier this year, a disabled veteran and her 17-year-old son came to SpringHaven from Breckinridge County with no transportation. After being here only a short period of time, we realized how determined she was to be self-sufficient. She bought a car for just $800, which we were able to help repair. She then got a job on Fort Knox and applied for a veteran’s voucher through the Kentucky Housing Corporation. Once approved for an apartment, SpringHaven helped this client turn on her utilities, pay her deposit, and secure food. With a new job and transportation, her son was also able to return to Breckinridge County where he will finish out his senior year of high school. – SpringHaven Domestic Violence Shelter: receiving $60,000 to provide safety, advocacy, and basic needs services to survivors of domestic violence as they regain their independence.

FINANCIAL STABILITY IMPACT

A good job means fulfillment for not just an individual, but for their family, neighborhood and community. United Way of Central Kentucky recognizes the importance of workforce development, and works to provide funding for programs that help community members build skills and attain the education needed to retain and advance in a good job. In 2021, United Way invested $176,760 toward regional financial stability and workforce development programs, which have included: 

  • Hardin County SKILLS U
  • Breckinridge County Schools
  • Cloverport Independent Schools