2024 Annual Report

THE ORIGIN

The Pennyrile Area Development District (PeADD), established in 1969, is a public planning and development organization collaborating with local leaders, agencies and staff striving to support regional strategies, solutions and partnerships that improve the overall quality of life for the citizens of the Pennyrile region. PeADD brings local civic and governmental leaders together to accomplish major objectives, taking advantage of opportunities which cannot be achieved by those governments acting alone.

The PeADD is motivated to educate and empower communities by implementing quality services through specific expertise in Aging and Independent Living, Community and Economic Development, Human Services, and Workforce Development for western Kentucky’s nine (9) county Pennyrile region.

THE MISSION

The mission of the PeADD is to provide the Pennyrile region with the highest quality of professional planning, development and implementation services in the areas of community and economic development, workforce, transportation, social services and public administration.

The mission shall be carried out under the direction of the PeADD Board of Directors with an emphasis on integrity, professionalism, efficiency, and continuous quality and customer service improvement.

By working in concert with our federal and state officials, governed by local government shareholders, and our private and nonprofit sector partners, ADDs have worked with the sole intent of serving Kentuckians. Our pledge is to make the effort and investments needed today to make the state even better tomorrow.

THE REGION

Stretching along Kentucky’s southern border from the Appalachian Plateau to Kentucky Lake lies the Pennyroyal Region, also known as Pennyrile, named after the native mint plant “pennyroyal.” Offering a diverse landscape of rolling hills and lush forests, the Pennyrile region invites outdoor enthusiasts to explore its myriad recreational activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife observation. Its agricultural heritage, rooted in tobacco, corn, soybeans, and livestock, adds to the region’s allure. Architectural treasures abound, with Victorian homes, antebellum estates, and meticulously preserved downtown districts showcasing the area’s charm. Embracing its agricultural legacy, historic splendor, and community spirit, the Pennyrile Region celebrates each season with a tapestry of festivals and events, embodying the warmth of Southern hospitality.

CALDWELL COUNTY

Fredonia

Princeton

CHRISTIAN COUNTY

Crofton

Hopkinsville

Lafayette

Oak Grove

Pembroke

CRITTENDEN COUNTY

Marion

HOPKINS COUNTY

Dawson Springs

Earlington

Hanson

Madisonville

Mortons Gap

Nebo

Nortonville

Saint Charles

White Plains

LIVINGSTON COUNTY

Carrsville

Grand Rivers

Salem

Smithland

LYON COUNTY

Eddyville

Kuttawa

MUHLENBERG COUNTY

Bremen

Central City

Drakesboro

Greenville

Powderly

South Carrollton

TODD COUNTY

Elkton

Guthrie

Trenton

TRIGG COUNTY

Cadiz

PEADD BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Pennyrile Area Development District is governed by a Board of Directors comprising elected officials from the counties and communities within the district, as well as non-elected citizen members representing a crosssection of the region’s social and economic institutions.

Board Chair

PEADD BOARD OFFICERS

Ms. Crissy Carter

Vice Chair Judge Todd Mansfield

Secretary Judge William Young

Treasurer Mayor Kevin Cotton

CALDWELL COUNTY

Amanda Davenport

Citizen Representative

Jim Seibert Mayor of Fredonia

Brock Thomas Mayor of Princeton

William Young Judge/Executive

Nikki Durham

CHRISTIAN COUNTY

Citizen Representative

Jerry Gilliam County Judge/Executive

Lori Harper Citizen Representative

James R. Knight, Jr. Mayor of Hopkinsville

Verdell Smith Citizen Representative

CRITTENDEN COUNTY

D’Anna Browning Mayor of Marion

Bart Frazer

Citizen Representative

Perry Newcom County Judge/Executive

Roger Simpson Citizen Representative

HOPKINS COUNTY

Kevin Cotton Mayor of Madisonville

Chris Phelps Mayor of Mortons Gap

Jenny Sewell Mayor of Dawson Springs

Jack Whitfield, Jr. County Judge/Executive

Crissy Carter

LIVINGSTON COUNTY

Citizen Representative

Gary Damron Mayor of Salem

Bill Hesser Mayor of Smithland

Brad Hunter Citizen Representative

Teris Swanson County Judge/Executive

COUNTY

Greg Greene Mayor of Eddyville

Wade White Citizen Representative

Jaime Smith County Judge/Executive

Lee Wilson Citizen Representative

MUHLENBERG COUNTY

Tony Armour Mayor of Central City

Eddie DeArmond Mayor of Greenville

Rajiv Johar Citizen Representative

Mack McGehee County Judge/Executive

Karen Robinson Citizen Representative

TODD COUNTY

Arthur Green

Mayor of Elkton

Todd Mansfield County Judge/Executive

Scott Marshall Citizen Representative

Martha Jo Ray Mayor of Trenton

TRIGG COUNTY

Todd King Mayor of Cadiz

Stan Humphries County Judge/Executive

Beth Sumner

Todd Wallace

Citizen Representative

Citizen Representative

REPRESENTATIVES

Representative Randy Bridges

Representative Wade Williams

Representative Mary Beth Imes

Representative Chris Freeland

Representative Walker Thomas

Representative Myron Dossett

Representative Jim Gooch, Jr.

Representative Rebecca Raymer

Representative Jason Petrie

District 3

District 4

District 5

District 6

District 8

District 9

District 12

District 15

District 16

LYON

A MESSAGE FROM THE LEADERSHIP

PeADD Board Chair, Crissy Carter

Over the past year, a multitude of projects and achievements have transpired in our region. Notably, our commitment to supporting veterans remains unwavering, exemplified by the dedicated efforts provided through our Workforce and Aging and Independent Living services.

Celebrating a milestone, this year marks the fiftieth anniversary of the Pennyrile Area Development District’s provision of the Area Agency on Aging, a testament to our enduring dedication to serving the elderly population.

Behind the scenes, the tireless endeavors of the Community and Economic Development department have propelled our cities and counties toward prosperity and vitality. With nearly 250 projects underway and ongoing dialogue stimulating fresh ideas daily, our region is poised for sustained growth and development.

Thanks to the PeADD Board, management team and staff, the unparalleled caliber of work undertaken here underscores our collective commitment to excellence, and I consider myself profoundly privileged to take part in this remarkable journey.

Executive Director, Jason Vincent

As I reflect on the past year, I am filled with gratitude and pride for the remarkable accomplishments we have achieved together at the Pennyrile Area Development District. It is with great pleasure that we share, through this annual report, the highlights of our journey and the impactful strides we have made in our region.

None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of our board members, community leaders, and dedicated Pennyrile ADD staff. Your collaboration, dedication, and shared vision have been instrumental in driving positive change and making a lasting impact in our region. Together, we have proven time and again that when we come together with a common purpose, there is no challenge too great to overcome.

As we look to the future, I am filled with optimism and enthusiasm for the possibilities that lie ahead. I am confident that with your continued commitment, we will build a brighter, more prosperous future for generations to come.

Thank you for your unwavering support, and I look forward to continuing this journey together.

PEADD STAFF

ADMINISTRATION

Jason Vincent Executive Director

Tim Barnes IT Specialist

Sherry Chambers Receptionist

Leslie Goode Administrative Assistant

David Leix Accounting Clerk

Kimberly Meredith Office Manager

Jackie Miles Staff Accountant

Alisha Sutton Chief Financial Officer

Hayla Swaw Senior Staff Accountant

Melissa Thompson Communications Director

COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Amy Frogue Director, Community & Economic Development

Angela Herndon Regional Planner

Brian Jones Community Development Specialist

Pat Lee GIS Specialist

Jessica Kaminski Community Development Specialist

Chris Miller GIS Specialist

Jared Nelson Projects Coordinator

Chris Sutton Disaster Resiliency Coordinator

WEST KENTUCKY WORKFORCE

Sheila Clark Director, West Kentucky Workforce Board

Cindy Cummings MIS/Financial Coordinator

Tammy Hyde Training/Data Specialist

Cindy Massie Workforce Program Assistant

MaryAnne Medlock Business Liaison

Derek R. Poor Veterans Transition Liaison

Tom Sholar Business Liaison

Karen Wallace Program Specialist

Becki Wells Youth Program Specialist

AREA AGENCY ON AGING & INDEPENDENT LIVING

Jill Collins Director, Area Agency on Aging & Independent Living

Destiny Ash Social Service Case Manager

Michele Braun Program Support Specialist

Sylvia Chase Social Service Case Manager

Christi Combs Kentucky Caregiver Assistant Coordinator

Lydia Edwards Social Service Case Manager

Angela Gore Administrative Assistant

Aleasha Fowler Social Service Case Manager

Ali Jones Aging & Disability Resource Center Coordinator

Paula Jones Social Service Case Manager

Payton Kidd Participant Directed Services Coordinator

Rylee Massie Social Service Case Manager

Harley McCarty Social Service Case Manager

Jennifer Medeiros Social Service Case Manager

Heather Meeks Social Service Case Manager

Megan Moenig-Young Social Service Case Manager

Amanda Monroe Social Service Case Manager

Amanda Stokes AAAIL Assistant Director

Cindy Tabor Long Term Care Ombudsman

Katie Wadlington Social Service Case Manager

Lorrin Washington Social Service Case Manager

Miranda White National Family Caregiver Coordinator

Shannon Wynn Social Service Case Manager

ADMINISTRATION

The administrative department ensures seamless operations and supports the agency by handling dayto-day tasks. Administrative staff are the first point of contact, providing friendly service to visitors and callers. They manage the organization’s finances, including accounts payable and receivable, overseeing transactions such as tax management, payroll, banking, and contracts. Administration also provides communication to the PeADD Board, local officials, and the public regarding services, events, and funding available in the region. This department plays a critical role in maintaining compliance with regulations and is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations, ensuring the organization runs smoothly.

FISCAL YEAR 2024 BUDGET

WORKFORCE SERVICES

The West Kentucky Workforce Board (WKWB) serves the 17 counties of the Pennyrile/Purchase regions under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). The WKWB is a part of the Public Workforce System, which is a network of federal, state, and local organizations that support economic expansion and creating a skilled labor force.

With a budget of $4.1M, the WKWB is a group of community and business leaders who have been appointed by local elected officials and charged with planning and oversight responsibilities of workforce programs, developing regional strategic plans, and setting funding priorities. More information about the West Kentucky Workforce Board, including a roster of board members, can be found at www.wkworkforce.work.

The WKWB currently receives funding from the Kentucky Education & Labor Cabinet through the U.S. Department of Labor Employment & Training Administration.

1,780 Veteran Services Provided WKWB FY24 Budget Totaled $4.1 Million Right Choice Program Served 75 Individuals

$1.5 Million Awarded to Serve Dislocated Workers Due to Local Tornados

58 In-House Job Fairs @ Career Centers With 265 Employers

Veteran Services

The West Kentucky Workforce Board assists veterans and eligible spouses in gaining access to high quality jobs and careers. Staff help businesses hire and retain skilled workers. When veterans or transitioning service members and eligible spouses seek services at local career centers, they receive priority of service. The WKWB’s Veterans Transition Liaison is located at Fort Campbell to assist veterans and spouses connect with resources, receive resume assistance, career center information, and/or direct employment. The total number of Veteran Services provided equaled 1,780.

Disaster Recovery National Dislocated Worker Grant

On March 11, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor announced final incremental funding to the Commonwealth of Kentucky to continue disaster-relief jobs, employment, and training services for those who lost employment due to of the December 2021 tornados and severe flooding in July 2022. The WKWB was awarded $1.5 million to assist the nine counties that include Fulton, Hickman, Graves, Marshall, Lyon, Caldwell, Hopkins, Muhlenberg and Christian. This National Dislocated Worker grant has allowed the WKWB to create paid work-based learning experiences for those who lost their jobs in the wake of the tornado disaster as well as provide tuition assistance for those who chose to re-train for new careers.

Dislocated Worker Services

The (WIOA) Dislocated Worker Program is designed to help workers get back to work as quickly as possible and overcome barriers to employment. When individuals become dislocated workers as a result of job loss, mass layoffs, global trade dynamics, or transitions in economic sectors, the Dislocated Worker Program provides services to assist them in re-entering the workforce.

Dislocated Worker Program Performance Achieved (year ending 2023)

• 83.3% of Dislocated Workers got a job after receiving WIOA and co-enrollment services.

• 90.8% of those getting a job were still working nine months later.

• 80.9% of Dislocated Workers received a nationally recognized credential in a specific skill area after receiving WIOA training services.

Rapid Response Services

Rapid Response Services are early intervention services and resources that assist both employers and employees affected by layoffs or plant closures. These services and resources are customized to each lay-off with a goal of getting individuals back to work as soon as possible.

Youth Services

WIOA includes a comprehensive youth employment program for serving eligible youth, ages 14-24, who face barriers to education, training, and employment. The West Kentucky Workforce Board contracted $355,428 in youth funding to four (4) contractors who provide specialized career counseling prioritizing paid work experience. In Fiscal Year 2024, the WKWB contracted with Christian County Board of Education, Hopkinsville Community College, Madisonville Community College, and the West Kentucky Community College. An additional $130,000.00 has been budgeted for paid work experience for the youth to earn their own money and learn valuable work skills.

Youth Program Performance

Achieved (year ending 2023)

• 82.8% of Youth got a job or entered post-secondary education after receiving WIOA services

• 78.8% of Youth were still working or in post-secondary education nine months after receiving WIOA services

• 88.7% of Youth earned a diploma/GED or other nationally recognized credential in a specific skill area after receiving WIOA services.

Adult Services

The Adult Program provides guidance to individuals while assisting employers in fulfilling their workforce requirements. It supports individuals in securing quality employment through offering job search aid and access to training opportunities.

Adult Program Performance

Achieved (year ending 2023)

• 86.2% of Adults got a job after receiving WIOA and coenrollment services.

• 86.5% of Adults were still working nine months later.

• 81.7% of Adults received a nationally recognized credential in a specific skill area after receiving WIOA training services.

Right Choice Program

The Right Choice program provides court-sanctioned guidance and employment strategies to noncustodial parents so that they can obtain employment that will financially support their child/ children. These services are offered through the Christian, Crittenden, Hopkins, Livingston, Lyon, Muhlenberg, and Trigg County Family Courts. The total number of individuals served equaled 75.

Business Services

The WKWB assists economic development in the location and expansion of new and existing businesses, while also helping employers find workers with the necessary skill sets. The WKWB provides talent recruitment through job fairs, application intake, interviews, on-the-job training, and initial applicant outreach.

• 58 Job Fairs Hosted at Local Career Centers

• 265 Employers Participated in Local Job Fairs

• Approximately 2,760 Job Seekers Attended Local Job Fairs

West Kentucky Career Centers

The WKWB oversees two comprehensive career centers in Hopkinsville and Paducah and one affiliate site in Madisonville. Career Centers provide universal access to an integrated array of labor exchange services so that workers, job seekers, and employers can find the services they need. Services are delivered in one of three modes including self-service, facilitated self-help services and staff assisted service delivery approaches.

Both comprehensive career centers hold small, weekly job fairs that have been very successful. The smaller job fairs allow the employer and jobseeker more time to interact than with a larger scale job fair.

• Hopkinsville Career Center 110 Riverfront Drive Hopkinsville, KY 42240 (270) 889-6509

• Paducah Career Center 416 South 6th Street Paducah, KY 42001 (270) 575-7000

• JobNet Career Center 75 Railroad Street Madisonville, KY 42431 (270) 821-9966

JOURNEY OF SUCCESS

Shericka Burgess, Adult

Shericka Burgess was a low-income adult raising her children when she decided to go back to school and train for a career in healthcare. She visited the Kentucky Career Center in Hopkinsville and met with a WIOA Career Coach. Shericka was determined to become a nurse. With tuition assistance from the West Kentucky Workforce Board, she enrolled at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology in May 2022. Shericka completed her degree in August 2023 and in January 2024, she was hired at Jennie Stuart Medical Center in Hopkinsville, KY where she works as a Licensed Practical Nurse in their Emergency Room.

“Success is a journey, not a destination. It requires constant effort, vigilance and reevaluation.”

— Mark Twain

Transitioning Military

Each month, the South Western Kentucky Economic Development Corporation (SWKEDC) and the West Kentucky Workforce Board sponsor a Manufacturing Seminar at the Fort Campbell Transitions Assistance Program office. This allows manufacturers in the SWKEDC area to meet with transitioning service members interested in manufacturing employment. At the February 2024 seminar, JTEKT Japan, Toyota Boshoku America, and White Drive Products participated in the seminar. These connections will lead to more significant employment and mentorship opportunities.

“The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.” - Tony Robbins

Joshua Cohoon, Dislocated Worker

Sondra Collins, Work Experience

Joshua Cohoon was working at Mitsubishi Steel Mfg. Co., Ltd. (MSSC) when the company announced it would lay off the bulk of their workforce, including him. He visited the Hopkinsville Career Center and met with a WIOA Career Coach, who helped him to enroll at Madisonville Community & Technical College. With tuition assistance from the WKWB, he graduated with a diploma in Environmental System Repair Helper and Environmental Control System Servicer certifications. He is now employed by Durham Heating and Cooling as an HVAC technician.

Sondra Collins obtained a paid work-experience at His House Ministries’ Hope Initiative in Mayfield. She worked closely with families during the construction of their new homes, making sure that each was built to their needs and including the details they desired. After she finished her paid work experience, she was hired by His House Ministries and continues assisting families and rebuilding neighborhoods destroyed by the EF4 tornado. Hope Initiative has built 32 new homes.

Austin Cameron, Youth

On March 6, 2023, Governor Beshear was on hand to help dedicate seven new homes.

Austin Cameron entered the program as a rising senior at Christian County High School. He was basic skills deficient and unemployed, and his goal was to become a Lineman. He needed tutoring to keep up with his assignments and earn above a C average. He was advised to seek assistance from the Christian County Public School’s WIOA In-School Youth program.

Austin attended tutoring on a regular basis, which resulted in his improved test taking skills and confidence in his test taking strategies. He began a paid work-experience at Cayce Mill Supply where he worked in the electrical parts warehouse and lighting department. After graduation, he was able to keep his job. He still aspires to be a lineman, but for now he enjoys working and earning money.

“The WIOA program helped me realize that going straight to the workforce is an option after high school,” said Austin. “I want to be a lineman, but the money that I make at Cayce Mill and the skills I have learned in the WIOA program have set me up to attend school with experience and no debt.”

COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The Community and Economic Development Department promotes and assists in the development and growth of the region’s economy, serving as a focal point for regional cooperation and coordination. CED staff are committed to helping Pennyrile communities achieve their goals in Economic Development, Community Development, Housing, Planning, Infrastructure and Emergency Management. Assistance is provided in structuring financial incentive packages, business lending, economic data collection, facilitating job skill development, and administration of various types of applications for state and federal funding sources.

PeADD Community and Economic Development (CED) staff actively assist the region’s city and county governments, non-profits and economic development agencies with identifying funding avenues and opportunities to bring their visions for local and regional improvement and prosperity into reality. CED staff provide project development, technical assistance, administration, and project management services for communities utilizing a myriad of state and federal grant and loan programs. These programs include both legacy funding sources and emerging opportunities tied to federal pandemic response, infrastructure investment, and disaster relief, recovery, and resilience. Additionally, the department’s staff is responsible for overseeing business loan assistance, housing development projects, infrastructure planning, decennial redistricting, highway mapping and geographic information systems (GIS) endeavors.

The CED department works with the following programs and more to facilitate projects in the region:

• Economic Development Administration Grant Program

• Delta Regional Authority Grant Program

• Community Development Block Grant Program

• Land and Water Conservation Fund

• Recreational Trails Program

• Transportation Alternatives Program

• Safe Routes to School Program

• Kentucky 911 Services & Homeland Security Grant Programs

• Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Grant Program

• FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program

• FEMA Pre-Disaster Mitigation, BRIC, and Hazard Mitigation Grant Programs

• Recycling & Household Hazardous Waste Grant Programs

• National Park Service Historic Preservation Grant Programs

• PeADD Revolving Loan Fund Program

• National Telecommunications Infrastructure Authority

• Water/Wastewater Funding Programs & GPS Features Collected

• Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) Road Inventory

• Tax Rate Calculation Assistance

• Division of Waste Management Funding Opportunities

• Kentucky Agriculture Development Board Grant/ Loan Programs

• USDA Rural Development Grant/Loan Programs

• Rubber Modified Asphalt

• Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funding Programs

• Inflation Reduction Act Funding Programs

• Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery

CED is currently administering or has submitted applications for 245 projects, totaling a $437.4 million investment in the Pennyrile region.

“The beautiful journey of today can only begin when we learn to let go of yesterday.”

- Steve Maraboli

Transportation Planning

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC) statewide transportation planning process is accomplished through a cooperative program with the KYTC Central Planning Office, the 12 Highway District Offices (HDOs), 15 Area Development Districts (ADDs), and 9 Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs). The ADDs and MPOs are responsible mainly for the:

• analysis of data and transportation systems;

• identification and evaluation of needs in their planning areas;

• the coordination of public input for the Statewide Transportation Involvement Plan (STIP); and subsequent evaluation and prioritizing of identified needs in the KYTC Unscheduled Needs List (UNL) for possible inclusion in the KYTC SixYear Highway Plan.

The Pennyrile Regional Transportation Committee is charged with the task of supporting the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s long-range transportation planning process by identifying, evaluating, and prioritizing needs for future implementation.

PeADD assisted the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet with their local and regional highway prioritization process. KYTC partners work with the Area Development Districts to obtain local highway prioritization information as their input process before they develop the KYTC’s Six-Year Recommended State Highway Plan. Currently, all nine counties in the Pennyrile region have highway projects in some phase of design or construction.

Geographic Information Systems

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) programs support the goal of full regional access and integration. PeADD recognizes the value of current geographic information and strives to improve the quality of information and its availability and use in the region.

Water / Wastewater Management

PeADD works in conjunction with area utility managers and personnel to assess the needs and water resources potential in the region. The objective of this assessment is to develop current data and information upon which utility decisions might be based. FY25 included 91 Drinking Water Projects submitted for Kentucky Infrastructure Authority Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund F and FY 25 Sewer Projects included 50 projects submitted for State Revolving Loan Fund A.

Hazard Mitigation

PeADD coordinates and maintains the Pennyrile Regional Multi-Jurisdictional Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan for the nine-county Pennyrile area in accordance with the federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000. The plan incorporates a detailed assessment of the risks of flooding, earthquakes, tornadoes, and other natural disasters, followed by the development of strategies to reduce or mitigate these risks. The plan not only identifies ways to reduce exposure and loss of life and property in natural disasters, but also identifies ways to improve the quality of life by providing a sound basis for future planning decisions and the development of our communities. The plan defines and profiles the hazards that affect the Pennyrile region and analyzes the likelihood of their occurrence, the magnitude of damage, and prioritizes regional response. The current plan is effective until April 14, 2028.

Community Planning

PeADD provides assistance to local governments with community development and planning issues and projects such as updating local Comprehensive Plan documents. This planning process is assisted by our GIS mapping staff to develop an in-depth analysis that identifies areas in and around the cities that have high development potential. Staff work with Planning Commission members and other local community leaders to identify and analyze different economic and community development projects, as well as land use and infrastructure planning.

JOURNEY OF PROGRESS

Mapping for Emergencies in Caldwell County

In any emergency, seconds and minutes count. From the time a 911 call is placed and responders are summoned, the clock is ticking, with lives often in the balance. This is especially true in a search and rescue operation, when a diverse team of emergency personnel and volunteers must quickly organize and develop a plan for efficiently covering a large area to find and recover the missing person or persons. In such scenarios, every role is important. Staff from the Pennyrile Area Development District’s Community and Economic Development (CED) department were called upon this spring to assist in such a response and provide vital aerial imagery and topographic information to a team of searchers and emergency personnel attempting to locate a missing senior citizen in rural southeastern Caldwell County.

In early April, turkey hunters at the end of a remote road near the Caldwell County and Christian County border found an unoccupied vehicle in a field and alerted authorities. The car’s license plate was traced back to an Alabama man in his 80s with no apparent connection to the area. Follow-up investigation by county sheriff’s deputies led to contact with family members, who said the senior had dementia and other health issues and had not been seen at home or heard from for several days. This news led investigators to intensify their search and reach out to neighboring counties for assistance. By Day 2 of the response, personnel from Caldwell, Hopkins, Livingston, Marshall, Trigg and other counties were on the scene, utilizing ATVs, search canines, boats and drones equipped with thermal imaging to scour the rugged terrain in hopes of locating the missing man. An equestrian rescue team from Union County also answered the call to lend their support. With that search team in place, only one component was missing — large-format mapping to identify the primary search area and streamline the response. Early on the morning of April 18, Caldwell County Emergency Management contacted the PeADD office for assistance in generating aerial imagery and topographic maps to outline one- and two-mile radii from the point where the individual’s vehicle was located. Within two hours, PeADD GIS and CED staff had created and printed the maps and delivered them to the search’s command site, putting them in the hands of the searchers that needed them most. Additional maps were then requested and delivered the same day, to provide hard-copy data in an area where cellular signal and mobile data availability was unreliable.

In total, 23 agencies from four states (Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri and Alabama) were involved in the response, spending more than 1,000 man-hours in the five-day search.

“We are very appreciative of the PeADD office and their willingness to assist us when situations like these occur,” said Caldwell County Emergency Manager Joey McCaslin, noting the same services from PeADD were utilized in the immediate aftermath of the December 2021 tornado disaster. “Having the ability to create these maps on short notice is a vital asset to our operation.”

PeADD provides regular assistance to emergency managers across the region, from 911 mapping and road updates to post-disaster imagery, mitigation planning, grant development and administration.

Rehabilitating Homes in Hopkins County

Hopkins County, following the success of a similar initiative in 2012, embarked on a voluntary scattered site housing project in 2018 aimed at improving the living conditions of its residents. The project targeted dilapidated homes dispersed across the county, focusing on assisting very low-income, disabled, veteran, and elderly citizens who lack the means to secure safe and decent housing. The Department for Local Government awarded Hopkins County $1 million in Community Development Block Grant funds in late 2019 ; however, the project was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic and rising construction costs which pushed the project over budget. With a financial contribution from the Hopkins County Fiscal Court, the project finally gained momentum in 2023 and construction was able to begin on two homes. Through the project, the County hopes to complete rehabilitation or reconstruction on 9-10 homes in Hopkins County.

The scattered site housing rehabilitation project offers financial assistance to eligible homeowners through forgivable deferred loans, with a commitment to remain in the rehabilitated/ reconstructed home for a specified period, typically ten years. Income verification and adherence to safety standards, including addressing lead-based paint and asbestos, ensure the sustainability and safety of the housing interventions. Construction activities prioritize energy efficiency and universal design standards, ensuring longterm affordability and accessibility for the homeowners. Mortgages placed on properties reinforce the commitment to responsible homeownership, with provisions for recaptured funds to benefit additional low-income families.

The Hopkins County Scattered Site Housing Project exemplifies a proactive approach to addressing housing challenges, leveraging community engagement,

Goal in Sight for Crittenden County Food Bank

Crittenden County residents in need of a helping hand in filling their pantries will soon have an improved opportunity for receiving assistance, thanks to a partnership between the Crittenden County Fiscal Court and PeADD.

Construction is under way now on a new distribution and storage facility for the Crittenden County Food Bank, located on North Walker Street in Marion. County officials hope to have the facility complete by the end of June. The project was funded in part by a $385,000 Community Development Block Grant through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). PeADD is administering the project in collaboration with the Kentucky Department for Local Government.

The food bank’s staff and volunteers hold monthly distributions of non-perishable, refrigerated and frozen food items to community residents in need. Those needs increased

exponentially, locally and across the country, as the nation endured the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. As COVID lingered, food banks saw the numbers of their clients served increase by 60 percent, with four in 10 clients utilizing such services for the first time.

In Crittenden County, the food bank’s numbers increased from an average of 185 households and 647 individuals served per month pre-COVID to nearly 338 households and close to 1,200 residents served. This surge in demand was extremely taxing on the food bank’s physical facilities, where non-perishable commodities were stored in two deteriorating, prefabricated wooden outbuildings. Those structures, already in poor condition, were quickly determined to be insufficient to meet the demand for services in a postCOVID world.

County officials reached out to PeADD for assistance in funding the construction of a new food bank

partnerships, and sustainable practices. By targeting the most vulnerable populations and adhering to rigorous eligibility criteria and safety standards, the project ensures lasting impact and contributes to the overall wellbeing of Hopkins County residents.

facility to meet the community’s pressing needs. “We need this very, very badly,” one commenter noted following a public hearing on the project. “The bigger the building is, the more we can feed.”

The new, 1,600-square-foot facility will be ADA accessible with full water and electrical service and a restroom for employee use. The building will be equipped to hold a walk-in freezer for storage of perishable items, and up to 90 shelving units and racks to store dry goods and non-perishables. With food access still critical in the region and nationwide, Crittenden County will now be equipped to meet its residents’ needs now and for decades to come.

AGING & INDEPENDENT LIVING

The mission of the Pennyrile Area Agency on Aging and Independent Living (AAAIL) is to promote the dignity and independence of older adults and individuals with disabilities by coordinating a comprehensive system of programs and services. It is our goal to enhance the quality of life, allow for dignity and offer choices for those who are served through the programs.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC), through the Pennyrile AAAIL, assists individuals, families, caregivers, professionals and other members of the community in accessing information, assistance and resources in the nine county Pennyrile Region. The ADRC’s main objectives are to provide individuals and their families with a single portal of access to aging and disability programs and service. The ADRC helps individuals make informed choices on their care and to help to identify gaps in services. The ADRC has received a total of 1,138 calls from July 2023 through March 2024. For more information, please call 1-866844-4396.

Kentucky Family Caregiver Program

The Kentucky Family Caregiver Program provides assistance for grandparents raising grandchildren through supplemental services, training opportunities and support groups. Kentucky Caregiver services are available to grandparents raising grandchildren who meet income guidelines, do not have a birth parent in the home, and are providing care to a grandchild under 18 years of age. The Kentucky Family Caregiver Program served 30 grandparents and 66 grandchildren through March 2024.

National Family Caregiver Support Program

The National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP) serves individuals caring for older adults and seniors caring for grandchildren through information assistance, training opportunities, respite care, supplemental services, and support groups. NFCSP services are provided to individuals who reside in the Pennyrile region and care for an adult 60 years of age or older meeting the definition of frailty or a grandparent or related family member 55 years of age or older caring for a grandchild 18 years of age or younger.

Through March 2024, the Family Caregiver Program served 40 clients through respite services, 45 clients through supplemental services, 25 grandparents, and nine caregivers through support groups for a total of 119 clients served.

The NFCSP offers monthly Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group and Grandparent Support Group meetings that are under a hybrid model and are offered both in person and virtually.

Bridging the Gap

The Pennyrile Area Development District was selected to participate in a pilot program called Bridging the Gap. The pilot program is a collaboration among the Office of Dementia Services and three Area Development Districts across the state. The goal of the pilot is to empower lives with Dementia Care Specialists who will assist the person living with dementia and their caregiver. The Dementia Care Specialists will provide dementia education and training opportunities in our region while additionally serving the program participants with respite care and assistive devices to help maintain in their own homes. The pilot program has already proven to be beneficial to the clients currently being served by relieving caregiver stress and burnout, improving education on dementia and related diagnoses, and helping the person living with dementia remain in their home and out-of-facility placement. The pilot program is structured to assist 20 individuals living with dementia in hopes that the program will continue and the span will encompass all regions of the state.

Senior Citizens Centers

There are nine Senior Citizens Centers located throughout the Pennyrile Region that provide a variety of services to seniors including congregate meals, curbside meals, senior shuttle transportation, outreach, health promotion, and many other services and activities. From July 2023 – March 2024, 1,167 individuals were served 36,224 congregate meals, 1,905 emergency meals, 18,112 curbside meals, and 16,009 in-county one-way trips via transportation services.

In-Home Services

Long Term Care Ombudsman

The Pennyrile District Long-Term Care (LTC) Ombudsman is an advocate for residents who live in long-term care facilities including skilled nursing facilities, assisted living and personal care homes. The LTC Ombudsman advocates for resident rights; just because a person has a new address, the rights they are entitled to do not change. The LTC Ombudsman assists residents, family members and staff with complaints or concerns that they may have.

Kentucky law gives residents and family members the right to present concerns without retaliation. Medicare and Medicaid certified nursing homes must allow resident and family councils to operate and must provide a meeting space in the facility for their activities. These councils provide opportunities to address issues or concerns.

Individuals 60 years of age and older who require assistance with daily tasks due to functional limitations can receive In-Home Services in the Pennyrile region. The goal of InHome Services is to help individuals safely remain in their home/community. From July 2023 – March 2024, services included 3,629 hours of assessment/ case management, 10,305 hours of homemaking, 1,842 hours of personal care, 10,692 emergency meals, and 92,638 homedelivered meals.

The Ombudsman program also provides a vast array of other services including consultations with facilities, and information to individuals such as longterm care selection assistance. The LTC Ombudsman advocates for seniors with Elder Abuse Awareness. Some Elder Abuse Awareness efforts have included marketing supplies, billboard ads, and sponsorship of Senior Games. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is celebrated every June 15th, Resident Rights Month every October, and recruiting for the volunteer program. There are three types of volunteers: Ombudsman Advisory Council members, Friendly Visitors, and Certified Ombudsman Volunteers.

Through March 2024, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman distributed Resident Rights information to 889 residents and families, conducted 283 facility visits, completed 101 community events such as Health Fairs and Elder Abuse Awareness events/meetings, processed 44 complaints, and attended 21 Resident Council meetings. Currently, we are in the process of using ARPA funds to create videos for Volunteer Recruitment and Elder Abuse Awareness.

Home & Community Based Waiver (Participant Directed Services / Traditional)

Pennyrile AAAIL currently offers the Home and Community Based Waiver, which consists of the Participant Directed Services (PDS) and the Traditional option. Both programs are a potential resource for individuals with any form of disability including physical, cognitive, and developmental who require considerable assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, toileting, etc., as well as Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), including cooking, cleaning, managing finances, grocery shopping, etc. Individuals who meet eligibility will have to meet nursing level of care as assessed by a registered nurse assessor through the Department of Medicaid Services. The main benefit of the programs is to allow clients to receive in-home services which help with their daily ADL’s & IADL’s to keep them in their own homes and avoid nursing facility placement. Individuals in these programs can receive up to 45 hours weekly of in-home services if their needs are justifiable. The Home and Community Based Waiver Programs play a pivotal role in keeping our disabled individuals in their own homes while ensuring that their health, safety, and welfare needs are being met. Pennyrile currently services over 350 clients with continual growth.

AGING & INDEPENDENT LIVING

Medicare Improvements for Patients & Providers Act

The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act has been a source of guidance and aid for Medicare beneficiaries, manifesting in the creation of two pivotal programs tailored to alleviate the financial burdens associated with Medicare costs. These programs, catering to the needs of eligible individuals, stand as pillars of assistance in navigating the complexities of healthcare expenses. The Medicare Savings Program (MSP), extends a helping hand to qualifying beneficiaries by offsetting the monthly premiums of Medicare Part B. Moreover, it offers the potential to alleviate the financial strain of Medicare Part A & B deductibles, coinsurance, and co-payments, contingent upon income and asset thresholds. The Low-Income Subsidy (LIS/Extra Help), emerges as a lifeline for eligible individuals grappling with prescription drug expenses under Medicare Part D, ensuring access to vital medications without undue financial strain.

The period spanning from July 2023 to March 2024, these programs made significant strides in extending their reach and impact. A total of 58 individuals received invaluable application assistance during this time frame, guiding them through the intricacies of enrollment and eligibility criteria. Furthermore, the dissemination of informative newsletters and brochures proved instrumental in reaching a wider audience, with a projected 3,278 individuals benefiting from essential insights and guidance regarding available assistance programs. This concerted effort not only alleviated immediate financial burdens but also empowered Medicare beneficiaries with the knowledge and resources necessary to navigate their healthcare journey with confidence and dignity.

Health Promotion & Disease Prevention

From July 2023 to March 2024, a total of 433 individuals experienced significant improvements in their health and well-being through the implementation of evidence-based programming. This comprehensive approach encompassed 9,573 units of health promotion and disease prevention initiatives, tailored to meet the diverse needs of participants. These initiatives included Self-Led Walk with Ease sessions, providing individuals with the tools and guidance to improve their physical fitness and mobility at their own pace. Additionally, Group-Led Walk with Ease programs fostered a sense of community and support among participants as they embarked on their wellness journeys together. The incorporation of Tai Chi offered a holistic approach to health, promoting balance, flexibility, and mental clarity. Furthermore, the innovative Bingocize program combined physical activity with cognitive stimulation, making exercise engaging and enjoyable for participants of all ages. Through these evidence-based interventions, individuals were empowered to take proactive steps towards better health and a higher quality of life.

Veterans Directed Care Program

The Veterans Directed Care (VDC) Program stands as a beacon of support for eligible veterans, offering them a pathway to receive essential in-home care tailored to their individual needs. With a steadfast commitment to enhancing the quality of life for veterans, the VDC Program aims to meticulously identify each veteran’s unique requirements, devise a comprehensive plan of care and services, and ultimately facilitate their ability to remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes, surrounded by loved ones.

In a momentous recognition of its exemplary service and dedication, Pennyrile AAAIL has been distinguished as one of five “Super Hubs” nationwide entrusted with a pivotal role in the expansive reach of Veteran Directed Care. In recent months, the Pennyrile VDC team has invested countless hours in rigorous training sessions conducted in collaboration with the Administration for Community Living and Lewin Group, diligently preparing for the forthcoming expansion across additional states.

As the designated Super Hub, Pennyrile assumes a central role in the VDC network, boasting contracts with 10 VA Medical Centers and over 20 AAA’s (Spoke Agencies) operating within the Pennyrile VDC Hub and Spoke Model. Serving as the linchpin of coordination and oversight, Pennyrile plays a pivotal role in processing all new referrals, providing program governance, and assuming the mantle of financial management for all Spoke Agencies. Presently, Pennyrile’s sphere of influence extends across numerous VA Medical Centers spanning Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Tennessee, and West Virginia, emblematic of its unwavering commitment to serving veterans on a national scale.

Embracing the spirit of anticipation and enthusiasm, we eagerly anticipate the unfolding chapters of our Veteran Directed Care program’s journey on the national stage. The resounding success of this expansion owes much to the visionary leadership and dedication of our esteemed staff, whose tireless efforts continue to propel our mission forward with steadfast resolve and compassion.

Senior Community Service Employment Program

The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) stands as a vital collaboration between several key entities, namely the Kentucky Department for Aging & Independent Living, the Department of Labor, and the Pennyrile Area Agency on Aging & Independent Living. This innovative initiative is designed to extend a helping hand to low-income adults aged 55 and over, providing them with invaluable training and parttime employment opportunities aimed at facilitating their integration into or reintegration into the workforce. Throughout the fiscal year 2024, the program remained steadfast in its commitment, allocating resources to fund a total of 17 SCSEP slots, with a concerted effort to extend support to as many deserving individuals as possible. Ultimately, the impact of this program resonated deeply as it reached beyond mere statistics, with 20 individuals warmly welcomed into its folds, each embarking on a journey of skill development, empowerment, and newfound opportunity.

JOURNEY OF LIFE

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Celebrating Half a Century of Dedicated Service

In June 2024, the Pennyrile Area Agency on Aging will proudly celebrate its golden jubilee, marking five decades of exceptional service and dedication to the community. This noteworthy milestone is the culmination of two years of meticulous planning and concerted effort. It was in June 1974 that the Pennyrile Area Development District was officially designated as an Area Agency on Aging, a pivotal moment that laid the groundwork for fifty years of unparalleled commitment to enhancing the well-being of seniors and their families.

When parents are not present or unable to care for their children, grandparents frequently assume the role. Nurturing a second generation offers numerous benefits, such as the joy of providing your grandchildren with a sense of stability, fostering deeper connections, and maintaining family unity. Nevertheless, it also presents various hurdles. With adequate support, grandparents can significantly impact the lives of their grandchildren. The Kentucky Caregiver Program was created to aid grandparents in raising their grandchildren, provided they meet the low-income criteria and have their grandchildren in the absence of their parents. One grandparent served in the Kentucky Caregiver Program (KCP) is currently raising, along with her spouse, six grandchildren in her home. Having chronic health issues has left her and the family with a financial burden. She learned about the KCP through the Family Resource Center at one of the children’s elementary schools. When dropping off her forms at the PeADD office, she expressed gratitude for the KCP. She bragged about her grandchildren, stating that one was completing a co-op job in HVAC and considering that as his career. Another grandchild is participating in nursing classes in high school with hopes of achieving a nursing degree after high school. The program provided the family with clothing, shoes, hygiene items, bedding, and school supplies for the grandchildren. These resources were much needed and even more appreciated.

This designation, known as “impact” designation, placed the Pennyrile in a group of ADDs chosen for priority funding for Aging programs by the state. During it’s first fiscal year, Pennyrile received $72,000 in federal funds for area wide aging programs under Title III Older Americans Act.

Over the course of 50 years, the Pennyrile Area Agency on Aging has continued to grow and expand services throughout our district, state and nation. Some major program milestones include the National Family Caregiver Program, Medicaid Home and Community Based Waiver programs, Veteran Directed Care programs and a long list of various specialty grants and pilot programs awarded to the Pennyrile Area Agency on Aging.

The current budget for the Area Agency on Aging and Independent Living exceeds $21,000,000. This milestone is testament to the dedication and commitment of everyone involved in the agency’s mission. The dedication, vision and hard work of our staff, council members, volunteers and Board of Directors have undoubtedly been instrumental in the shaping of our success story.

“Embrace your journey and look for the lessons. Believe in divine timing and know that what’s for you will not pass you.” - Cara Alwill Leyba

Expanding Services to Across Multiple States

In November 2023 the Pennyrile AAAIL was contacted by the Administration for Community Living (ACL) and the Lewin Group regarding the national expansion of the Veterans Directed Care Program. Pennyrile is identified as one of five VDC Super-Hubs in the country and provided the opportunity to further expand the program in Kentucky and Tennessee as well as expand into additional states.

The Pennyrile VDC programs have received national attention as it was the first Hub and Spoke Program Model to provide services to veterans in more than one state beginning in 2016.

Pennyrile VDC Programs have successfully completed the National Readiness Review requirement for expansion and is now an approved VDC provider in Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, and West Virginia. We currently have a working relationship with 10 Veterans Administration Medical Centers and over 20 subcontracted Area Agencies on Aging as spoke providers.

We are honored to have the opportunity to provide much-needed services to our veterans throughout the country. This milestone is a testament to the dedication, commitment, and vision of our agency and staff to serve our nation’s veterans.

Client Transportation Reaching Beyond County Lines

Historically, transportation services for the elderly have been limited to remaining within an individual’s county of residence, but this is challenging for senior citizens who need to access medical care outside of their county of residence. In February 2023, an Out of County Transportation Pilot was implemented, with American Rescue Plan Act funds, in Livingston County and Crittenden County. The service provides medical transportation for senior citizens to travel no more than 2 counties outside of their county of residence for medical appointments. There is a $2.00 fee per one-way trip and the service must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. In January 2024, the pilot project was expanded to include Lyon County and Todd County. Since implementation, 41 senior citizens have been served with 9,517 miles of medical transportation.

Paving the Way for New Programs

Assessing a project’s feasibility, effectiveness, and efficiency is best achieved through a pilot project. Essentially, this entails a trial run of the project on a smaller scale and with fewer resources. The aim is to uncover potential issues or areas needing improvement before the full project launch.

The Pennyrile Area Development District was selected to participate in a pilot program called Bridging the Gap. The pilot program is a collaboration among the Office of Dementia Services and three Area Development Districts across the state. The goal of the pilot is to empower lives with Dementia Care Specialists who will assist the person living with dementia and their caregiver. Three AAAIL staff members, Lydia Edwards, Miranda White, and Christi Combs completed training through the Alzheimer’s Association, the Rosalyn Carter Institute for Caregiving, and the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners to receive the Dementia Care Specialists title. The Dementia Care Specialists will provide dementia education and training opportunities in our region while additionally serving the program participants with respite care and assistive devices to help maintain in their own homes.

“You have everything needed for the extravagant journey that is your life.”

- Carlos Castañeda