Interagency meeting brings together organizations, promotes local services…

Louisa, KY. — Lawrence County’s Northeast Development Agency hosted an Interagency Meeting on Tuesday, March 29, at the Lawrence County Community Center in Louisa.

The coordinator of the meeting, Bonnie Conn, Director of the KY Career Center, in Lawrence County, has been doing this for a while. “It’s a great opportunity to bring our local agencies and organizations together to find out what services are available, and what new projects each one is working on.” She explained that communication is key in getting people the services they need.

Several organizations were represented at the meeting, including Kentucky Homeplace, Lycom Communications, WV Women Works, Pathways, Dept Of Social Services, Lawrence County Judge’s Office, KY Career Center, Veterans Affairs, and others.

One out of area organization present at the meeting was the New Opportunity School for Women, based in Berea, KY. This organization has been in operation for 29 years, working to help Appalachian women build their confidence and succeed in the workplace.

The three week residential program focuses on personal empowerment and career development. Women participate in a program of intensive coursework involving self esteem, job search skills, creative writing, math, and Appalachian Literature. “We want them to be proud of where they’re from, that’s why we include the Appalachian Literature course” said Sandy Crum, Outreach/Educational Coordinator for the program.

Women who enroll in the program are literally transformed, Crum said. “We see women come in with their head down, and so low, and by the time they leave, they are like different people.” She said their self esteem is so much improved and they leave with the confidence and skills to make a real difference in their lives.

Bonnie Conn encouraged people to participate in the local job club in Lawrence County. “Our job club is one of the most successful clubs of its kind, and is used as a model for others. “We get people from every background, and have placed many, many people in all different kinds of jobs” she said.

Angela McGuire, who works with KY Homeplace, announced that there will be a chronic disease screening on April 14. This organization assists people with dentures, hearing aids, diabetic shoes, and more. “We have gotten diabetic shoes approved for people at no cost to them” she said. Their office is located in the Lawrence County Community Center.

Josh McGuire, Democratic candidate for State Representative was also at the interagency meeting. He said there is a problem with lack of communication in this area, and information needs to be made public.

“There were 72 jobs available in Carter County,” he said. “People need to know what all is available to them.”

For more information on the New Opportunity School for Women, the KY Career Center, or any of the participants at this meeting, call 606-638-4949