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SPEDA’s Industrial Leaders Breakfast series

CRITICAL will provide soft-skills, technical training to inmates and help them navigate the job application process

The Somerset-Pulaski County Economic Development Authority (SPEDA) introduced industrial leaders to an evolving initiative Thursday to grow Pulaski County’s workforce while also helping incarcerated men and women gain a new start on life when they are released.

During the second installment of SPEDA’s Industrial Leaders Breakfast series, more than 50 leaders representing 26 Pulaski County businesses listened as those involved in implementing the CRITICAL program — Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Inmates Transforming Individuals, Community and Livelihoods — described its purpose and encouraged local businesses to participate.

This three-phase program will offer soft skills and technical training to inmates at the Pulaski County Detention Center, while also creating a transformational center inside the jail where employees can learn about job opportunities available and interview.

Read the full story on the SPEDA website.

Russell County Jailer Bobby Dunbar and Russell County Attorney Kevin Shearer

The Cumberlands Workforce Development Board October meeting featured an update from Russell County Jailer Bobby Dunbar and Russell County Attorney Kevin Shearer on Russell County's Pre-Release program’s initial inmate information session recently held at the Russell County Detention Center. The purpose of the pre-release program, or LEAP (Linking Employment to Activities Pre-Release), is to successfully bring those with felonies or misdemeanors, or who have extremely low income, into the workforce.

The pre-release program recently provided a group of Russell County inmates with comprehensive resources to help them access pre-employment necessities that many take for granted, such as locating birth certificates, social security cards, identification, etc. The pre-release program partners also provide resources to offer assistance with things like job search, resumes, interview skills, transportation, and even interview clothing. The program’s initial group of inmates have noted an overwhelming success rate with post-incarceration employment. 

Dr. Richard Miles addressing the Cumberlands Workforce Development Board.

Recently Dr. Richard Miles, a family medicine specialist in Russell Springs, gave the Cumberlands Workforce Development Board an overview of the current state of Substance Use Disorder in a presentation titled "SUD as a Chronic Brain Disease.” Dr. Miles offered a better understanding of addiction, its causes and most effective treatments to help mediate the issues of addiction in the workforce.

“Substance Use Disorder is a Chronic Medical Disease and from a public health perspective, it is mandatory that we as physicians and providers treat the disease,” says Miles. He urges employers to recalibrate their understanding of addiction in the workforce, stating "Addiction is a brain disorder, not a character disorder." 

Each of Kentucky’s 10 Local Workforce Areas (LWA) is expected to have at least 33 occupations grow by 20 percent or more in the next 10 years. The Cumberlands LWA is projected to be the fastest-growing job region in the state during the 2016-2026 projection period with an expected growth of 12.53 percent or 14,194 new job openings.

Read the full story in The Lane Report

Kentucky Local Workforce Areas map.

From McCreary County, Company will supply camouflage netting products used by US Army

STEARNS, Ky. – Gov. Matt Bevin, Congressman Hal Rogers, Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle, a former Fox News anchor, joined local officials and executives today from Fibrotex USA for a ribbon-cutting celebration for the company’s first manufacturing facility in the United States, established through a partnership with Outdoor Venture Corp. (OVC). It is expected to create up to 350 full-time jobs via a $12.1 million investment.

“This exciting project will create substantial new economic opportunity in Southeast Kentucky, while also providing crucial, high-tech products for our nation’s armed forces,” Gov. Bevin said. “Outdoor Venture Corporation has been an integral part of McCreary County’s industrial sector for more than 35 years, and it is great to see the company bring another great business to the region. We thank both OVC and Fibrotex USA for the vital work they do—and for their commitment to utilizing Kentucky’s strong workforce to accomplish their mission.”

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Cumberlands Workforce Development Director, Myra Wilson was invited to speak at a recent Wayne County Chamber of Commerce meeting. Director Wilson spoke to a group of community partners about Russell County's pre-release program or LEAP (Linking Employment to Activities Pre-Realease). The purpose of the Pre-Release Program is to successfully bring those with felonies or misdemeanors or who have extremely low income into the workforce. Cumberlands workforce Development and the Pre-release program are working together with key members of our communities to eliminate barriers to employment and self-sufficiency.

A number of community partners were present at the Wayne County Extension Office for the Chamber meeting. Pictured below from left to right are Director, Myra Wilson, Monticello Mayor, Traci Sexton, Cumberlands Workforce Development Board Chairman, Sam Brown, and Wayne County Extension Agent, Glen Roberts.

Wayne Co 81519 web

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