Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer joined UPS Vice President Tracy Roberts and representatives from the University of Louisville and Jefferson Community and Technical College at UPS Worldport today to ceremonially sign a memorandum of association (MOA) for extension of the Metropolitan College program. This partnership provides Metro College participants with employment and tuition-free educational opportunities.
“Lifelong learning is one of our city’s core values, and with programs like UPS’ Metro College, we are leading the way in preparing our young people for successful careers while building a stronger economy,” said the Mayor. “Metropolitan College has had a tremendous impact on the city of Louisville, and today’s signing recognizes the value of this longstanding partnership with one of Louisville’s largest employers and the value of workforce development and post-secondary education.”
The new MOA extends the program to April 15, 2027, and under the extension, Metro College will be more intentional in encouraging students to consider careers in high-demand fields and improving career pipeline opportunities. The high-demand fields will be defined by local economic trends, growth opportunities and employer needs. Current fields include computer science and engineering, computer information systems, finance, accounting, and other degrees and certificates offered at UofL and JCTC.
Metro College began in 1998 as a partnership between the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Louisville Metro Government, JCTS, UofL and UPS. Metro College provides access to tuition-free post-secondary education and employment opportunities. The program aims to improve employee recruitment and retention at UPS Worldport, the global package delivery company’s international all-points air hub.
“The extension of the Metropolitan College program is critical for UPS and helps to ensure the longevity of this great example of public-private collaboration,” said UPS President Brendan Canavan. “We look forward to continuing to provide educational and job opportunities in the city of Louisville and Commonwealth of Kentucky for years to come.”
According to UPS, more than 20,000 students have participated in the program (at least one semester) since 1998. Enrollment for the 2018 – 2019 academic year was 2,313.
In all, 5,942 Metro College students have earned 10,050 degrees and certifications. Students from more than 100 Kentucky counties have participated. The program has improved UPS employee retention by 80 percent.
UPS works with a coalition of local companies to identify degree tracks with good employment possibilities and works with these companies to place students in full-time jobs once they graduate.
According to economic analysis by Meench and Shanker, LLC, UPS is responsible for bringing 62,000 direct and indirect jobs to Kentucky – 57,000 of those jobs are in Louisville and surrounding counties. Those jobs represent a payroll of $2.5 billion annually. UPS Worldport turns over cargo for 130 aircraft a day, connecting Louisville to 220 countries and territories. The facility employs nearly 12,000 full-and part-time people. UPS employs over 29,000 full- and part-time workers statewide.
Visit https://metro-college.com/ to learn more about Metro College.
Neighborhood Place partners will help host several events in February including the 8th annual “African American Read-In” at Southwick Community Center in honor of Black History Month, as well as multiple hiring events for the upcoming Census, Sodexo and the Kentucky Health Career Center. To learn more about these offerings and several others please refer to the list below.
Feb. 3, 12, and 14, Passport Health Care Informational Table at multiple locations
A community engagement representative is onsite to answer any questions that Passport members have regarding their plan, benefits and updates on the upcoming waiver.
Feb. 3, 5, 11, 12, 19, and 26, 2020 Census Employment Recruitment at four locations
Become a 2020 Census Taker and support your community. The position entails collection of important data that will determine the state’s representation in Congress as well as how funds are spent in your community on things like roads, schools or hospitals.
Feb. 3, 6 and 11, National Processing Center (NPC) Hiring Events at two locations
National Processing Center (NPC) is the U.S. Census Bureau’s primary center for mail processing, survey processing, data capture, imaging/scanning and warehouse operations. U.S. Census Bureau’s representative will be available to share information about the hundreds of entry-level Office & Warehouse Clerks employment opportunities for the Jeffersonville location. NPC recently increased the starting hourly pay rate for entry level clerks to $14.54 per hour.
Wednesdays, Feb. 5, 12, 19 and 26 – Louisville Forward – Office of Community Development/Office of Housing Outreach at NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 4018 West Market Street. If you are interested in learning more about community housing resources such as Down Payment Assistance Programs, Home Repair Programs, Lead Safe Louisville Programs and current efforts to reduce vacant and abandon properties in our communities, representatives from Louisville Forward will be onsite monthly at NorthWest Neighborhood Place to provide face-to-face valuable information to assist median to low-income community residents. For more information, visit Develop Louisville website at www.Louisvilleky.Gov/DevelopLouisville.
Wednesdays, Feb. 5 – March 25, 4 Your Child Dads Making the Difference at NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Located at 4018 W. Market St. For more information or to register for the upcoming weekly workshops, please contact Dr. Cheri Langley at 709-9323 or by email at 4YourChild@Outlook.com. “4 Your Child” is an eight-week fatherhood program that aims to improve the quantity and quality of fathers’ involvement by integrating responsible parenting, economic stability, and relationship education services. Participants may be compensated for their time up to $220 but registration is required.
Feb. 6, Humana Insurance Informational Table at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Call 313-4635 for more information. A community engagement representative is onsite to answer any questions that members have regarding their plan and updates on the upcoming waiver.
Feb. 6, Sodexo Hiring Opportunities at First Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Road (T.J. Middle School in the W.D. Bruce Building – door #24). Call 313-4700 for more information. Sodexo, a food-service agency, will provide on-the-spot interviews for positions with Jewish Hospital, Our Lady of Peace and University of Louisville Hospital. Bring your resume and be prepared for an interview. This is one of Sodexo’s busiest hiring seasons. Stop by if you are looking for employment that can lead to a full-time or part-time position.
Feb. 6, 13, 18, and 20, A Healthy Journey for Two at multiple locations
Educational Baby Shower A Healthy Journey for Two is an educational baby shower open to any expectant mothers. The class will include a range of information and resources, as well as free baby items, gift cards, prizes, and snacks. Hosted by Seven Counties and KIDSNow. Fathers are welcome but must be registered. For more information, contact Mendy Mason at 341-5400 or melynda.mason@centerstone.org.
Feb. 10, 17 and 24, Kentucky Health Career Center Outreach at three locations
A KentuckianaWorks Health Career Center professional will provide valuable information to help increase your occupation potential including training funds for in-demand occupations; resources for individuals seeking advance healthcare careers; resume writing, career assessments; interview planning; computer essentials, work-based learning opportunities and more.
Feb. 17, Anthem Insurance Information Table at Ujima Neigbhorhood Place, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Call 313-4635 for more information. A community engagement representative is onsite to answer any questions that Passport members have regarding their plan and updates on the upcoming waiver.
Feb. 19, JenCare Senior Medical Center to Discuss Heart Healthy Tips for Seniors at South Jefferson Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. -1p.m.
Located at 1000 Neighborhood Place, JenCare will be on hand with healthy snacks and to share tips for seniors on keeping your heart healthy and knowing the symptoms of a heart attack. Call 363-1483 for more information.
Feb. 20, 8th African American Read-In at Southwick Community Center, 6 p.m.
Located at 3600 Southern Ave. Call 313-4635 for more information. Celebrate black authors through spoken word, dance and Soul Food tasting. Participate in the “Bring a Book, Take a Book” station. Free and open to the public. Sponsored by Ujima Neighborhood Place, Southwick Community Center, Break Every Chain Deliverance Ministry and Councilwoman Jessica Green.
Feb. 27, Birthing While Black Community Conversation at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Contact 354-8424 for more information. Join this community conversation focusing on addressing racial gaps in maternal health. A film screening will take placefrom 6:45 – 7:30 p.m. followed by a discussion. Free and open to the public. Sponsored by Ujima Neighborhood Place, Louisville Metro’s Department of Public Health and Wellness and Healthy Start initiative.
Neighborhood Place partners will host several events in January including several Census Bureau hiring events for positions with the National Processing Center and Census Takers; a Women’s Empowerment session covering eight modules; an Energy Management workshop; a Foster Parent/Adoption Information meeting, and more. To learn more about these offerings and several others please refer to the list below.
Jan. 6, 13 and 27 – Kentucky Health Career Center Outreach at two locations
Call 502/595-4003 for more information. A KentuckianaWorks Health Career Center professional will provide valuable information to help increase your occupation potential including training funds for in-demand occupations; resources for individuals seeking advance healthcare careers; resume writing, career assessments; interview planning; computer essentials, work-based learning opportunities and more.
Jan. 7, 8, 14, 16, 21 and 28 – National Processing Center (NPC) Hiring Events at multiple locations
National Processing Center (NPC) is the U.S. Census Bureau’s primary center for mail processing, survey processing, data capture, imaging/scanning and warehouse operations. A U.S. Census Bureau’s representative will be available to share information about the hundreds of entry-level office and warehouse clerks employment opportunities for the Jeffersonville location. NPC recently increased the starting hourly pay rate for entry level clerks to $14.54 per hour.
Jan. 9 and 14, 2020 Census Employment Recruitment at two locations
Become a 2020 Census Taker and support your community. The position entails collection of important data that will determine the state’s representation in Congress as well as how funds are spent in your community on things like roads, schools or hospitals.
Jan. 9, Sodexo Hiring Opportunity at First Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd. (T.J. Middle School in the W.D. Bruce Building – door #24). Call 313-4700 for more information. Sodexo, a food-service agency, will provide on-the-spot interviews for positions with Jewish Hospital, Our Lady of Peace and University of Louisville Hospital. Bring your resume and be prepared for an interview. This is one of Sodexo’s busiest hiring seasons. Stop by if you are looking for employment that can lead to a full-time or part-time position.
Jan. 9, A Healthy Journey for Two Educational Baby Shower at First Neighborhood Place, 1 – 3 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd. For more information, contact Mendy Mason at 502-341-5400. A Healthy Journey for Two is an educational baby shower open to any expectant mothers. The class will include a range of information and resources, as well as free baby items, gift cards, prizes, and snacks. Hosted by Seven Counties and KIDSNow. Fathers are welcome but must be registered.
Jan. 13, Foster Parent/Adoption Information Meeting at NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 6 – 8 p.m.
Located at 4018 West Market St. Call 595-5437 (KIDS) for more information. Details will be provided on the requirements and process of how to become a foster or adoptive parent such as an explanation of foster care, special needs adoption, and information on foster parent training classes. Sponsored by Kentucky Foster Care and the Special Needs Adoption Program.
Jan. 15, Passport Health Care Informational Table at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 1 – 3 p.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Call 313-4635 for more information. A community engagement representative is onsite to answer any questions that Passport members have regarding their plan, benefits and updates on the upcoming waiver.
Jan. 15, Louisville Forward – Office of Community Development/Office of Housing Outreach at NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 4018 West Market St. Representatives from Louisville Forward will be onsite monthly to provide valuable information to assist median to low-income residents such as Down Payment Assistance, Home Repair and Lead Safe Louisville programs as well as current efforts to reduce vacant and abandon properties in our community. For more information, visit Develop Louisville website at www.Louisvilleky.gov/DevelopLouisville.
Mondays, Jan. 27 – March 16, Bridges of Hope Women’s Empowerment Group, 5 – 7 p.m.
Located at 1411 Algonquin Pkwy. Call 634-6050 for more information. The Bridges of Hope Women’s Empowerment Group was created by women to serve women to provide a safe and welcoming space to speak openly and candidly about topics such as relationships, parenting, addressing vicarious trauma, mental and physical health, grief and self-care. Each of the sessions is free and snacks will be provided.
Jan. 28, Energy Management Workshop at Ujima Neighborhod Place, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Call 313-4635 to register. This workshop will provide all the information and tools you need to help weatherize your home. Energy saving tips and weatherization demonstrations will prepare all attending to keep drafts away. Materials are free to all that attend. Sponsored in collaboration with Project Warm.
Gov. Andy Beshear and Mayor Greg Fischer joined U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth today in announcing that YouthBuild Louisville is receiving a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to expand its services in the Louisville Community.
YouthBuild provides at-risk youth, ages 16-24, with education and occupational skill development to obtain employment in construction and other in-demand industries. In all, the Labor Department awarded 67 grants totaling up to $85 million to support and expand YouthBuild programs across the country.
“Job training and education are key to preparing our nation’s young men and women for economic success,” U.S. Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia said. “By investing in these local workforce development programs, the Department is expanding opportunities for at-risk youth in communities across the country.”
Lynn Rippy, president and CEO for YouthBuild Louisville, said the money will support ongoing programming and allow the agency to assist 10 additional youths a year.
“All young people need support to successfully reach adulthood,” Rippy said. “YouthBuild offers our previously challenged young adults a chance to grow with the love, skill building and future-creating opportunities that we afford our own children. We are so grateful to be able to expand our work together with some of Louisville’s most resilient young adult leaders.”
“This federal funding is well-earned and highlights YouthBuild Louisville’s success in making our city home to one of the best youth education and workforce development programs in the nation,” said Congressman Yarmuth, who is chairman of the House Budget Committee. “The dedicated young people who participate in this program are working to embrace their full potential while also contributing to the community around them. I’m so proud of the work Lynn Rippy and her team have done to empower our local youth and make YouthBuild Louisville such a nationally recognized success story.”
“This funding will provide more young people in Kentucky an opportunity to learn valuable skills, provide for their families and succeed,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Everyone matters in Kentucky, and this grant will create a pathway for more young people in the Commonwealth to thrive.”
“This grant means more young people can come through the doors here at YouthBuild and develop skills that will make them an asset to companies that are thriving in our growing city,” said Mayor Fischer. “I’m so proud of programs like this that create concrete opportunities for kids who struggle, opening doors to a brighter future.”
“YouthBuild programs have the ability to change the lives of thousands of American students,” said Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training John Pallasch. “Today’s announcement will provide new opportunities for young people across the country to take the first step toward good-paying careers.”
The Department has administered the YouthBuild program since 2006. Program participants learn construction skills while constructing or rehabilitating affordable housing for low-income or homeless families in their own neighborhoods, as well as other occupational skills for in-demand industries that also require real-world work experience components. Young people split their time between the occupational skills training site and the classroom, where they earn their high school diploma or equivalency degree and prepare for postsecondary opportunities.
Afternoon Lecture Series
Frank Kelderman | Afloat at Locust Grove: Traversing Indian Diplomacy on the Ohio River
Wednesday, November 6, 1:15 pm
In 1842, the Choctaw diplomat Peter Pitchlynn had a chance encounter with the author Charles Dickens on a steamboat on the Ohio River, between Cincinnati and Louisville. Pitchlynn was returning from diplomatic business in Washington; Dickens was traveling the country to write his “American Notes” (1842). In this talk, Frank Kelderman takes Dickens’s account of their meeting as a starting point for exploring the Ohio River as a thoroughfare for Indian diplomacy, connecting the eastern United States to Indian country. Drawing on literature, visual art, and archival materials, this talk will give an account of indigenous presence in a region where that presence has long been unrecognized.
Frank Kelderman is an assistant professor of English at the University of Louisville, where he specializes in 19th-century Native American literature. He is the author of “Authorized Agents: Publication and Diplomacy in the Era of Indian Removal” (SUNY Press, 2019), which examines Native American writing and oratory from the Upper Missouri River to the Great Lakes. His research has also been published in the journals “American Literature,” “American Studies,” “J19: The Journal of Nineteenth-Century Americanists,” and “Great Plains Quarterly.”
This program is part of the city-wide program Afloat: An Ohio River Way of Life.
The Locust Grove Afternoon Lecture Series is held the first Wednesday of each month. Dessert and coffee are served at 1:00 pm with the lecture immediately following at 1:15 pm. Admission is $6, $4 for Friends of Historic Locust Grove. Reservations are not required.
Richard Bell | Stolen: Five Free Boys Kidnapped into Slavery and Their Astonishing Odyssey Home
Thursday, November 7, 6:30 pm
Richard Bell, associate professor of Early American History at the University of Maryland, returns to Locust Grove with his new book, Stolen: Five Free Boys Kidnapped into Slavery and Their Astonishing Odyssey Home. Stolen recounts the gripping and true story about five boys who were kidnapped in the North and smuggled into slavery in the Deep South—and their daring attempt to escape and bring their captors to justice, reminiscent of Twelve Years A Slave and Never Caught. Dr. Bell will speak about how their ordeal—an odyssey that takes them from the Philadelphia waterfront to the marshes of Mississippi and then onward still—shines a glaring spotlight on the Reverse Underground Railroad, a black market network of human traffickers and slave traders who stole away thousands of legally free African Americans from their families in order to fuel slavery’s rapid expansion in the decades before the Civil War. http://bit.ly/richardbell
Admission is $15/$12 for members. Reservations required; visit http://bit.ly/richardbell for tickets. Cash bar available; doors open at 6:00 pm.
Emilie Strong Smith Chamber Music Concert Series
Armonia e Passione: “Concerto alla Rustica”
Sunday, November 17, 5:30 pm
Enjoy a feast of Italian music for Baroque string band, with the music of Vivaldi, Marini, Bertali, and more from Armonia e Passione, a 17th-century Italian string band based in St Louis featuring Celina Casado, Stephanie Hunt, and Jeff Noonan, and led by William Bauer.
Locust Grove’s Emilie Strong Smith Chamber Music Series offers concertgoers a unique opportunity. Patrons delight in music that the Clarks and Croghans would have heard in the room where they most likely would have enjoyed it — the second-floor Great Parlor of the historic house.
Refreshments at 5:00 p.m.; concert in Locust Grove’s Great Parlor begins at 5:30 p.m. Individual concerts are $20 each. Pre-paid reservations are required–please call (502) 897-9845.
Season subscriptions may be purchased by calling Locust Grove at (502) 897-9845. Categories are Patron, $200; Supporter, $100; and Subscriber, $70.
Neighborhood Place partners offer a variety workshops and resources in November to help strengthen households including hiring events from National Processing Center and Sodexo, energy management workshops provided by Project Warm, and a Foster Parent/Adoption Information meeting. To learn more about these offerings and several others please refer to the list below.
Nov. 4, 11, 18 and 25, Kentucky Health Career Center Outreach at two locations Call 502/595-4003 for more information. A KentuckianaWorks Health Career Center professional will provide valuable information to help increase your occupation potential including training funds for in-demand occupations; resources for individuals seeking advance healthcare careers; resume writing, career assessments; interview planning; computer essentials, work-based learning opportunities and more.
Nov. 4, Foster Parent/Adoption Information Meeting at NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 6 – 8 p.m.
Located at 4018 W. Market St. Call 595-5437 (KIDS) for more information. Detailed information will be provided on the requirements and process of how to become a foster or adoptive parent. Information such as an explanation of foster care, special needs adoption, and information on foster parent training classes will be provided. Sponsored by the Kentucky Foster Care and the Special Needs Adoption Program.
Nov. 4, 7, 8, 12, 14, 19 and 26 National Processing Center (NPC) Hiring Events at multiple locations
National Processing Center (NPC) is the U.S. Census Bureau’s primary center for mail processing, survey processing, data capture, imaging/scanning and warehouse operations. A U.S. Census Bureau’s representative will be available to share information about the hundreds of entry-level office and warehouse clerks employment opportunities for the Jeffersonville location. NPC recently increased the starting hourly pay rate for entry level clerks to $14.54 per hour!
Nov. 7, Sodexo Hiring Opportunity at First Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Road (T.J. Middle School in the W.D. Bruce Building – door #24). Call 313-4700 for more information. Sodexo, a food-service agency, will provide on-the-spot interviews for positions with Jewish Hospital, Our Lady of Peace and University of Louisville Hospital. Bring your resume and be prepared for an interview. This is one of Sodexo’s busiest hiring seasons. Stop by if you are looking for employment that can lead to a full-time or part-time position.
Nov. 14, A Healthy Journey for Two Educational Baby Shower at First Neighborhood Place, 1- 3 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd. This educational baby shower is open to any expectant mothers. The class will include a range of information and resources, as well as free baby items, gift cards, prizes, and snacks. Hosted by Centerstone and KIDSNow. Fathers are welcome but must be registered. For more information, contact Mendy Mason at 502-341-5400.
Nov. 15, Energy Management Workshops at three locations
Call 636-9276 for more information. Project Warm’s free workshops help families take control of their energy usage and learn “do-it-yourself” energy-saving tips. FREE Supplies will be distributed at the end of the workshop such as roll of clear plastic, tape, caulk/foam to seal gaps and air leaks around windows and doors.
Nov. 20, Car Seat Safety Class at NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 12 – 1 p.m.
Located at 4018 West Market St. at the Academy at Shawnee. Call 502.574.6661 for more information. Proper use of car seats helps keep children safe. However, with so many different seats on the market, many parents find this overwhelming. If you are expectant parents or if you have a young child(ren), join this informative class hosted by the Healthy Start program to learn how to properly install a car seat in your car to ensure vehicle safety for your child(ren).
Nov. 21, The Greatest Louisville Smoke Out at Parkhill Community Center, 5 – 7 p.m.
Located at 1703 S. 13th Street. For more information, call Celine at 502/341-0694 and inquire about possible transportation assistance by November 14. The event focuses on connecting the community to promote smoking cessation and to answer questions about the quitline, medications and health services, and one-on-one coaching. Features health screenings, a cooking demonstration, free food, door prizes, photo booth, games, vendors and photo booth. Transportation assistance may be available Sponsored in part by the Shawnee Healthcare Center, Bridges of Hope Neighborhood Place and other community partners.
This month at Locust Grove:
Afternoon Lecture Series
Stuart Sanders: Kentucky Duels
Wednesday, October 2, 1:15 pm
You’re aware of Alexander Hamilton’s duel with Aaron Burr, but did you know that there were some remarkable affairs of honor in Kentucky? Join author and public historian Stuart W. Sanders to discuss some of the Commonwealth’s most remarkable duels and their impact on the Bluegrass State. It’s a lecture at ten paces!
The Locust Grove Afternoon Lecture Series is held the first Wednesday of each month. Dessert and coffee are served at 1:00 pm with the lecture immediately following at 1:15 pm. Admission is $6, $4 for Friends of Historic Locust Grove. Reservations are not required.
Part of The Age of Hamilton series at Locust Grove.
Frankenstein: A Reading Performance by Kentucky Shakespeare
Tuesday, October 22, 7:00 pm
Right in time for Halloween, join Kentucky Shakespeare in the great parlor inside Locust Grove’s historic home as they bring this classic story to life in a staged reading performance. Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley wrote and published Frankenstein during the Croghan’s occupancy of Locust Grove, making this a perfect melding of worlds to mark the season. Light refreshments provided. Tickets $20 per person or $15 for Locust Grove members; prepaid reservations required. Visit http://bit.ly/lgfrankenstein to reserve. Doors open at 6:00 pm; performance begins at 7:00 pm.
18th Century Market Fair
Saturday, October 26 and Sunday, October 27 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
Experience the 18th century with all five senses! You are invited to join Locust Grove and the Illinois Regiment of Virginia as we bring the spirit of the past alive with the Market Fair. You can participate in 18th-century style entertainment, purchase replicas of 18th-century military and household items and enjoy food and drink as our founders did. See the sheep, and horses, and meet and converse with early Americans. Mock battles for our country’s independence feature General George Rogers Clark’s own company, the Illinois Regiment of Virginia, as well as British Dragoons and Marines. Admission $8 adults, $4 children.