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Gov. Matt Bevin today announced Pounds of Plastic Inc., a supplier to the automotive and general manufacturing industries, will locate in Owenton with a more than $4.1 million investment expected to create 54 full-time jobs.
“Kentucky has a world-class automotive industry, leading the United States in vehicles produced per capita,” Gov. Bevin said. “It is exciting to see continuing growth within the auto industry at all levels, and it begins with suppliers like Pounds of Plastic. We are grateful for the strong collaboration between this company and state and local economic development leaders, resulting in 54 new jobs that will benefit families in Owen County and the surrounding region.”
Pounds of Plastic will locate in the former Itron Inc. warehouse, a 30,000-square-foot building across from the former Itron manufacturing facility. Itron closed its Owenton operations this spring, laying off about 400 employees.
At the plant, Pounds of Plastic will manufacture custom polymers and thermoplastics for automotive customers. The company’s investment will cover costs to renovate the facility and purchase new equipment. Company leaders noted proximity to existing and prospective customers as a deciding factor in selecting both Kentucky and Owenton. Work on the project is expected to begin in November, with the facility operational by December.
“We are truly excited to become part of your community and look forward to a mutually prosperous partnership in the years ahead,” said Richard Pounds, owner and president of Pounds of Plastic. “We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the fantastic representatives of the government of Owen County and the state of Kentucky who made this possible. Our decision to choose this location over other potential locales in other states is a testament to the dedication of these individuals. We look forward to calling Owen County home.”
Based in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, Pounds of Plastic specializes in custom polymers and thermoplastics used in automotive and a variety of other industries. As well, the company provides technical expertise for customers including assistance with recycling programs. Richard Pounds founded the company in 1997 in response to an insufficient supply of nylon compounds and other materials for use by southern Ontario’s moulding industry. Since then, the company grew to service processors throughout North America.
Sen. Julian Carroll, of Frankfort, said the local workforce is ready to serve its newest company.
“This auto supplier will strengthen our community through new jobs and improvements to the local economy,” Sen. Carroll said. “We stand ready with a skilled workforce to meet the company’s needs and look forward to a long and prosperous partnership.”
Rep. Phillip Pratt, of Georgetown, said statewide, pro-business policy changes have made projects like this possible.
“The new jobs and economic opportunity that Pounds of Plastic is bringing to Owenton is the direct result of the pro-business, pro-jobs approach I have brought to Frankfort,” Rep. Pratt said. “These new jobs will bring increased economic opportunity for our families, and are just the latest addition to Kentucky’s manufacturing comeback. I’m proud of our efforts in Frankfort to promote policies that strengthen our economy and create this kind of good news for our working families.”
Mayor David Wotier noted the team effort necessary to make the project a reality.
“I speak on behalf of the city of Owenton: We are very excited to welcome Pounds of Plastic to Owenton,” Mayor Wotier said. “Their commitment has certainly been a breath of fresh air for us and will positively affect our economy. Thanks to all the hard work and diligent efforts of everyone at the Cabinet for Economic Development. There’s been a great spirit of teamwork involved.”
Owen County Judge-Executive Casey Ellis said the arrival of Pounds of Plastic leads the way for new growth in the community.
“On behalf of the citizens of Owen County, I would like to thank Gov. Bevin for his leadership in assisting to expedite the commonwealth’s economic incentive package as well as Rich Pounds, president of Pounds of Plastic, for choosing Owen County for his first US manufacturing location,” Judge-Executive Ellis said. “The prospect of this many new jobs locating to Owen County is only the beginning in revitalizing our community with new economic growth opportunities.”
To encourage the investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) on Thursday preliminarily approved the company for tax incentives up to $900,000 through the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based incentive allows a company to keep a portion of its investment over the agreement term through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments by meeting job and investment targets.
In addition, Pounds of Plastic can receive resources from the Kentucky Skills Network. Through the Kentucky Skills Network, companies can receive no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job training incentives. In fiscal year 2017, the Kentucky Skills Network provided training for more than 120,000 Kentuckians and 5,700 companies from a variety of industry sectors.
Photo: Kentucky Education And Workforce Development Cabinet
Kentucky’s seasonally adjusted preliminary September 2018 unemployment rate was 4.5 percent, according to the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS), an agency of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. The unemployment rate for September 2018 was up from the 4.4 percent reported for August 2018.
The preliminary September 2018 jobless rate was down 0.2 percentage points from the 4.7 percent recorded for the state in September 2017.
The U.S. seasonally adjusted jobless rate for September 2018 was 3.7 percent, down 0.2 percentage points from the 3.9 percent reported for August 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Labor force statistics, including the unemployment rate, are based on estimates from the Current Population Survey of households. The survey is designed to measure trends in the number of people working. It includes jobs in agriculture and individuals who are self-employed.
Kentucky added 2,311 individuals to its civilian labor force in September 2018. This brings the state’s labor force to 2,073,753. The number of people employed in September was up by 777, while the number unemployed increased by 1,534.
“The total number of people working in Kentucky increased during September,” said University of Kentucky’s Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER) Associate Director Mike Clark, Ph.D. “However, the increase in the number of people who were unemployed was greater—causing the unemployment rate to increase.”
In a separate federal survey of business establishments that excludes jobs in agriculture and people who are self-employed, Kentucky’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm employment increased by 2,100 jobs in September 2018 compared to August 2018. Kentucky has added 14,500 jobs since September 2017, a 0.8 percent employment growth.
“Among the more notable results from the employment data that BLS released this month are the revisions for August,” Clark said. “The preliminary data released last month had suggested that Kentucky’s employment decreased in August. The revised data show employment increased by 3,700 in August. This was followed by an additional 2,100 jobs in the preliminary estimates for September.”
Nonfarm data is provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Current Employment Statistics program. According to this survey, six of Kentucky’s 11 major nonfarm North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) job sectors saw employment increases from the previous month while four declined and one was unchanged.
Employment in Kentucky’s construction sector jumped 2.3 percent, adding 1,700 jobs from August 2018 to September 2018. Over the past 12 months, construction employment is down 900 positions or 1.2 percent.
Trade, transportation and utilities sector gained 900 jobs in September 2018. All three subsectors showed growth from August 2018 to September 2018. Wholesale trade added 600 positions; retail trade gained 200 positions; and transportation, warehousing and utilities added 100 positions. This sector has expanded by 9,700 positions or 2.4 percent since September 2017.
Employment in the professional and business services sector increased by 500 jobs from August 2018 to September 2018, a gain of 0.2 percent. This sector has added 3,500 jobs since September 2017.
The leisure and hospitality sector increased by 300 jobs from August 2018 to September 2018. The accommodations and food service subsector added 400 jobs, while the arts, entertainment and recreation subsector fell by 100 jobs in September 2018. Since September 2017, leisure and hospitality has lost 600 positions or 0.3 percent.
Education and health services sector grew by 100 jobs in September 2018. Within this sector, health care and social assistance added 200 jobs and educational services lost 100 jobs. Employment in education and health services for September 2018 was up 900 since a year ago.
Employment in Kentucky’s mining and logging sector rose by 100 jobs from August 2018 to September 2018. Employment in this sector is up 200 positions since September 2017.
Employment in the financial activities sector was unchanged from August 2018 to September 2018. This sector has gained 1,000 jobs since last September. Within the sector, the finance and insurance subsector added 100 jobs and the real estate, rental and leasing subsector lost 100 jobs.
Kentucky’s manufacturing sector decreased by 200 jobs from August 2018 to September 2018, a drop of 0.1 percent. Durable goods manufacturing declined by 600 jobs. Employment in nondurable goods manufacturing added 400 jobs in September. Kentucky’s manufacturing employment was up by 400 since September 2017.
“The revised August estimates suggest that manufacturing employment did not decline as indicated initially last month,” said Clark. “However, the data does point to more variation in manufacturing employment from month-to-month, which might indicate that manufacturers are less certain about demand for their products.”
Information services sector lost 100 jobs in September 2018. This sector has declined by 300 jobs since September 2017. The industries in this sector include traditional publishing as well as software publishing; motion pictures and broadcasting; and telecommunications.
The government sector decreased by 1,000 jobs in September 2018. Federal government employment declined by 200 jobs; state government jobs fell by 100; and local government fell by 700 jobs. Total government employment is down 300 since September 2017.
Employment in the other services sector was down by 200 from August 2018 to September 2018. Other services rose by 900 jobs from a year ago for a growth rate of 1.4 percent since September 2017. Other services sector includes repairs and maintenance, personal care services and religious organizations.
Civilian labor force statistics include nonmilitary workers and unemployed Kentuckians who are actively seeking work. They do not include unemployed Kentuckians who have not looked for employment within the past four weeks.
Kentucky’s statewide unemployment rate and employment levels are seasonally adjusted. Employment statistics undergo sharp fluctuations due to seasonal events, such as weather changes, harvests, holidays and school openings and closings. Seasonal adjustments eliminate these influences and make it easier to observe statistical trends. However, because of the small sample size, county unemployment rates are not seasonally adjusted.
Learn more about Kentucky labor market information at http://kystats.ky.gov/KYLMI.
Photo: Kentucky Cabinet For Economic Development
Gov. Matt Bevin congratulated AgTech Scientific for breaking ground on a new facility to develop and manufacture hemp-based products in Paris. The facility is part of AgTech’s plan to work with Kentucky farmers to grow hemp and to partner with the University of Kentucky on research.
“The hemp industry is expanding rapidly, and Kentucky is on the leading edge of this growth in terms of its science and commercial viability,” Gov. Bevin said. “AgTech Scientific’s exciting new venture represents a unique collaboration with the state’s agricultural community, the University of Kentucky, and the Commonwealth of Kentucky. We are grateful for AgTech’s investment in Bourbon County, and we look forward to the innovation and job growth that will take root in the Bluegrass State as a result.”
Today’s ceremony took place in Paris, where AgTech is building a 50,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art structure on a 10-acre site in the Bourbon County Business Park, 333 Cleveland Drive. The company has an option to purchase an additional 10 acres there. AgTech’s initial $5 million investment is expected to grow substantially. AgTech will start with around 50 employees, projected to grow to 271 within three years.
“The Ag Tech team is excited to announce that our first beta test planting season has been a success. We initially planned on 2,000 plants. However, as word and interest in our project spread in the farming community, we ended up planting 200,000 plants in 2018,” said Dr. Brian King, the company’s chief strategy officer. “We are planning to plant over 4 million plants next season. Our new state of the art 50,000-square-foot facility in Bourbon County will allow us to scale operations and ensure top quality throughout the supply chain. We deeply thank everyone in the community who has made this possible. Some of the biggest help came from the Governor, Ag Commissioner Quarles, Congressman Andy Barr, Matt Koch, Bourbon County Executive and all the great farmers of Kentucky.”
More than 6,700 acres of hemp were planted in Kentucky in 2018 under the Kentucky Department of Agriculture Industrial Hemp Research Pilot Program, placing the commonwealth behind only Colorado among all states in total industrial hemp acres planted. Approved Kentucky growers have skyrocketed from 20 at the program’s outset in 2014 to 210 in July 2018.
Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles noted the state’s success in the burgeoning industry.
“Kentucky continues to be a leader in industrial hemp production,” Commissioner Quarles said. “We congratulate AgTech Scientific on this important milestone. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture will continue working hard to position the commonwealth as the epicenter of industrial hemp research.”
AgTech holds both a Processor/Handler License and a Grower License from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture hemp program and intends to partner with Kentucky farmers for largescale hemp production. The company would then extract cannabidiol (CBD) from the locally grown hemp. CBD differs from THC, the intoxicant in marijuana. Initially, the facility would produce an energy drink incorporating CBD and would later expand its product lineup.
In partnership with the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, AgTech is researching potential health benefits of hemp-based additives for animal food. AgTech plans to eventually begin manufacturing pet and equine foods, among other products, contingent on changes to regulations.
Sen. Stephen West, of Paris, said he is eager to see the fruit of the company’s labor.
“I’m pleased to hear that AgTech Scientific has chosen Paris as the home for its new facility as the hemp industry continues to grow in our state,” Sen. West said. “I look forward to seeing what this partnership with the University of Kentucky can produce and the opportunities it will bring to Bourbon County.”
Paris Mayor Mike Thornton said the company’s presence could have a far-reaching impact locally.
“We are excited to welcome AgTech Scientific to Paris and Bourbon County. I look forward to helping them grow and expand on the opportunities that this area can provide,” Mayor Thornton said. “Their willingness to locate in Paris creates much needed employment opportunities and offers an exciting new process for industrial hemp that will surely be a huge benefit to our local farmers. I anticipate seeing great things from AgTech Scientific in the future.”
Bourbon County Judge-Executive Michael R. Williams said he is proud to see the community at the forefront of a new industry with unlimited potential.
“Bourbon County is thrilled to have AgTech Scientific join our family of business partners. This is a great day for all of Bourbon County and central Kentucky,” Judge-Executive Williams said. “Their impact on our farmers has already been very positive and will continue to bolster our already leading-edge agricultural economy. They will truly be pioneers in an industry that is positioned to bring new prosperity and a bright future to our farms and businesses. Their plans for more than 200 jobs in the processing plant is a major impact to the economy and their confidence and support of Bourbon County will be the inspiration for other businesses who will consider our community in the future. It’s a great day for Bourbon County and a great day for Kentucky. Welcome AgTech Scientific to your new home and your new business family!
To encourage the investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) in January preliminarily approved the company for tax incentives up to $2.4 million through the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based incentive allows a company to keep a portion of its investment over the agreement term through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments by meeting job and investment targets.
In addition, AgTech can receive resources from the Kentucky Skills Network. Through the Kentucky Skills Network, companies can receive no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job training incentives. In fiscal year 2017, the Kentucky Skills Network provided training for more than 120,000 Kentuckians and 5,700 companies from a variety of industry sectors.
For more information on AgTech, visit www.agtechscientific.com.
From computer coding to manufacturing and life-guarding to public finance, a record number of young people — 6,200 — gained new skills and confidence working at businesses and job sites throughout Louisville this summer as part of the SummerWorks program.
Mayor Fischer today congratulated youth and thanked the many private sector and non-profit employers who hired youth ages 16-21. That number includes 1,004 youth employed by companies and organizations that directly teamed with KentuckianaWorks and YouthBuild to provide more extensive career guidance and support.
Since its start in 2011, SummerWorks and its partner-employers have put more than 23,000 young people into summer jobs.
“SummerWorks is helping build critical skills with our young people, including many who might not otherwise have this opportunity to learn and grow in the right direction,” the Mayor said. “This effort not only helps ensure that Louisville is a city of opportunity for all our young people – it’s also helping build a pipeline of new talent which is crucial.”
At a season-closing event at the Humana Digital Experience Center, several young people shared their summer job experiences:
- Elanna Carr, 20, said her work in Public Finance at Hilliard Lyons was a “perfect real-life work fit and very beneficial,” even convincing her to major in Economics at the University of Louisville;
- Teandre Blincoe, 17, who worked in technology on the IT Service Desk at Humana, said the experience “meant a lot to me in building my customer skills and showing me possible career opportunities in the tech field.”
- Grace Hotkewicz, 17, who taught art to pre-school children at the Speed Art Museum. “I learned so much and it was a perfect fit for my career goal of creating digital animation for kids.”
Other SummerWorks’ youth worked in hospitals, restaurants, museums, banks and hotels. Working closely with supervisors and mentors, young people worked on manufacturing assembly lines and grocery check-out lanes, assisted companies with IT and human resources needs, worked in tourism and helped ship packages around the world.
Key employer-partner companies, including GE Appliances, Humana, Kentucky Kingdom, Kindred Healthcare and UPS, increased their direct hiring of SummerWorks youth from 2017. New employers included Dine Company, Hilliard Lyons, HJI Supply Chain Solutions, Kentuckiana Comfort Center, iQor, Louisville Bats, Spectrum and StoryWood Bowties.
More than 40 private-sector businesses participated this summer, and Mayor Fischer said a top goal for 2019 is to greatly increase the number of companies hiring youth.
Private donations sponsored 237 youth in jobs at dozens of non-profit organizations and public agencies, including Americana Community Center, Boys and Girls Clubs, Family Health Centers, the Food Literacy Project and Workwell Industries. TARC bus passes were provided to many youth to help get them to and from their jobs.
SummerWorks is playing a stronger role in shaping young talent through its partnership with the new Academies of Louisville initiative, which was rolled out at 14 JCPS high schools this year. The goal is for every student to have had a summer job experience by the time they graduate their Academy high school.
SummerWorks also helped build entrepreneurial skills by providing small grants to five organizations that engaged youth in summer projects ranging from bringing fresh produce to West Louisville, to providing digital skills to young women, to building a new bicycle pump track at Shawnee Park.
“We are thrilled to see this initiative grow and evolve in both the quantity of and quality of the job opportunities young people are able to experience,” said Michael Gritton, executive director of KentuckianaWorks, which operates SummerWorks in partnership with YouthBuild Louisville.
The Mayor launched SummerWorks right after taking office in 2011, in response to the elimination of federal funding for summer jobs. That first year, 200 young people were placed in jobs. The program was recognized by the U.S. Conference of Mayors in 2014 as one of the nation’s best summer jobs programs for young people.
The program’s core operating funds are approved by the Louisville Metro Council. Private donations sponsor jobs for youth in greatest need of the opportunity. Those contributors include the James Graham Brown Foundation, JPMorgan Chase Foundation, Diaz Family Foundation, Gheens Foundation, Mary Gwen Wheeler and David Jones, Jr. and other organizations and individuals.
The Mayor urged employers to make plans now to hire or support summer jobs for 2019. More information is at www.summerworks.org .
Code Louisville, which provides training to help people quickly enter the technology field, has helped more than 250 people start or advance their careers in technology, Mayor Greg Fischer announced.“It is critical for our economy and our community’s future to have as many people as possible gaining the skills to embrace the technologies of today and tomorrow,” Mayor Fischer said. “So, it’s exciting that a homegrown initiative like Code Louisville has become a national model for developing tech talent – and our goal is to take that to an even higher level.”
There have been 821 graduates of the 12-week training course, ranging in age from 18 to 71. Graduates have landed jobs at more than 150 local companies, with an average starting salary of about $48,000.
The free training has been a game-changer for many participants, including Tina Maddox, who was a stay-at-home mom when she started Code Louisville. Now, she is a Junior DevOps Engineer at Louisville-based El Toro Internet Marketing.
“I wouldn’t have the job I have today without this training, it’s changed my life,” Maddox said. “It was very hard work but I’m proof that it absolutely can be done, even without any type of tech background.”
Maddox is one of 12 Code Louisville graduates hired by El Toro, helping the company keep pace with its recent growth of more than 12,000 percent.
“This program has been great for Louisville and for El Toro,” said Stacy Griggs, president & CEO of El Toro. “As we have scaled from a half dozen employees to over 100 team members in the last four years, it’s been vitally important to have a strong pipeline of software development talent. Code Louisville has been an important factor in increasing the amount of tech talent available in Louisville.”
Other local companies that have hired multiple graduates include Appris, GE Appliances, Humana, Interapt, QSR Automations and Zirmed.
Code Louisville is designed specifically to help people prepare for software development jobs. During the online training provided through Treehouse, participants are supported by volunteer mentors, many of whom are themselves Code Louisville graduates. The program has had more than 130 mentors involved.
“This training is truly changing lives while also providing a quick pipeline of fresh talent that is helping meet the evolving demands of our existing employers and also companies that are eyeing Louisville for relocation or expansion,” said Michael Gritton, executive director of KentuckianaWorks which operates Code Louisville. “The diversity of participants is amazing: people of all ages and backgrounds, with GEDs to Ph.Ds, and from plumber assistants to math teachers and professionals from other countries.”
The program launched with federal funding in 2014, but interest and participation exploded in April 2015 when President Barack Obama visited and cited Code Louisville as a model for the national TechHire initiative, which had just started.
As a testament to the program’s need and popularity, there are currently more than 1,000 people on a waiting list. Admission is prioritized for those in greatest need, including individuals who are unemployed, from lower income families and veterans.
Code Louisville is funded through a Workforce Innovation Fund grant from the U.S. Department of Labor.
The program is based just west of the city’s NuLu neighborhood. More information is available at codelouisville.org.
Photo: Louisville Forward
Louisvillians hoping to find a fresh start, help with finances or a new career direction will find a wealth of opportunities at the “Be Empowered at the Nia” event on Thursday, May 10. The event is being held at the Nia Center, 2900 W. Broadway, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Resources and activities include free credit reports and one-on-one credit counseling, a career fair, workshops focusing on work readiness and small business resources, adult education services and GED information, financial education tools and products on the BB&T Bank Bus, and HIV testing. This event also features free food, door prizes and ample parking as well free bus tickets donated by TARC that will serve as some of the door prizes as well as distributed in advance to assist residents interested in attending the event.
Sponsored by BB&T, the “Be Empowered” event brings together partner agencies at the Nia Center including the Office of Financial Empowerment — part of Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services, Louisville Forward, KentuckianaWorks’ Kentucky Career Center, and TARC along with Apprisen, Bank on Louisville, Cardinal Success Program, Jefferson County Clerk’s Office, Job Corps, Keeping It Real Neighborhood Institute, Louisville Asset Building Coalition, Louisville Metro Human Relations Commission and My Chosen People.The Career Fair will be held at the Kentucky Career Center on the first floor between 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. including more than fifteen employers from the public and private sectors. Job seekers are encouraged to bring a photo ID and copies of a resume or work history and come dressed to meet employers. Pre-register online at https://focuscareer.ky.gov/careerexplorer/home or arrive early to register and even print your resume. For assistance preparing a resume in advance, visit the Kentucky Career Center at the Nia Center, 2900 W. Broadway Suite 100, or at 600 West Cedar.
Participating employers at the Career Fair include:
- AC Hotels
- AFLAC
- Amazon
- Copart
- G4S
- Jefferson County Clerk Office
- Jefferson County Public Schools
- Job Corps
- Marriott
- Ollie’s Bargain Outlet
- Omni Hotel
- Pizza Hut
- Radial
- Republic Bank
- TARC
- Transcend Credit Un ion
- Trimen Solutions
- University of Louisville Human Resources
- S. Census Bureau
- Webster University
Also featured will be the BB&T Bank Bus between 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. a 40-foot mobile classroom providing credit report education, unclaimed property searches, self-file income tax preparation stations, as well as comprehensive financial services. BB&T personnel will also be available to help with checking and savings accounts and other financial services and provide access to computer-based Money Smart Financial Education.
Eleven free workshops will be offered throughout the day including:
- Expungement Process 10 a.m.
- Bankruptcy 11 a.m.
- Resume Writing 11 a.m.
- Credit as an Asset 11 a.m.
- Opioid Crisis and the Community 12 p.m.
- Educational Training Opportunities 1 p.m.
- Louisville Metro Certification 1 p.m.
- Interviewing Skills 1 p.m.
- Identity Theft 1 p.m.
- Income Tax Issues 2:p.m.
- Small Business Resources 2 p.m.
“The Financial Empowerment and Job Fair Day is a great example of how the Nia Center partners are working together to offer an array of workforce and entrepreneurial development resources for our community,” said Gena Redmon Harris, director of Louisville Metro Resilience and Community Services. “We want residents to walk away feeling empowered to strengthen their households and change their future.”
Participants at the May 10 event are encouraged to share their experiences and photos on social media using #NiaPower.
For more information, call 574-7303 or 574-5168, or download this event flyer.
Photo: Neighborhood Place
Each Month Neighborhood Place partners come together to offer a wide variety of workshops, events and resources to benefit the entire family. Highlights in May include a Giant Yard Sale in south Louisville; the Fifth Third Empowerment Bus at NorthWest Neighborhood Place; a community meeting focused on the ripple effects of heroin addiction; three employment recruitment opportunities and much more. To learn more about these offerings and several others please refer to the list below.
May 1, Car Seat Safety Check at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 9 – 11 a.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Celebrate Safe Kid’s Safety month by calling 629-7358 for a car seat fitting appointment with Norton’s Children’s Hospital. Learn how to install your child’s car seat or booster seat and find out if it’s time for a change.
May 3, FedEx Ground Employment Opportunities at First Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd. Call 313-4700 for more information. A FedEx human resources recruiter will talk one-on-one with individuals interested in a career as a package handler with FedEx Ground.
May 3, Sodexo Hiring Opportunities at First Neighborhood Place, 9 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.
Mondays and Thursdays, YMCA’s “Caring and Learning with Me” program at Thomas Jefferson Middle School, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd., side of Thomas Jefferson Middle School. Call Keyonna Humphrey at 974-8457 for more information and to register. This free program provides a wonderful learning environment for children ages 3-5 years old and their caregivers focusing on play and exploration. The adult caregiver is required to attend with the child/ren and you may also bring other children ages (0-2). Sponsored by the YMCA with support from First Neighborhood Place.
May 8, Foster Parent Recruitment Meeting at First Neighborhood Place, 6 – 8 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd., side of Thomas Jefferson Middle School. 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 Kentucky Foster Care and the training classes will be provided. Sponsored by Kentucky Foster Care and the Special Needs Adoption Program.
May 8, Blood Pressure Checks at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Call 313-4635 for more information. Louisville Metro Health and Wellness health educators will provide free blood pressure checks.
May 8, 22 and 23, Passport Health Care Community Engagement
Representatives from Passport Health Care will be onsite to provide one-on-one consultations and discuss plan benefits and options. This is a great opportunity as Passport aims to raise awareness and educate the community about the Passport Health Plan mission.
- May 8 and 22 – NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 4018 W. Market St. at the Academy of Shawnee, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Call 313-4892 for more information.
- May 8 and 23 – Ujima Neighborhood Place, 3610 Bohne Ave., 2 – 4 p.m. Call 313-4635 for more information.
May 10, Kitchen Table Conversations: Grandparents Support Group at NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Located at 4018 West Market Street at the Academy at Shawnee. Call Margaret Murphy at 313-4909 for more information. This popular resource support group for relatives raising grandchildren meets the second Thursday of each month. A monthly guest speaker help this group focus on the unique issues that caregivers may have raising younger children. Aunts, uncles or anyone raising their grandchildren are welcome to attend. Lunch is provided free of charge. This Grandparent Support Group is sponsored by Dr. Helen Dienes.
May 11 and 12, South Jefferson Gigantic Yard Sale and Bake Sale at Bethany United Church of Christ, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Located at 10400 Old Preston Highway. Call 363-1483 for more information or to inquire about dropping of donations. The Annual Yard Sale and Bake Sale proceeds benefit the South Jefferson Neighborhood Place’s Summer Back to School Event to help purchase supplies. Items for sale will include collectibles, household items, small furnishings, baby items, clothing of all sizes, books, etc. Delicious baked goods will also be available. Donations for the yard sale can be dropped off at South Jefferson Neighborhood Place in Fairdale, 1000 Neighborhood Place, between 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
May 12, Addiction 101 – The Ripple Effect of Heroin and Other Drugs at Dismas Charities, Inc. at St Ann’s Center
Located at 1515 Algonquin Pkwy. The event will included presentations on how addiction ripples through a community from the individual to the entire country as well as resources on prevention, treatment, counseling, harm reduction, social services and family support. Hosted by Bridges of Hope Neighborhood Place, Centerstone, the Office of Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods, and Dismas Charities
May 15, ElderCare 4 Families Employment Recruitment at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Call 244-8446 for more information. An employment recruiter will be on-hand for ElderCare 4 Families, a non-medical in homecare service for seniors provide help with cooking, cleaning, laundry and personal care.
May 16, Second Annual Faith-based Community Partnership Gathering at NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 8:30 – 10 a.m.
Located at 4018 W. Market Street at the Academy at Shawnee. For more information and to make a reservation, please call Katherine Easley, Recruitment Coordinator 595-3248 ext. 5708. Come and enjoy the morning with community leadership that will highlight the mission and objectives of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services Foster Care and Adoption Division. This breakfast presentation will focus on the need for African American homes for older children in our community and the opportunities the community has to impact the lives of children and their families. This event is sponsored by the Kentucky State Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
May 17, The Fifth Third Financial Empowerment Mobile at NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 4018 W. Market Street. Meet one-on-one with banking professionals aboard a 40-foot retrofitted city bus equipped with computer workstations and internet connectivity. A wide array of services are availability including the ability to request a credit report and review it with a professional; receive a personalized evaluation of finances; gain information about fraud awareness and prevention; receive internet banking and bill payment demonstrations; participate in home ownership seminars and foreclosure prevention session; and conduct online job searches and learn how to create an effective resume
May 21, 20th Anniversary Celebration at Neighborhood Place of the Greater Cane Run Area, 2– 4 p.m.
Located at 3410 Lees Lane. All public members are invited to come celebrate Cane Run’s 20 years of service in the Shively/PRP area. Past and present Cane Run staff and Council members are invited and encouraged to join the celebration to reconnect, reminisce, and revel in the good work that has been done. Cake and punch will be served. In the event of inclement weather, the celebration will occur on May 22, rain or shine.
May 23 and 24, A Healthy Journey for Two Educational Baby Shower
A Healthy Journey for Two is an educational baby shower open to any expectant mothers. For more information, contact Mendy Mason at 341-5400. 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.
- May 23, Ujima Neighborhood Place, 3610 Bohne Ave, 1 – 3 p.m.
- May 24, at First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Rd. 1 – 3 p.m.
May 31, Foster Parent/Adoption Informational Meeting at NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 6 – 8 p.m.
Located at 4018 West Market Street at the Academy at Shawnee. 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 Kentucky Foster Care and the training classes will be provided. Sponsored by Kentucky Foster Care and the Special Needs Adoption Program.
