Friday January 23, 2026
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Bridges of Hope Neighborhood Place joins with several community partners to host a day-long forum focused on the rippling effects of addiction on Saturday, May 12.   Entitled “Addiction 101: The Ripple Effect of Heroin and Other Drugs”, the event will be held at Dismas Charities at St. Ann’s Center, 1515 Algonquin Pkwy., from 12 – 4 p.m.

The purpose of the forum is to bring together individuals and families that are dealing with addiction as well as service providers, community leaders, advocates, nonprofits and other agencies to learn more about what the opioid epidemic looks like in our community, and explore some of the causes and steps that may be taken to combat this epidemic.  The event is free and open to the public and will feature presentations from a number of experts and several tables with representatives from agencies ranging from treatment and other supportive services.

Louisville, like so many cities across the country, is facing an opioid epidemic that has resulted in thousands of overdoses and hundreds of deaths.  According to the recently released Coming Together for Hope Healing and Recovery – a report and plan to address substance use and misuse by Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness –  the age-adjusted drug overdose death rate in Louisville in 2016 was more than double what it was in 2011.  Furthermore, substance use disorder and overdose impacts every neighborhood.

The featured presenters and agenda are as follows:

  • 12:00 – 12:15 p.m. Welcome by Gena Redmon Harris, Director of Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services, a partner agency in Neighborhood Place
  • 12:15 – 12:45 p.m. Understanding Addiction by Dr. Patrick McKiernan, Lecturer, U of L, Kent School of Social Work and Director, Sober Solutions House
  • 12:45– 1:15 p.m. Impact of addiction –  Individual, by Kim Moore, Case Manager with Reimage, a program which provides a second chance to youth  and young adults who are involved with the court system
  • 1:15 – 1:45 p.m. Impact of addiction – Family, by William Doyle, LMFT MA Med, Family Therapist, Centerstone, whose office uses a client-centered, trauma-informed approach
  • 1:45 – 2:00 p.m. Break
  • 2:00 – 2:30 p.m. Impact of addiction – Community, by Major Brittney Garrett, Administrative Commander with Jeffersontown Police Department who runs the Angel Program
  • 2:30 – 3:00 p.m Impact of addiction – Hope, Healing and Recovery, presented by staff with Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness
  • 3:00 – 3:30 p.m. Impact of addiction – Country, by Andy Beshear, Kentucky’s Attorney General,
    Hosted several substance abuse awareness forums across the state
  • 3:30 – 4:00 p.m. Questions and Closing

Vendors will be on hand throughout the event to provide resources and information in the following areas: treatment, counseling, prevention, harm reduction, social services, and family support, as well as the needle exchange mobile unit, a drug deactivation pouches giveaway that safely destroy prescription drugs at home, and Hep A vaccines.  Participating agencies include Louisville Metro Departments of Public Health and Wellness as well as Resilience and Community Services, Neighborhood Place, the Office of Safe and Health Neighborhoods, Centerstone, Dismas and St. Ann’s.

“Like a pebble tossed in a pond, we all feel the ripple effects of addiction,” said Nannette Dix, administrator for the city’s Resilience and Community Services agency at the Bridges of Hope Neighborhood Place and who is also part of the city’s One Love Louisville Campaign, Substance Abuse Prevention Work Group.  “Our goal for this event is to offer education, training and collaboration to help us all be better equipped to face the epidemic that touches our families, friends and community members.”

For more information about the event, contact Nannette Dix at Nannette.Dix@louisvilleky.gov or 634-6057.

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.

It’s an opportunity to clean out the garage, the attic, and the basement of those things that have been collecting dust over the years and get them to a place where someone else might be able to use them, or where they can be safely disposed.

Councilman Bill Hollander (D-9) announces the Annual Responsible Recycling Event set for Saturday May 12th between 9:30am and 12:30pm at the Louisville Water Tower Park, 3005 River Road.

“This is a great way to remove those things in your home that could find new life by being recycled,” says Hollander. “Any Louisville Metro resident can help the environment and a variety of non-profits by simply bringing to one location what you no longer want or use and dropping it off for free.”

The Free Responsible Recycling Event is open to all Louisville Metro residents.  It is easy to participate. Just gather what you would like to recycle, then drive up and drop your items off at the appropriate vendor.  Businesses will not be allowed to participate at this event. A multitude of items will be accepted for recycling, reuse, or safe disposal, including paper for shredding, Haz Bin items and old, expired and unused medications.

The following items will also be accepted:

· BATTERIES (rechargeable and non-rechargeable) Please have them separated

· COMPUTERS & ELECTRONICS (terminals,   towers, laptops, printers, copiers, fax machines, scanners, VHS/DVD players, stereo, monitors)

· DRUG DISPOSAL  LMPD will be onsite for safe collection of unused and expired medications.

· HANDHELD ELECTRONICS (cell phones, cell phone accessories, iPods, tablets, MP3 players)

· HAZARDOUS MATERIALS All items accepted at Haz Bin location – see attached flyer for complete list. Household chemicals – MUST have labels and no leaks, no containers larger than 5 gallons)

· HOUSEHOLD BUILDING SUPPLIES (cabinets, doors, flooring, windows, hardware, light/ceiling fans, lumber, roofing, siding, tools)

· HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE  must be in good   condition – see attached list for accepted items (NO mattresses, items with odors, water beds,  baby cribs and accessories, entertainment centers, armoires for TVs/computers)

· HOUSEHOLD ITEMS (working appliances)

· MEDICAL SURPLUS ITEMS (walkers, wheelchairs, orthopedic items, diabetic supplies, ace bandages, gauze pads, canes)

· PERSONAL DOCUMENTS (shred on-site paper documents ONLY)  Unable to take boxes or     plastic bags

· SHOES (new and gently used) Must be dry and free of mold

For a complete list of accepted items, please visit louisvilleky.gov/district9. On the event page is a flyer with attachments with detailed lists of accepted items from each organization.

Please note, TVs will not be accepted this year onsite, but may be recycled at the Waste Reduction Center, 636 Meriwether Avenue.

“We have made it easy to get rid of things people no longer use, with no cost to bring in these items that will benefit others,” says Hollander. “If you have tried to find a way to dispose of those things you have around the house, then I encourage you to take advantage of this event.”

Among the vendors on hand: All-Shred, Genie e-Waste, Habitat for Humanity, Louisville Metro Police, Louisville Metro Public Works, Supplies Overseas, and WaterStep.

Visit www.louisvilleky.gov/district9 for more information, or contact Councilman Hollander’s office at 574-1109.

Fans lined the street as the Kentucky Derby Festival’s oldest and inaugural event – the Republic Bank Pegasus Parade – marched down Broadway tonight. Themed “#ThrowbackThursday,” this year’s parade featured over 100 units, including 10 floats, 13 equestrian units, 5 inflatables, 8 marching bands, 2 push floats and 42 specialty units.

Check out the Louisville Dispatch photo gallery of the parade on Facebook.

“It was a great day for the Republic Bank Pegasus Parade!” said Mike Berry, KDF President and CEO. “Fans packed the sidewalks and streets to watch on Broadway. After 63 years, it’s amazing to see how it still brings the community together in celebration every spring.”

Former coaching rivals and basketball fan favorites Joe B. Hall and Denny Crum were the parade’s Co-Grand Marshals. The Louisville City FC 2017 USL Championship Team, along with the Kentucky Colonels served as Honorary Grand Marshals.

Other guests included: Brittany Cartwright and Jax Taylor of Bravo TV’s “Vanderpump Rules/Jax and Brittany Take Kentucky,” Monte Durham of “Say Yes To The Dress:Atlanta,” Montel Williams (actor, television and radio talk show host), Jason Smith of Food Network, Judah and the Lion, Miss Kentucky 2017 Molly Matney and Miss America 2018 Cara Mund.

Several of the units received awards for their participation. Norton Healthcare took home the Addison McGhee Grand Champion Award for best overall float; Shirley’s Way/Ride To Ride Out Cancer won the 2nd Place KDF Board Chair’s Award; Kentucky Proud received the 3rd Place KDF President’s Award; Grand Lodge of Kentucky, Free & Accepted Masons, won the Grand Marshal’s Award for best representation of the theme; Kosair Charities won the Queen’s Award for overall beauty, and Hwang’s Martial Arts won the KDF Parade Chairman’s Award for the most spirit. Louisville Parks & Recreation and Second Chance @ Life received Honorable Mention Awards.   Continue reading

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 2120th 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.

The Kentucky Derby Festival is underway and the Kentucky Exposition Center plays host to four popular events.

Kentucky Derby Festival Race Expo & Packet Pick Up: Thursday, April 26 – Friday, April 27 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. – Thursday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. – Friday More than 15,000 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon and miniMarathon participants and their families stop by this annual event to pick up required information for the two races. During this time, attendees can visit exhibitors featuring fitness resources, tools and apparel. Located in the West Wing and Pavilion.

U.S. Bank Great Balloon Glow: Friday, April 27 6 p.m. Gates open 9 p.m. Glow begins Spectators watch as pilots fill hot-air balloons that glow against the evening sky, set to a special musical score. Visitors are invited to meet the pilots and ask questions. The balloons are parked in Lots C and D.

Thorntons Great Bed Races: Monday, April 30 4 p.m. Official tailgate party 6 p.m. Parade of the beds 7 p.m. Races begin Crowds cheer as teams dressed in costumes push decorated beds in a 600-yard dash to the finish line. Awards are presented for fastest course times, best decorated, most entertaining and more. The races take place in Broadbent Arena.

Republic Bank Pegasus Parade Preview Party Presented by Mega Caverns: Tuesday, May 1 5 – 9 p.m. Open to the public Visitors get a sneak peek at inflatables and floats, complete with dancing costumed characters. Children can also get an autograph or photo of the Derby Festival Queen and Royal Court. The preview party is held in South Wing C.

Admission to all events is free with a 2018 Kentucky Derby Festival Pegasus Pin. Parking at the Kentucky Exposition Center is $8 per vehicle and $20 per bus.

For more information about the Kentucky Derby Festival, visit www.kdf.org.

Members of the Louisville Metro Council will host a formal reception to congratulate and welcome Dr. Marty Pollio as the new Superintendent of the Jefferson County Public Schools on Monday, April 23rd.

“This is an opportunity for Council members to meet with Dr. Pollio as we look forward to working with him and assisting anyway we can in educating the children of Jefferson County,” says President David James (D-6). “I support Dr. Pollio and the dynamic changes he is making for JCPS to improve education in Jefferson County.”

The formal reception will be held in the First Floor Conference Room of Historic City Hall, 601 West Jefferson Street beginning at 5:30pm.

Scarlet’s Bakery, an organization which works with victims of human trafficking and domestic abuse, will provide the appetizers for the reception.

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