This summer, the WorkNow Kentucky program provided jobs that gave more than 4,750 eastern Kentuckians a chance to earn money and learn work skills. For many, it also offered a chance to start a new and better chapter in their lives.

“We’re very pleased with the number of workers and employers who have responded to WorkNow. We’ve heard so many stories of those who have used it as an opportunity to make their lives better and of employers who have used it as a chance to mentor a new generation of workers,” said Jeff Whitehead, executive director of the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program, Inc. (EKCEP), which provided WorkNow services in 23 eastern Kentucky counties through contractor agencies.

“So often we hear negative stereotypes about this area’s workers,” Whitehead said. “But with this program there’s an enthusiasm out there that proves people in eastern Kentucky want to work and will work if given an opportunity.”

WorkNow placed workers in jobs with a wide range of volunteer employers including private businesses, state and local government agencies, and non-profit organizations — and paid 100 percent of the workers’ wages.

In the 23 mountain counties served by EKCEP, WorkNow Kentucky put over 4,750 eastern Kentuckians to work in positions with over 1,250 employers. In four months, the program paid over $9.5 million in wages locally to help stimulate the eastern Kentucky economy.

Funds for the WorkNow Kentucky program were provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Emergency Fund, and a cooperative effort of Kentucky’s Cabinet for Health and Family Services and the Cabinet for Education and Workforce Development.

One local young person who took the opportunity offered by WorkNow and turned it into a regular full-time job is Robert Henson of Manchester, who was recently hired by Manchester Memorial Hospital as a groundskeeper.

Robert, 22, wasn’t sure exactly what career he wanted, but he knew he wanted to work.

Robert had participated in a number of EKCEP’s Workforce Investment Act (WIA) services provided locally under contract by the Daniel Boone Community Action Agency (DBCAA), including working for the Jackson County Road Department through last summer’s “Let’s Go 2 Work” summer work program and taking WIA-funded welding classes. In April he was placed in a job at the hospital in a temporary WIA Work Experience job, which was extended through the WorkNow initiative.

Robert knew that many people had been hired full-time after the previous summer’s temporary work program, so he approached his job at the hospital as a chance to show his employers what a dedicated and productive employee he could be.

“You work hard and do all that you can, and a lot of times they hire you,” Robert said.

Robert’s dedication and effort did not go unnoticed by his employers. Quincie Owens, patient experience/volunteer coordinator for the hospital, said they were impressed with his hard work. In August a full time groundskeeper’s job came open, and it was offered to Robert.

That sounded good to Robert, who smiled as he heard the news.

“I like to do stuff that’s hands-on and outside,” Robert said.

Quincie said it has been a good experience to work with the WorkNow Kentucky program and DBCAA this summer.

“It does help us out quite a bit to have the extra help,” Quincie said.

It was also a great learning opportunity for the young people, she said. They not only learn job and life skills like punctuality and responsibility, they get a chance to try out a career and see if it’s something they want to stay with.

Terrina Frazier, WIA youth program director for DBCAA, said Robert is a great example of someone who took full advantage of WIA and WorkNow programs.

“He’s a very dedicated young man,” Terrina said. “He has a lot of ambition and drive. And thanks to that he now has a job that’s full time with benefits. He’s done very well for himself.”

For more information about EKCEP’s training and job placement initiatives for youth and adults in your area, call 598-5127 visit www.ekcep.org. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ekcep.