WorkNow Kentucky provided more than 4,750 eastern Kentuckians a chance to earn money and learn job skills this summer. For some, like husband and wife Tony and Heidi Zachery of Pineville, it provided even more.

Heidi’s summer job at Britthaven Nursing Home in Pineville and Tony’s job for the Pineville water system gave the couple “a hand up” that has helped them recover from more than two years of unemployment. With the money they have earned from their WorkNow jobs, they have been able to move out of subsidized housing and buy school clothes and other things their children need.

“It has helped us out tremendously,” said Heidi, smiling.

The Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program, Inc., (EKCEP) provided WorkNow Kentucky services in 23 eastern Kentucky counties through contractor agencies. WorkNow Kentucky was funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) through the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services and the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet.

WorkNow found employment for youth and adults ages 16 and above who are unemployed or underemployed and either are a dependent child or have a dependent child. Certain income guidelines also applied.

WorkNow placed these workers at work sites 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.

Tony and Heidi said they found out about WorkNow from friends and went to the Bell-Whitley Community Action Agency office to sign up. Bell-Whitley delivers WorkNow and other workforce programs in Bell County under contract with EKCEP.

Heidi said Pam Wilson of the Bell-Whitley staff was very helpful and got them both placed in good jobs quickly.

“She was wonderful. She walked you through step by step,” Heidi said.

Both Heidi and Tony have found the program to be a good learning experience.

Heidi is currently pursuing an associate degree at Southeast Kentucky Community College in Middlesboro and said her work with the patients at Britthaven will be valuable because she plans to go into the healthcare field. Tony said he felt he learned a valuable trade working for the water department.

Freda F. Barnett, administrative assistant for the water department, said Tony and several other workers that WorkNow placed at the water department this summer have worked out well.

Freda said the WorkNow-funded summer jobs gave the water department an opportunity to work with potential employees, train them, and see if they might do well in a long-term position. It also helped the department with extra staff to get ahead on needed work.

“We have done several extra projects this year,” she said.

Pam said she is proud of how Tony and Heidi have taken full advantage of the opportunity provided by WorkNow and are putting it to use in making their lives better.

“They’ve done great,” Pam said.

For more information about WorkNow and other training and job placement initiatives for youth and adults in your Bell County, call 337-3044 or visit www.ekcep.org. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ekcep.