Bailey Karr’s journey from a recovery program to a fulfilling role at Access Health highlights the transformative impact of personalized workforce support. With guidance from the KCEOC Community Action Partnership’s Kentucky Career Center, Karr has successfully navigated past challenges to secure a new future as a Medical Assistant.
Karr first connected with the Kentucky Career Center through a referral from Hope City. At the time, she was seeking stability but faced significant barriers to employment, including a limited work history and the need to rebuild her life after past struggles.
Over the course of 18 months, Karr worked closely with Career Advisor James Siler to map out a new professional path. The KCEOC team utilized a combination of services to prepare her for the workforce, including training assistance for her CNA certification. Crucially, Karr was enrolled in a paid work experience program, which allowed her to demonstrate her work ethic and build real-world skills in a clinical setting.
This hands-on experience helped bridge the gap between her past and her current career. The support she received not only provided practical skills but also a renewed sense of self-belief.
“It has given me more confidence to set greater goals for myself,” Karr shared, reflecting on how the experience influenced her outlook.
Today, Karr is employed as a Medical Assistant at Access Health, a role she secured largely due to the experience gained through the career center’s programs. She now encourages others who may be hesitant to ask for help to take that first step.
“Reach out because it is definitely worth it to receive help accomplishing your goals,” Karr advised.
About KCEOC Community Action Partnership KCEOC Community Action Partnership (KCEOC) is a vital community-focused organization and a proud partner of the Kentucky Career Center system, administering local workforce development programs. KCEOC offers a wide range of services, including employment services, aimed at helping individuals and families achieve economic stability and a better quality of life.
About EKCEP EKCEP, a nonprofit workforce development agency headquartered in Hazard, Ky., serves the citizens of 23 Appalachian coalfield counties. EKCEP is funded by the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, along with various federal and state grants and private donations, and is a proud partner in the American Job Center network. Learn more at ekcep.org.