The city of Beattyville has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the wake of a major flood in February 2025. Their recovery has been aided by the impactful Youth Work Experience program, a collaboration between Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program (EKCEP), Inc. and Middle Kentucky Community Action Agency.
While facing resource constraints due to recent hurricane damage in the Carolinas and other natural disasters requiring help nationally, Beattyville officials and business owners were delighted to see six dedicated young workers step up through the Youth Work Experience program. These young workers are playing a crucial role in reopening businesses and restoring the community.
“We are incredibly proud of the young men who have stepped up to aid Beattyville in its recovery,” said Becky Miller, Executive Director of EKCEP. “Their dedication and hard work exemplify the positive impact of the Youth Work Experience program. It’s truly inspiring to see them not only contribute to their community but also gain valuable skills and pursue future career paths.”
The Youth Work Experience program was created to respond to the urgent needs across Eastern Kentucky following the devastating floods. Recognizing the critical need for immediate assistance, EKCEP repurposed available summer work experience funding to launch this disaster relief initiative. This strategic decision allowed the agency to swiftly deploy resources and provide paid opportunities for local youth while addressing the community’s most pressing recovery tasks. By leveraging existing program infrastructure, EKCEP’s network of Kentucky Career Centers efficiently organized and managed the work crews, ensuring a rapid and effective response to the flood’s aftermath.
“These young men have been a Godsend to this community,” said Angela Morris, Career Advisor at Middle Kentucky. “They are hard workers, self-starters, and eager to learn. They don’t get disheartened, and they truly have a heart for what they’re doing.” Morris highlighted the team’s rapid success in reopening CB’s Discount Store, which was inundated with over three feet of water, within just three days of starting work.
For the past several weeks, these young men dedicated themselves to eight-hour days of hard labor, shoveling, cleaning, and removing debris left by the flood. Their efforts directly led to the reopening of three vital businesses, the complete restoration of City Park, which was once buried under two feet of sand, and significant progress in rebuilding the destroyed flower beds of Main Street.
Mayor Scott Jackson expressed his gratitude, stating, “Thank you for sending them to me. We desperately needed help, and they are well-coached. They know what to do and they do it. They are punctual and take care of our equipment. They’ve helped several local businesses downtown. They collected 42 bags of trash in just four hours, cleaned flower beds, and I can’t say enough good things about them. They are exceptional young people.”
The participants in the Youth Work Experience program have not only contributed to the community’s recovery but have also gained valuable work experience, are being paid a very competitive wage, and have identified future career paths. Two participants are planning to pursue careers as linemen, with Middle Kentucky providing support for training and equipment.
EKCEP commends these young men for their dedication and the significant impact they have made in Beattyville. EKCEP also thanks Mayor Jackson, Middle Kentucky Career Advisor Angela Morris, and all those involved in the restoration efforts.
In addition to the work in Beattyville, EKCEP has successfully deployed flood relief work crews in at least five other counties, with plans to expand to even more areas as needed.
“We are committed to supporting our communities during these challenging times and providing opportunities for young people to make a real difference,” said Miller.
Communities affected by recent floods and individuals interested in participating in the Youth Work Experience program are encouraged to contact their local EKCEP Kentucky Career Center. Visit ekcep.org to find your local Career Center.
EKCEP, a nonprofit workforce development agency headquartered in Hazard, Ky., serves the citizens of 23 Appalachian coalfield counties. The agency provides an array of workforce development services and operates a network of Kentucky Career Centers, which provide access to more than a dozen state and federal programs that offer employment and training assistance for jobseekers and employers all under one roof. Learn more about us at ekcep.org.