Leadership from Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program, Inc. (EKCEP) hosted an outreach event at the Kentucky State Capitol on March 27th to engage with elected officials and provide information and education regarding the organization’s vital work in Eastern Kentucky. For example, in Program Year 2023, EKCEP’s programs assisted more than 15,000 Kentuckians with crucial career and employment support services to help them get onto a self-sustaining career path.
Representing EKCEP at the event were Executive Director, Becky Carnes-Miller; Deputy Director, Bridget Back; Director of Recovery & Reentry, Jimmie Wilson; Communications Director, Cris Ritchie; and Communications Manager, Jennifer Breeze.
EKCEP provided refreshments and informational materials to legislators, offering an opportunity to discuss its role as a workforce development agency serving Eastern Kentucky and beyond. The organization focuses on preparing, advancing, and expanding Eastern Kentucky’s workforce, benefiting both employers and job seekers with specialized divisions in place to support youth, individuals in recovery, and remote workers.
“We were honored to meet with numerous state representatives, senators, and the state auditor,” said EKCEP’s Executive Director, Becky Carnes-Miller. “It was a valuable opportunity to highlight how EKCEP is making a difference in our communities.”
The visit coincided with the final days before the Capitol building closes for a three-year, $260 million renovation project. The project includes reconstructing the dome, installation of waterproofing, and upgrading the interior’s electrical, plumbing, and infrastructure, which is expected to be completed by fall 2028.
In a unique experience, EKCEP representatives were granted access to the rarely seen “Chimes Room,” which houses the historic chimes player and chime music scrolls. These artifacts are slated to be moved to a museum soon, so seeing them in their original home was an honor.
Due to the busy legislative sessions underway, EKCEP also delivered informational items to the chambers and offices of the House of Representatives, the Senate, and the Governor. Legislators who visited EKCEP’s table expressed appreciation for the organization’s efforts and the positive impact on their constituents.
EKCEP extends its sincere thanks to all the hardworking elected officials who took the time to meet with our team and learn more about our efforts. We deeply appreciate your continued support of EKCEP and our mission to empower the workforce of Eastern Kentucky. Your dedication to our communities makes a significant difference in the lives of the Kentuckians we serve.
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.