Meranda Ashburn has officially transformed her life, transitioning from a history of incarceration to a professional role as a phlebotomist at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital. Her journey underscores the critical mission of the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program’s (EKCEP) Recovery and Reentry division: to provide the specific support needed for individuals to overcome their past and enter the workforce.
For 18 years, Ashburn battled a relentless cycle of addiction that culminated in her incarceration in July 2024. While serving her sentence, she endured a devastating tragedy—the loss of her two-year-old daughter, Allyson Grace. Facing heartbreak and separation from her family, Ashburn made the pivotal decision to surrender her life to her faith and break the cycle of addiction.
Upon her release in October 2024, Ashburn was determined to rebuild. She quickly secured employment at The UPS Store and enrolled in a Phlebotomy program. However, as a single mother restarting her life, she encountered a significant financial barrier: she lacked the funds to pay for the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) exam, the mandatory final step to becoming a certified healthcare professional.
This is where the EKCEP Recovery and Reentry team stepped in. Ashburn connected with Jeremy Lewis, a specialist dedicated to helping individuals navigate the workforce after incarceration. Lewis and the EKCEP team identified her potential and provided the necessary funding to cover her board exam fees.
“Meranda had the drive and the training, but financial hurdles can often stop recovery success stories in their tracks,” said Jeremy Lewis. “Our Recovery and Reentry services are designed to remove those specific barriers. We were proud to step in and ensure she could take that final step to certification.”
With EKCEP’s assistance, Ashburn passed her boards and is now a Certified Phlebotomy Technician. The support has had a domino effect on her life:
- Career Success: She accepted a position as a phlebotomist at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital.
- Continued Education: She is currently enrolled in the Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) program at Somerset Community College.
- Family Restoration: She has regained custody of her oldest daughter.
- Sobriety: Ashburn is approaching two years of continuous sobriety.
Ashburn credits her transformation to her faith, her recovery community, and the practical, life-changing support of the EKCEP Recovery and Reentry team. Her story highlights that with determination and the right workforce partners, it is possible to emerge from the darkest circumstances and secure a bright future.
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.