In three years Jeremy Yeary achieved sobriety, got married, earned two college degrees, and received a promotion at work. To say he’s been active could be an understatement, but he’s far from finished.

Eastern Kentuckians between the ages of 16-24 will have an opportunity to apply to access immediate job opportunities during a series of Opportunity Youth Work Ready Events throughout December.

Gabrielle Fugate is just taking the first steps on her career path, but thanks to her decision to apply for a One Up internship, her path to a successful career is now a clear one.

The new One Up initiative launched by Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program (EKCEP), Inc., in collaboration with its network of nine Community Action Agency workforce contractors in the region, is accepting applications from regional employers to be an internship host for current and/or recent college graduates in a variety of career fields.

It was October 2020 in Morgan County, Ky., Colby Stahley had just heard about Teleworks USA for the first time, and he thought that maybe the concept of working from home was just right for him and his situation.

Eastern Kentuckians interested in a career in tech now have a new pathway into the booming digital economy: Code Kentucky.

Angela Mills had been working steadily as a receptionist when in 2019 she was laid off from her position and forced to rely on unemployment insurance benefits to help pay the bills. While losing one’s job might introduce a certain amount of anxiety, Mills saw it as an opportunity to take a step on a new career path with help from KCEOC Kentucky Career Center JobSight.

Patti White had spent more than a decade working in the restaurant industry before the COVID-19 pandemic brought dining out to a sudden halt and left her drawing unemployment to help make ends meet. The Perry County native wasn’t necessarily looking for a career change when COVID hit, but thanks to help from eKART she not only has a new job, but also plans for a new career.

Kelly Moore knows what it’s like to turn things around and make a new start. It’s not always easy and there can be setbacks, but it’s possible, and that’s a message that others can take from her story, she says.  

When Beth Visconti arrived in Lexington in 2020, she essentially was on her own. Recently released from incarceration on charges related to her substance use issues, she was ready for a new start.

Tennessee native Dustin Bryant has spent the last two decades going down a dark and dangerous road.

“Back at home I was more or less on heavy drugs like meth and shooting pills,” Bryant says through crackling phone reception. “I’d been doing it ever since I was 15 years old, and I’m 35 now.”

Alcoholism played a role in Courtney Flood’s life for years, though for much of that time it was a condition that he didn’t recognize. That was until 2017 when he finally entered treatment and completed his initial recovery, only to relapse not long after.