CAK 2024 Annual Conference
Celebrating a Legacy; Looking to the Future
June 11 - 13, 2024  ·  Embassy Suites by Hilton Lexington/UK Coldstream

The 2024 Community Action Kentucky Annual Conference will celebrate a significant milestone - the 60th Anniversary of Community Action. Agency staff, volunteers, partners, and supporters from across the Kentucky Community Action Network will gather at this annual event. It will serve as an engaging platform for those delivering transformative programs and as a celebration of our 60-year legacy. 

Attendees at our Annual Conference represent a variety of roles, from executive leadership to case managers and outreach staff, administering a broad spectrum of programs. These include aging, case management, emergency support, Head Start, housing, transportation, and weatherization, among others.

We will honor our past successes and rich history, while looking towards the future, renewing our commitment to empowering communities, individuals, and families. This event will truly encapsulate the enduring impact and steadfast commitment of Community Action over the past six decades.

This project is funded, in part, under a contract with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services with funds from the Community Services Block Grant Act of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Conference Tracks

June 11: Pre-Conference/Specialized Tracks:

Aging

Human Resources

empowOR Software Training

Transportation

WX

June 12-13: Conference 

Executive Directors/Leadership Team

Program Managers

Front Line Staff/Case Managers

Head Start

IT

Sessions schedule available below.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Click here  to learn more about sponsorship opportunities. To register for a sponsorship, click register.

2024 Annual Conference Awards

Nominations Due May 1st. 
Award Winners will be announced at the Annual Conference Awards Lunch on Thursday, June 13th at Noon. Click here for full awards descriptions and criteria.

Altha Jo Hamilton Volunteer Award: Honors the spirit and  achievement of someone who has embraced the power of volunteerism as an opportunity to improve lives.

Innovation in Community Action Award: Seeks to recognize innovative solutions within the Community Action Network.

Jesse Amburgey Excellence in Community Action Award: Honors the efforts and achievements of someone who has worked diligently to reduce or eliminate the causes or conditions of poverty.

Heart Of Kentuckian Award: Acknowledges the exceptional work of Community Action staff across the network.

Community Action Legacy: Honoring individuals who have dedicated 50 or more years of service to their agency.

Auction

Conference attendees are invited to take part in CAK's Annual Conference Silent and Live Auction!


Silent Auction: Bidding will be open from June 12th to 13th. Bids close on June 13th at 1:30pm ET. Items available for bid will be located in the Ballroom Foyer.

Live Auction: This will take place on Wednesday, June 12th at 5:30pm ET in the Embassy Suites Ballroom. A Special Temporary Alcoholic Beverage Auction License application will be submitted. All alcohol will be placed in the live auction.

Code of Conduct
Submission of registration implies all conference attendees commitment to adhere to CAK Event Code of Conduct
Sessions
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Registration opens at 8am. HR, Transportation, Weatherization, Software, and Aging Tracks
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Hear from DAIL Staff about update and changes to regulations, PACE programs, and Nutrition.
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
AM: Q and A: What’s going on with empowOR, anyway? and Reporting All empowOR users welcome! PM: It’s all in empowOR - Tools to support your whole family and other holistic agency approaches. Program and case managers, coaches, CSBG folks
Full day of sessions for HR Professionals presented by H2R Consulting.
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM
Dementia Friendly Lexington will share an overview of dementia and then how to communicate with persons with dementia.
Hear from Derek Morris, Federal Program Specialist in the Office of Transportation Delivery, about Procurement
12:15 PM - 1:30 PM
12:15 PM - 1:30 PM
Lunch Included with Pre-Con Registration.
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
This Office of Dementia Services session will be focused on recreation that can be done with individuals living with dementia in both homebound and community settings.
Please join us as representatives from the Loss Control Department of Great American Insurance Group (GAIG) discuss risk management aspects of driver selection and passenger securement.
3:15 PM - 4:45 PM
3:15 PM - 4:45 PM
Learn how to be safe when visiting and going in a clients home.
Opportunity to discuss challenges and solutions with Transportation Staff from across the network. Facilitated by Hal Goode.
Opportunity to discuss challenges and solutions with Weatherization Staff from across the network. Facilitated by Nicole Popejoy, Director of Utility and Energy programs for IACAA.
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
This is an opportunity to network and enjoy light refreshments. The event will be held at the outdoor patio of Manchester's Hotel. Scheduled bus transportation will be available.
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Start your conference experience with an inspirational and empowering keynote from Amy Goodson, Kentuckian author of "Fantastically Special," a not-to-be-missed session.
a. We will cover how funding is utilized in the system, how expenditures can be made, authorized, exported to finance systems and imported back in. Intended audience: Program managers, directors, finance staff
One in ten children experience child sexual abuse. Learn about Kentucky’s team response to child sexual abuse and what you can do to promote protective factors and resiliency.
Define indirect, shared and administrative costs to optimize funding opportunities within the boundaries of Uniform Guidance. Identify required and best practice allocation strategies. Share sample communication focused reporting.
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
DCBS Commissioner Lesa Dennis will share insights about their work and discuss opportunities for partnerships. Lunch included with registration. Attendees will have the chance to visit Exhibitors and bid on Silent Auction.
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Identify key financial relationships and indicators available in the standard financial statement. Recognize soft spots and the follow up to request. Define supplemental reports that add value, not clutter.
Opportunity to discuss challenges and solutions with IT Professionals from across the network.
Join members of the NCAP’s Regional Whole Family Approach (WFA) Community of Practice as they share their journey through the WFA implementation and lessons learned along the way.
1:30 PM - 3:45 PM
1:30 PM - 3:45 PM
This live simulation allow participants to experience real life scenarios focused on the complex challenges and barriers the justice-involved may face upon returning to society. 2 Session Simulation, with a limit of 57 participants and 8 booth operators.
1:30 PM - 5:00 PM
1:30 PM - 5:00 PM
During this interactive session, we will explore the Pyramid Model tiered approach to preventing and addressing behaviors that challenge adults.
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
In this session we work the steps to create powerful marketing for your organization.
IT compliance is difficult but becoming increasingly necessary in today's business environment.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
All organizations rely on stability at the leadership level, and transitioning to new leadership can upset the flow of the organization.  This session explores the importance of strategic planning in creating that stability.
Explore the Cyber Defense Matrix: Understand threats, solutions, and strategies for business resilience.
Mental wellness is important to Kentuckians. Learn about 988, mental health screenings, Mental Health First Aid and more.
Hear from a fellow Kentucky CAA about their preparation process for CSBG Monitoring and gain valuable insights to enhance your own agency's readiness.
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Special Temporary Alcoholic Beverage Auction License application will be submitted.
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Celebrate Community Action's 60th Anniversary in your 60s attire. Groove to classics from HiFi DJ. Strike a pose in our photobooth. Get ready for a blast from the past with retro board and card games. Food and beverages provided. Cash Bar available.
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Hear from Denise Harlow, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Community Action Partnership
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Learn how one CAA transitioned to Family-Centered Coaching to create and sustain robust holistic services and programs.
Computational thinking is a logical, strategic way of thinking that requires cognitive skills like sequencing and planning and helps young children navigate possibilities, accomplish tasks, and solve problems that are meaningful to them.
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Join us as we celebrate 60 Years of Community Action and recognize 2024 Award Recipients. Silent Auction Bids close June 13th at 1:30pm ET. Winners will be notified via email/text.
Experience a simulated CAA Community Needs Assessment Forum.
Demystifying and prioritizing technology based on your organization’s needs.
1:30 PM - 5:00 PM
1:30 PM - 5:00 PM
All of the moments of an employee's experience, from recruitment to departure, play a role in how a person feels about their workplace.
3 Hour Workshop presented by Dean Dorton. Participants will need to bring laptop/tablet. Microsoft 365 benefits nonprofit entitlement; Exploring Microsoft 365 collaboration suite
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
This session delves into the fundamentals of community engagement within the framework of Community Action. It highlights the importance of elevating customer voices, fostering equity, and co-creating strategies for collective progress.
Join Cornerstone to gain practical strategies to strengthen local ties and boost advocacy efforts. A valuable resource for executive leaders
A Racial Healing Circle is a powerful process designed to foster inclusion, equity, and understanding. It is not a solution, but rather a transformative journey that encourages participants to engage deeply with one another.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Learn about best practices of high functioning boards, including the topics of roles and responsibilities and parliamentary procedures.
a. Open hour for additional questions on processes, training, next steps, any anything else you’d like to bring to the table. Intended audience: Directors, managers, CSBG reporters, finance staff
Learn about services and classes offered through First Financial Banks that can assist individuals with their financial wellness.
5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Join us at Lexington's Fifth Third Bank Pavilion for food, drinks, art, and music by The Five Below Band. CAK has reserved space for a night of fun! Transportation will be provided.
Sponsors
Speakers

Amy Goodson

Chief of Staff | Consultant | Culture Architect | HR Strategist | DEI Certified Professional | Board Member | Children's Author Fantastically Special

Art Crosby

Art is the Executive Director of KFHC. His primary responsibilities include initiating community outreach programs and overseeing legal staff in filing complaints. Prior to this, he focused his practice on housing issues and landlord/tenant law.

Brian Houp

Brian Houp is a leadership development coach for executives.

Carla Guthrie

Devoted career to supporting those living with dementia and their caregivers as a trainer, educator and mentor.

David Cozart

For three decades David has been a father/family advocate, a community organizer, minister, and influential leader. He has successfully guided and grown a local direct service program for 11 years.

Denise Harlow

Denise Harlow, CCAP, is the CEO of the NCAP, a national hub that links the nation’s 1,000+ Community Action Agencies to each another and to federal, state, and local leaders looking to connect Americans to greater opportunity.

Emily Cornett

Emily graduated from NKU with a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education.

Eric Elder

Eric is a founding member of SimplifIT. He brings over 20 years of Information Technology experience.

Glenn Kosse

He focuses his expertise on fundraising development, non-profit management, and strategic planning.

Holly Ackerman

Holly Ackerman is the Manager of Early Childhood Outreach at KET, a leader in digital education resources. She has been in the field of early childhood education for more than 20 years.

Jared Bishop

A degreed professional with over 25 years of experience in the safety & risk management field. Jared joined Great American in 2019 as Director of Risk Management in SHS & now serves as Divisional Assistant Vice President in Loss Control.

Jennifer Craig

Jennifer Craig is a dedicated advocate empowering individuals with dementia and their caregivers. With over a decade in aging and disability services, Jennifer champions education and resource accessibility.

Kaydee Ruppert

Kaydee leverages over 25 years of experience in accounting and finance. Specializing in the nonprofit sector, she provides strategic planning, budgeting, and robust, cost-effective solutions to organizations.

Kelley Helgeson

She is a leader with extensive experience creating and leading HR programs, developing strategic alliances, and establishing business partnerships.

LaQuinta Broyles

A Head Start graduate, Licensed Master Social Worker with a Bachelors and Master’s degree in Social Work, LaQuinta Broyles currently serves as an Early Childhood Specialist with the Office of Head Start Region IV T/TA network.

Laura Kretzer

Laura Kretzer, MSW, serves as the Chief Strategy Officer for Children's Advocacy Centers of Kentucky. Prior to this role, she served for 15 years as executive director of a children’s advocacy center.

Lesa Dennis

Lesa Dennis was appointed Commissioner of the Department for Community Based Services by Gov. Andy Beshear on June 16, 2023.

Marcie Timmerman

Marcie Timmerman is the Executive Director of Mental Health America of Kentucky. MHA Kentucky provides mental health education, online screenings, and advocacy across the commonwealth.

Maribeth Schneber-Rhemrev

Maribeth has proudly served the Community Action network since 2010 at the local, state, and national levels. She is a CCAP, PMP, NCRT.

Mike Hilton

A dynamic leader with a track record in guiding organizations through strategic change. His focus on team function, process efficiency, and cross-functional communication helps transform strategies into reality. Hilton's passion for service and community

Misi Birdsall

Misi has a passion for educating others and is a lifelong learner herself. She has been working in the field of education for over 15 years with many of those years spent in early learning including five years with Head Start.

Nancy Shinault

Nancy Shinault has over 30 years of experience with Head Start in a variety of capacities. She is PITC Certified in all four Infant and Toddler Modules, a CLASS TOT, and has provided Regional TTA with OHS and Region IV since 2012.

Nicole Popejoy

Nicole is the Director of Utility and Energy programs for IACAA. She started as a Program Specialist for the Employment Barrier Reduction Pilot Program with IACAA in October of 2021.

Pete Abbott

Been with Great American since 2021, and 25+ years of experience in the safety management and loss control fields. In my loss control career, I have worked with transportation organizations who performed a mix of transportation operations and services.

Phyllis Sosa

Phyllis has been working with diverse populations and services for over 37 years. She has spent her career advocating for those who are marginalized and feel they don’t have a voice or options.

Sonja Cole

Sonja Cole, a Head Start graduate, holds a BS in Early Childhood Special Education and an MAed in Early Childhood Special Education/Teacher Leadership, and is actively pursuing her EDD in Policy Study, Curriculum, and Social Justice.

Wendy Shouse

Wendy has been a part of Community Action for 22 years and served as the Senior Director of Aging Services and Senior Director of Community Services before being named the COO of Blue Grass Community Action Partnership.

Wes Johnson

Wes is an accomplished leader with over 20 years of experience in harnessing technology to achieve business outcomes.

No records found.

Exhibitors

Advanced Business Solutions

ABS is a full-service IT company dedicated to providing outstanding customer experience. ABS supports businesses with day-to-day and strategic long-term technology solutions through Managed Services, Projects, Cybersecurity, and Strategic IT Consulting.

Atmos Energy

Our vision is for Atmos Energy to be the safest provider of natural gas services. We will be recognized for Exceptional Customer Service, for being a Great Employer and for achieving Superior Financial Results.

Commonwealth Center for Fathers & Families

CCFF is an emerging non-profit organization that seeks to improve child outcomes and enhance families and communities through increasing positive fatherhood engagement across Kentucky.

Kentucky Safe Driver

The mission of Kentucky Safe Driver is to reduce fatal and injury collisions on Kentucky roadways through education and public awareness. TUESDAY ONLY

KET Education

Early Learning is an essential element for improving education, workforce and life for Kentuckians. With a variety of resources for children, families and educators, KET helps prepare our youngest citizens to transition to kindergarten.

Miracle Playgrounds of Ky. & Tn.

Kentucky and Tennessee's premier dealer of playgrounds and park equipment.

Mom's Meals

Mom’s Meals is a leading national provider of nutrition solutions and home-delivered meals.

mySidewalk

mySidewalk is a technology company that builds data tools for people who aren't data scientists. We're on a mission to democratize data.

RFX Technologies

Founded in 2001, RFX Technologies is a technology consulting firm with the resources on staff to support all our clients’ networking, software development and IT consulting needs.

SimplifIT

We Deliver The Ultimate IT Experience with Managed IT Services, Security and Consulting!

No records found.

Register

Registration
Pre-Con Track
165.00 USD
Pre-Con & Conference
275.00 USD
Conference Only
231.00 USD
One Day Pass
165.00 USD

Sponsors
Title Sponsor
15,000.00 USD
Platinum Sponsor
10,000.00 USD
Champion Sponsor
5,000.00 USD
Ambassador Sponsor
2,000.00 USD
Partner Sponsor
1,000.00 USD
Associate Sponsor
500.00 USD

Exhibitor
Vendor Area Booth
250.00 USD

LOCATION
Embassy Suites by Hilton Lexington/UK Coldstream, 1801 Newtown Pike, Lexington, KY 40511
Map
Location: Embassy Suites by Hilton Lexington/UK Coldstream, 1801 Newtown Pike, Lexington, KY 40511