CAK 2026 Annual Conference
Pathways to Possibilities: The Heart of Service
June 9 - 11, 2026  ·  Embassy Suites by Hilton Lexington/UK Coldstream

Join hundreds of staff from Kentucky’s Community Action Agencies to explore new pathways, strengthen services, and celebrate the vital role of Community Action in strengthening communities across Kentucky at the 2026 CAK Conference: Pathways to Possibilities: The Heart of Service.

Whether you're in direct service, administration, or leadership, you'll find valuable sessions covering a wide range of topics tailored to the diverse needs of Community Action Agency programs and roles, including: Weatherization & Energy Efficiency, Transportation Services, Aging Programs, Workforce Development, kynect, Head Start & Early Childhood Education, Case Management, Program Administration & Leadership, IT & Communications, Grant Writing & Management, Housing & Homelessness Services, Regulations & Compliance.

Be part of this transformative event and help shape the future of Community Action Agencies in Kentucky. Together, we’ll connect, learn from expert speakers, and explore resources from exhibitors supporting our network.

This conference is funded in part through the Community Services Block Grant.

Sponsorship and Exhibit Opportunities

Our partners make the path easier to serve Kentuckians! As a sponsor or exhibitor, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with Community Action Agencies that deliver vital programs and services to hundreds of thousands of Kentuckians annually.

Conference attendees will cover a range of roles and programs from across our network such as, Weatherization, Workforce Development, Housing, Aging Programs, Transportation Services, Head Start, Case Management, IT, Finance, & Communications, Grant Writing, and more providing a targeted audience for your products, services, and solutions.

Exhibit Hall Details: The exhibit hall will be open each day from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with set-up time starting at 7:00 AM.

Explore our Sponsorship Packet to learn how you can gain visibility, engage with attendees, and make a lasting impact. From exclusive speaking opportunities to premium booth placements, there’s a sponsorship level to fit your goals.

Save Your Spot: Exhibitors and Sponsors can register now, click register above! Contact katlyn@capky.org for questions or to create a customized package to fit your needs.

Sponsors
Sessions
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Registration for Head Start, Aging, Transportation, CSBG, and Housing/Weatherization, and Poverty Simulation Day.
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Session provides an overview of the fundamentals of the Fair Housing Act and related local fair housing ordinances. This session builds a strong foundation in understanding fair housing rights and responsibilities in today’s housing landscape.
This presentation will focus on ways to incorporate job awareness into play spaces, and developmentally appropriate practices which set up children for success as they enter school and the future workforce.
Many Community Action Agencies across our network still treat the customer input survey as the Community Needs Assessment, when really, it’s just one of many tools for collecting data.
The Heart of Service helps participants reconnect to the “why” that led them to serve in the first place. Through reflection and renewal practices, this session reignites compassion, resilience, and meaning for those that serve.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Included with registration.
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
This session explores strategies that allow older adults to age in place by strengthening community support, improving home safety, enhancing social connections, & expanding access to services that help older adults thrive.
This presentation will focus on ways to incorporate job awareness into play spaces, and developmentally appropriate practices which set up children for success as they enter school and the future workforce.
Learn from KHC as they go over common findings and best practices throughout the WX Program.
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
KY PATH is a free, statewide program connecting Kentucky caregivers with peer mentors who have caregiving experience and offer understanding, encouragement, and connection to reduce isolation and support caregiver well-being.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Presentation from KHC Staff.
This session supports sustainable, identity-anchored leadership by helping participants move from survival-based performance to intentional presence.
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Kick off the conference at Community Action's Fan Zone! Wear your favorite team's gear and join us for a fun evening filled with food, music, and team spirit. Stop by our "Fan Zone" photo booth, complete with fun props to show off your MVP style!
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
10:15 AM - 11:30 AM
10:15 AM - 11:30 AM
The practice of case management in a dynamic environment with changing client needs and challenges.
Through a blend of executive briefing and hands-on activities, leaders will learn to harness AI for case management efficiency while building robust governance frameworks to protect vulnerable populations from algorithmic bias.
Exceptional customer service is at the heart of every thriving CAA.  This engaging, hands-on session will focus on strengthening communication, empathy, and responsiveness across all levels of your organization – from frontline staff to leadership.
Learn and network with IT Professionals from across the network. This is an opportunity to learn, ask questions, and share solutions.
This session explores hands-on activity sheets that extend DPIL books with playful, developmentally appropriate literacy strategies and resources, giving participants practical tools to support young children’s curiosity, learning, and school readiness.
Many “operating principles” in agencies and state offices rely on an informal approach often described as “the way we’ve always done it.” This workshop explores how Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) can improve performance management.
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Included with registration. People Bingo will be happening!
1:00 PM - 2:15 PM
1:00 PM - 2:15 PM
A candid fireside chat on the emotional and mental realities of leading through crisis—exploring courage, values, mental health, and resilience, and reframing sustainable leadership as leading whole, not suffering silently.
CISA, U.S. Department of Homeland Security will present a session around cyber security, new threats and how to enhance vulnerability.
During this session, teachers will gain knowledge and understanding to help them support social-emotional learning for infants and toddlers in their classrooms.
This session cuts through the noise to show Community Action leaders how to turn program and financial data into a strategic asset.
2:30 PM - 3:45 PM
Blue Grass Community Action Head Start will share how they utilized their existing infrastructureto expand into providing Summer Care to school aged children.
This session equips participants to recognize burnout, identify stress indicators, and apply practical self‑care strategies. Participants develop a sustainable self‑care plan and explore ways to strengthen a supportive, wellness‑focused workplace culture.
Explore and share resources to help build foundational skills for success in the workforce. We’ll feature PBS LearningMedia and Workplace Essential Skills, which include engaging and contextualized content for career exploration and skill-building.
Every day your agency uses AI without a governance framework is a day of unnecessary risk.
4:00 PM - 4:45 PM
4:00 PM - 4:45 PM
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Pull on your boots and join us for line dancing, led by a Bluegrass Ballroom instructor. We’ll have you tapping your toes! Great music, good company, and quick bites—it’s fixin’ to be a good time!
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Join us as we honor our 2026 Kentucky's Community Action Network Award Recipients.
10:15 AM - 11:30 AM
10:15 AM - 11:30 AM
Cyberattacks don't discriminate, and nonprofits managing federal dollars and sensitive client data are prime targets.
This presentation focuses on the critical importance of crafting a compelling need statement for grant applications, emphasizing that it serves as the primary driver of the proposal and articulates the necessity for funding.
David Bradley, NCAF, will join us virtually to provide a legislative update.
This session will provide the foundation for understanding the review process, exploring the expectations, and tips for preparing early.
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Included with registration.
1:00 PM - 2:15 PM
1:00 PM - 2:15 PM
This 75-minute session provides practical, real-world guidance on how to recognize threats early, respond effectively during an active violence incident, and support recovery afterward.
This session will build upon the information presented in the “Let’s Talk Head Start Federal Reviews” workshop. Information will shift to an emphasis on the Focus Area 2 (FA2) protocol and guides.
This presentation focuses on the essential components of budget preparation for grant proposals.
KHC staff will provide an overview of the Weatherization Program and Intake Application Process
2:30 PM - 3:45 PM
2:30 PM - 3:45 PM
Discover five essential strategies to elevate your nonprofit board’s performance. Learn frameworks for growth, engagement, accountability, and ownership. Receive templates, sample policies, and best practices you can apply immediately.
This session will pull it all together, providing a broad overview of the fiscal aspects of a review, a synopsis of the different types of reviews, interpreting reports, and managing potential pitfalls.
Exhibitors

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.

Family Scholar House/MyKY.info

The MyKY.info Program is a robust KY statewide web accessible "Safety Net" site which connects those in need to resources in their community.

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.

No records found.

Speakers

Aaron McGahee

Aaron McGahee is a Louisville, KY native. Over his 14-year military career he served as Security Forces (Military Police), Combat Arms (Weapons Instructor), and Personal Security (Bodyguard) with three tours of duty overseas.

Annie Renner

Annie is she is responsible for informing clients about KFHC services and Fair Housing regulations, providing legal advocacy and referrals to community services, as well as assisting with outreach efforts.

April Carreon

April is a Social Services Specialist with the Office of Dementia Services, focusing on dementia education, caregiver support, and building dementia-friendly communities across Kentucky.

Barbara Mooney

Barbara has been a dedicated member of the Community Action Network since 1986, serving in various capacities over the years.

Carey Gibson

Carey is the Deputy Director of the Association of Nationally Certified ROMA Professionals.

Carla Brown

Carla Brown is the Executive Director of Community Action of Southern Kentucky, a role she has held since 2021. She leads more than 230 staff members and oversees a $15 million operating budget in support of the agency’s mission to fight poverty.

Carrie Lewis

With a passion for community service and a commitment to making a positive impact, Carrie also oversees the implementation and management of various programs aimed at addressing KFHC's mission.

Catrena Bowman

Catrena Bowman is a visionary leader, executive coach, and nonprofit executive with more than 25 years of experience driving transformational growth.

Charlene Engle

Charlene has been in the field of early childhood for more than 40 years. She spent 33 years of her career at a community action agency, where she held a variety of positions, including the Director of the Head Start program and CEO.

Colin Glover

Amongst other duties, he focuses on providing federal cybersecurity resources to State and Local governments as well as private sector organizations involved in Critical Infrastructure.

Dan Eaton

Dan is a dedicated advocate for his community with over 25 years of service. As Clinic Program Director at Audubon Area Community Care Clinic, he brings his passion for the underserved together with his ongoing advocacy for healthcare access.

David Bradley

For more than 30 years, David Bradley has been one of Washington’s leading advocates on behalf of low-income programs. In 1981, David helped found NCAF. In this role at NCAF, David was the primary architect of the CSBG.

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.

Eddrick Martin

Eddrick, CEO and Lead Strategist of Elevated Momentum Consulting LLC, has vast experience working with non-profit organizations in which he has provided leadership in various capacities. He is a 25 yr veteran of working and collaborating with nonprofits.

Elizabeth Daniels

Elizabeth Daniels is a long-time Adult Educator with a diverse background in teaching, education management and library services.

Emily Cornett

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

Faith Holley

As Outreach Coordinator for Audubon, she leads impactful initiatives such as grant writing, event planning, branding, social media management, and media and community outreach, all aimed at fostering community growth and connection.

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.

JaKay Matheny Sr.

Ja-Kay Matheny Sr. is a licensed clinical social worker, speaker, and leadership consultant dedicated to helping individuals and organizations unlock their full potential.

LaToya Burns-Vaughn

LaToya Burns Vaughn is a seasoned Clinical Director, Supervisor, and Service Provider with more than 20 years of experience in the mental health and wellness field.

Melissa Vermillion

An educator in grant writing since 2016, Melissa is among only 12 individuals in Kentucky to earn the Grant Professional Certification from the Grant Professionals Certification Institute.

Rhonda Chisenhall

She brought her skills to NKCAC in 2016, and has been directing the agency’s senior programming, volunteer coordination, the marketing efforts, and the fundraising strategy since then.

Ryan Peasley

Ryan leads Wipfli's Nonprofit Human Services division, where the team lives and breathes Community Action and Head Start.

Sharon Price

Sharon Price is a longtime advocate for justice and a respected leader with 35 years of experience serving children, families, and communities across Kentucky.

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.

No records found.

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