FOR EMPLOYERS
KentuckianaWorks offers a wide variety of resources for employers in the Louisville region. Whether you are looking to find new workers, build partnerships within your industry, or get support in developing a more inclusive organization, we can help. We can connect you to qualified job seekers by promoting your open positions, connecting you to industry partners, and more. Interested in learning more about joining one of our industry partnership groups? Email Aleece Smith, Director of Inclusion and Sector Strategies.

FOR JOB-SEEKERS
Looking for help finding a new job or better career? We have the tools to help you succeed! Services provided include: free pre-employment training, job search assistance, career literacy training, basic skills testing & development, and other wrap-around services through the Kentucky Career Center.

KentuckianaWorks helps job-seekers find jobs and good careers, education and training to develop a fully prepared and engaged workforce that is aligned with the needs of the community. We help job seekers in Bullitt, Henry, Jefferson, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer, and Trimble counties find jobs, education and training and we connect employers with skilled, qualified workers.

For more information, contact Angella Wilson at (502) 574-4727 or Angella.Wilson@KentuckianaWorks.org.

The Louisville Urban League is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, community service organization dedicated to eliminating racism and its adverse impacts on the community. Their mission is to assist African Americans and other marginalized populations in attaining social and economic equality through direct services and advocacy. As part of a broader National Urban League network of historic civil rights organizations throughout the United States, the Louisville Urban League, like all affiliates, is dedicated to fostering economic empowerment in order to elevate the standard of living in historically underserved urban communities, with our focus on Jobs, Justice, Education, Health, Housing, and Black Business. Currently, the Louisville Urban League’s service area includes the Kentucky counties of Jefferson, Shelby, Oldham, Bullitt, and Hardin; and the Indiana counties of Floyd, Harrison, and Clark.

For more information, contact (502) 585-4622.

Kentuckiana Builds can prepare participants for quality professions like electricians, carpenters, fiber optic installers, welders, and many more. This program can equip you with the hands-on skills you’ll need for the job and connect you to local employers who are hiring. To be eligible to receive training through Kentuckiana Builds, you must be 18 years of age or older, be eligible to work in the United States, have a state-issued ID, have a high school diploma or GED, and have selective service registration (males only).

For more information on this program, contact Crystal Shockency, Workforce Specialist, Louisville Urban League, cshockency@lul.org or call (502) 362-2824.

Zoom Group has been providing support for individuals with disabilities for 35 years. This organization’s mission is to empower, educate, and employ people of all abilities. Zoom Group offers work adjustment training programs (including job placement) and pre-employment transition services programs like job exploration, work-based learning experiences, counseling, workplace readiness training for social skills and independent living, and self-advocacy. Zoom Group also offers supported employment programs designed to help individuals be trained in and secure the jobs they want.

For more information, contact Tera Walker at twalker@zoomgroup.org or 502.323.5872.

Kentucky Refugee Ministries, Inc. (KRM), a non-profit organization, is dedicated to providing resettlement services to refugees through faith- and agency-based co-sponsorship in order to promote self-sufficiency and successful integration into the community. KRM is committed to offering access to community resources and opportunities and to promoting awareness of diversity for the benefit of the whole community.

For more information, contact John Koehlinger at jkoehlinger@kyrm.org or (502) 479-9180.

USA Cares: Veteran & Family Support offers career readiness which provides individuals with tools and resources to better prepare them for the hiring process and refers qualified candidates to corporate organizations with open positions of employment specific to their skill sets. In addition, this organization offers many additional programs including a Military Assistance Response Program, a Financial Education & Empowerment Program, a Senior Leaders Corporate Fellowship Program, and more.

For more information, contact 800-773-0387 or info@usacares.org.

Jefferson BuiLT (Building Trades Leadership Training) is an employer-supported apprenticeship-style program. Apprentices will work for one of the program’s partner employers while taking classes. One day each week, apprentices will be in the classroom taking courses in carpentry, plumbing, electrical safety, blue print reading, and leadership. All of these (about 30 credit hours in total) count towards a diploma or associate degree in Construction Technology, Plumbing or HVAC. If an apprentice finishes their program and stays employed, it could lead to a full-time position. Not only will students get professional instruction so they can do the work, but they’ll also receive the training they need to be a leader in their fields!

For more information on this program, contact Joshua Lichtsteiner, Jefferson BuiLT Coordinator at jlichtsteiner0002@kctcs.edu or 502-213-4160.

The Louisville Teacher Residency (LTR) program was created by Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) with a commitment to empower prepared and culturally responsive teachers for all students. LTR is a one-year, urban teacher-preparation program for individuals with limited to no teaching experience. Residents receive personalized instruction throughout the process to help them become successful in JCPS classrooms. The LTR program creates a diverse teacher workforce that transforms educational outcomes of all students through courageous conversations, racially equitable instruction, culturally responsive teaching, and meaningful reflection. See the benefits of the program here.

For more information, contact louisvilleteacherresidency@jefferson.kyschools.us or (502) 485-7967.

The Southwest Center for the developmentally disabled provides a wide variety of community-based services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Each service is geared towards helping each person to live, work, and enjoy life in their community. The Southwest Center was founded in response to the growing need for programs and employment opportunities for adults with disabilities. Since that time, we have grown to provide a wide variety of community-based services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Each service is geared towards helping each person to live, work, and enjoy life in his or her community.

For more information, contact (502) 935-1848 or info@swcky.org.

Teach Kentucky launches the education careers of ambitious college graduates in Louisville, Kentucky’s public schools. The organization has grown from bringing two teacher candidates in its first year to annually bringing a new 40-45 person cohort of aspiring teachers from across the nation to our city. Once they are here, teachers have found a home to stay and build their professional and personal lives.

Teach Kentucky is known for its community, which is one of the primary reasons teachers thrive in Louisville. Their veteran teachers are committed to helping the newer cohort members which often leads to innovative collaboration and long-lasting friendships.

For more information, contact (502) 458-0830 or contact@teachkentucky.com.

The Kentucky Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (KY FAME) is a partnership of regional manufacturers whose purpose is to implement career pathway and apprenticeship-style educational programs that will create a pipeline of highly skilled workers. KY FAME helps employers discover the workforce of tomorrow, and helps students launch into their careers today, with no school debt!

FOR EMPLOYERS – Learn more here.

KY FAME provides a comprehensive, hands-on education that prepares individuals for a rewarding career in the industry. As part of The Manufacturing Institute, and through its coalition of employers who work collectively to support skills training programs, KY FAME is proactively developing a robust pipeline of qualified workers to close the skills gap. FAME is the premier advanced manufacturing workforce education and development program, helping students become highly skilled, globally competitive, well-rounded and sought-after talent that can meet the unique needs and challenges of today’s modern manufacturing workforce. Every year, FAME graduates’ transition into well-paying, diverse career pathways in critical disciplines across the manufacturing industry and across the country. The Advanced Manufacturing Technician (AMT) program administered under the FAME model leverages a work/learn framework to weave technical knowledge, professional behaviors and distinct manufacturing core exercises into a focused co-op experience to build global-best, entry-level, multi-skilled maintenance technicians.

FOR STUDENTS – Learn more here.

Once you’re accepted into KY FAME, you will begin work on a combination education/training program to earn certification as an Advanced Manufacturing Technician (AMT). You will attend classes at a local community college two days a week and work 24 hours a week for a local employer – all while being paid a competitive wage for your work. After five semesters you will have earned an associate degree in Applied Science in Industrial Maintenance Technology-Advanced Manufacturing Technician Track, 68 to 71 college credit hours, two years of work experience and the AMT certification. At that point, you’ll be ready to enter the workforce full time with all the skills needed to succeed—and with the potential of no school debt!

For more information on this program, contact FAME@nam.org or ‪(202) 480-9260‬.

The Center for Employment Opportunities provides immediate, effective, and comprehensive employment services exclusively to individuals who have recently returned home from incarceration. Their comprehensive employment and training services help individuals connect to a job and career. CEO exists to create greater opportunities for people who face multiple barriers to economic success. With more than half of their participants between 18 and 30 years old, CEO is committed to continuously building, implementing, and evaluating programming that addresses their needs and affirms their agency.

CEO’s program begins with a paid orientation to ensure individuals have what they need to begin work immediately. During the orientation, CEO staff assist each participant in assembling all documents necessary for employment, ensure eligibility for benefits, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and provide appropriate training and PPE for our work crews. Following orientation, participants will continue to engage in workshops and one-on-one support covering crucial digital skills, financial literacy, and workplace and communication best practices. For more information, Contact Jacqueline McGhee-Rutledge at jmcghee@ceoworks.org or 502-694-7878.

The Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation is a program provided by the Kentucky Career Center to empower Kentuckians with disabilities to maximize independence and economic security through competitive, integrated employment. Services include supported employment, vocational and other training services, counseling and guidance, job placement and retention, employment follow-up, telecommunications, sensory, and other technological aids and devices.

For more information, contact Nanci.Howard@ky.gov, wfd.vocrehab@ky.gov, or 502-564-4440.

Mattingly Edge cultivates partnerships that enable people with disabilities to thrive at work, at home, and in relationships. This organization supports people to spend their time, not in day services or specialized programs, but instead working, volunteering, attending school, exercising, socializing, performing personal and household tasks, and investing in other responsible engagements. Mattingly Edge supports people to spend evenings and weekends in their homes and community, hosting friends, attending a book club or art class, or yoga session, participating in a community of faith, going to the local nightspot for a beer, and other ways to enjoy oneself, meet people, and grow as a person. Mattingly Edge refers to these things as “the good things in life.”

To help people attain the good things in life, this organization provides customized one-on-one support with an individual’s specific goals and support needs in mind. A team of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) is recruited and matched with an individual based on personality, skills, interests, and logistics. The person being supported is always an active participant in the interviewing, hiring, and direction of their support team.

For more information, contact Hope Leet Dittmeier, Executive Director, at hdittmeier@mattinglyedge.org or (502) 451-6200.

Mission Behind Bars and Beyond (MB3) directly addresses the causes of recidivism and seeks to reduce the rate of recidivism among returning citizens released from Kentucky correctional facilities. The program adopts a multi-layer, holistic approach that begins with the individual while incarcerated, assists with pre-release preparation, and provides support and assistance once the individual returns to the community. Mission Behind Bars and Beyond is making a safer Kentucky, one returning citizen at a time.

For more information, contact (502) 214-5338.

The Plan Room at OneWest was formed in 2014 by a diverse group of professionals in Leadership Louisville’s Bingham Fellows program. They believed that the clearest path to economic renaissance in west Louisville is an influx of private, philanthropic, and public capital. It is abundantly clear that Louisville’s continued growth and vitality rests primarily on intentional and focused inclusion of west Louisville. Their vision includes strategies to provide the residents of west Louisville with increased opportunities for employment and business ownership; to re-create the 18th and West Broadway corridor as a destination of choice where Louisvillians will spend their dollars; and, an increased economic prosperity will stabilize the housing market, enhance access to services, improve health and safety, and instill a renewed sense of pride.

For more information, please contact Donovan C. Taylor, Director, at 502.384-0490 or dtaylor@onewest.org or theplanroom@onewest.org.

Edge Employment welcomes opportunities to partner with businesses, organizations, professional networks, individual professionals, and schools of all levels! The organization aims to expand meaningful employment opportunities within Greater Louisville businesses that match the contributions of disabled job candidates, assist disabled teens and adults to explore post-secondary and employment opportunities, and, disrupt misconceptions around the value of disabled people and integration in the workforce.

For more information, contact Merry Reid Sheffer, Lead Employment Specialist, at msheffer@edgeemployment.org or 865-548-7979.

Canopy recognizes the changing landscape in business: employees want purpose, consumers are paying attention to who they buy from, healthy communities are good for business, and, a healthy landscape is good for business. Canopy’s mission is to grow Kentucky businesses to positively impact people, the planet, and the future. Through education, certification, and connection, Canopy helps Kentucky businesses participate and succeed with the Good Business movement.

The Canopy Certified Program guides Kentucky businesses toward achieving measurable social and environmental good, operating with the highest ethical standards, and, taking care of all stakeholders along the way.

For more information, contact Ben Smock, Director of Development, at bensmock@canopyky.org.

New Hope Services Inc. offers an array of services for both job seekers and employers/business owners! These include Vocational Training & Employment Services; Skills Training; Family Support Services; and, workforce solutions through the New Hope Industries program. Learn more about these programs below:

For more information, contact Brad Wolfe at bwolfe@cvky.org (859) 231-0054.

At the Building Institute of Greater Louisville, you can become a Licensed HVAC Journeyman! In partnership with the Building Industry Association of Greater Louisville, the Building Institute’s HVAC Program is now being offered to students in Louisville and surrounding areas. Every building in Kentucky needs some form of heating and cooling, and there’s a shortage of HVAC technicians in our state. The year-long program allows you to get practice working on the job and studying during the evenings. Students who have completed this program say they enjoy the pace and on-the-job learning, and, the field training allows them to put what they learned into practice immediately.

For more information on this program, contact 502-429-0513 or visit their website.

The Spot: Young Adult Opportunity Campuses offer free career and education resources for young adults ages 16-24 in the Louisville region. Located at JCTC Campus (800 W Chestnut Street) and NIA (2900 W Broadway), the Spot provides an inviting environment for anyone needing guidance in figuring out the next step in life, like continuing education, starting a career, gaining credentials, by creating a path to independence and self-sufficiency. Nobody is ever alone at the Spot! Earn incentives and wages as you explore the world of possibilities, communicate with people who get it, and tap into your inner self.

No pathway is out of the question. The Spot partners with a wealth of educational, vocational, and training providers to meet in-demand jobs and creative jobs. Some trainings are provided in-house, such as Digital Literacy and Customer Services. National credentials are always our mission when serving you with a variety of trainings.

For more information, contact Renee Walters at 502-574-4115 or Renee.Walters@kentuckianaworks.org.

Blue River Services is on a mission to assist people with disabilities in realizing maximum personal growth and development in home, work and community by providing a continuum of individualized services and supports in settings least restrictive for the needs of the individual. Blue River Employment Services provides placement to individuals with intellectual, developmental and acquired disabilities and other barriers to employment. Individuals can obtain and maintain employment through career exploration, job readiness and development, soft skills training, follow-along services and individual job coaching. Services are designed in accordance with the individual’s support needs and preferences. Blue River staff assist individuals in discovering and understanding their vocational interests, values, temperaments, work-related behaviors, aptitudes, skills, physical capabilities, learning style, and training needs. Individuals are paired with an Employment Consultant, who assists with employment-related concerns helping participants further their skills training.

For more information, contact Holly Adam at 812-542-3077 or hadam@rbralliance.org.

Rauch, Inc. works to support people with disabilities and their families while encouraging a community that acknowledges the value and contribution of all people. Rauch, Inc. promotes professional growth by providing employees opportunities for promotion to supervisory roles and to apply for new roles across departments. This organization also supports employment by assisting with the job search, skill development, and job coaching as well as working with schools in the community to aid students in their journey after high school.

For more information, contact Holly Adam at (812) 945-4063 or hadam@rauchinc.org.

The Junior League of Louisville is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. Above all else, their goal is to promote and perpetuate social change in Louisville, KY and the surrounding communities that will benefit most from it. By empowering women and providing valuable leadership training, JLL is giving local women the tools to get involved, put their talents to work, and positively impact the communities in and around Louisville.

For more information, contact 502-637-5415 or admin@juniorleaguelouisville.org.

Dismas serves as the primary re-entry point for over 8,000 men and women returning to society from state and federal prisons each year. At their re-entry centers across the nation, Dismas provides a range of tailored services that address specific community needs and meet or exceed stringent government regulations associated with residential re-entry centers. Dismas Charities provides quality, cost-effective, community-based supervision and support services while focusing on healing the human spirit.

A critical component of their work is a focus on helping their residents obtain meaningful employment. Through employment, their residents repay their debts to society and become responsible, independent citizens, taxpayers, parents, and contributors to the community. Thousands of agencies and employers across the country work with Dismas to provide employment opportunities for residents. Dismas staff works with residents to deliver job-specific training and support to help make a successful transition to long-term employment.

For more information, contact Sarah Weidner at sWeidner@dismas.com or (502) 636-2033.

The Multi-Purpose Community Action Agency works to eliminate barriers to economic self-sufficiency for low-income families and senior citizens through community supports and partnerships. The MPCAA works on behalf of individuals and families to help them improve their daily living situations and to stabilize the family unit. Through their various programs and services, they promote self-sufficiency and independent living, helping their customers to achieve their own success by focusing on the positive aspects of their lives.

For more information, contact Kim Embrey-Hill at (502) 633-7162 or kim@mpcaa.org.

Cedar Lake works to to engage individuals in the community while promoting independence, self-sufficiency, and spiritual health. Cedar Lake Employment Specialists focus on aiding job seekers in obtaining a meaningful job. Specialists help job seekers to find a job within competitive employment that both earns a living wage and provides a satisfying career while building natural relationships and in the workplace. In addition, this organization offers vocational rehabilitation services to assist individuals with their goals to reach their employment outcomes. Counselors are assigned to each case to discuss guidance and assessments that focus on person-centered initiatives.

For more information, contact 502-495-4946 or info@cedarlake.org.

Adelante Hispanic Achievers is a non-profit, volunteer-based organization chartered with a mission to inspire and empower Hispanic youth to become self-sufficient, successful individuals who have the tools they need to achieve their dreams and participate as creative, educated world citizens. Their programming focuses on the holistic development of their students, including academics, career exploration, cultural awareness, plus personal and social development. Adelante provides long-term educational guidance, programming and resources to students from grades 6-12. All Adelante programs and services are provided free of charge.

For more information, contact edgardo@adelanteky.org or (502) 341-9415.

Home of the Innocents – Pathways HOME is a leader in transforming communities through programs that are trauma-responsive, innovative, and evidence-based. Their leadership is committed to developing and supporting a diverse, inclusive, values-led workforce. The Pathways HOME program provides services to young adults between the ages of 18 to 24 and their children. This program offers the kind of care and education that can make a huge difference in young people’s ability to care for themselves and their families. Their experienced and dedicated staff help Pathways HOME clients develop independent living skills, enroll in and complete education, access community resources, seek affordable housing, and access mental health services. Participants are expected to fulfill certain obligations in order to benefit from the program. These expectations include maintaining a job, completing education, and weekly contact with their case manager.

For more information, contact Paul Robinson at 502-596-1320 or probinson@homeoftheinnocents.org. 

Options Unlimited, Inc. (OU) provides a variety of employment services at no cost to individuals with disabilities and supports individuals so that they may achieve their desired vocational goals of working in the community. Individuals begin the Supported Employment process at the assessment and planning stage. During this time OU will look at the individual’s interests and skills and match these to a potential employer through job development. On-the-job training and coaching is a support that is offered to assure success of the individuals in the OU Supported Employment Program. Ongoing follow up and support is provided to ensure the long-term success of the individual working in the community with services such as training programs, resume development, interviewing skills, job readiness, job development services and on-the-job support.

For more information, contact contact Willie Byrd at williebyrd@gmail.com or 502-955-7271.

Path Forward of Kentucky provides supported employment, community rehabilitation services (CRP), and pre-employment transition services. They also provide support and coordination for Medicaid Waivers; authorized Social Security Tickets to Work; contract opportunities, business consulting for ADA and inclusionary workplaces, and benefits consulting. This organization’s mission is to provide customized services, support and encouragement needed by individuals with disabilities to build and increase their independence.

For more information, contact 502-451-2565 or info@pathforwardky.com.

The Workwell Industries is a non-profit organization that is committed to creating jobs for people with disabilities and others who experience barriers to employment. This organization provides quality packaging, parts assembly as well as various other services to many large organizations in the US and worldwide. By choosing to outsource these services to Workwell, companies routinely reduce overhead & save on the cost of a project.

For more information, contact Sandy Boyd at boyd@workwellindustries.org or 502-772-7383.

Community Services Project (CSP) is a nonprofit organization that works with individuals to find and maintain jobs within the community. They strive to help a diverse group of people (including persons with disabilities, veterans, and Youth in Transition) find jobs of their choosing. Jobs are targeted to an individual’s abilities, health status, and goals. They provide programs and services to help our clients enhance their strengths and overcome their weaknesses. This creates a clear path to increased self-confidence and self-sufficiency!

For more information, contact office@cspky.org or (502) 368-4886.

The Coalition for Workforce Diversity helps supply local businesses with the help they need, while helping individuals with disabilities lead more productive and fulfilling lives. Partner businesses work collaboratively with Agency providers to support their candidates in getting and maintaining jobs. A monthly networking meeting is held the third Thursday of each month where business can present their openings to job coaches and agency providers. Both UPS and Best Buy have seen very positive results from working with the Coalition. Because their employees have been carefully matched to the positions they hold, these employees tend to excel in their roles. Furthermore, Coalition employees tend to have better attendance and more impressive safety records when compared to their workplace peers.

For more information, contact Kitty Zachery at KittyZachery@CoalitionFWD.com or (502) 955-7271.

St. John Center extends care and community to homeless men, women, and children living on the streets in our city. This organization has a mission to help homeless men address the barriers to housing and self-sufficiency so they can leave homelessness for good. They offer permanent supportive housing, a day shelter and social services center, and street outreach. They are located in a former Catholic church as a haven for immigrants and have staff and volunteers that carry on a welcoming spirit to provide refuge to some of the community’s most vulnerable people.

For more information, contact Keesha Gardner at 502-568-6758 or kgardner@stjohncenter.org.

The Healing Place strives to transform individuals affected by addiction or homelessness through accountability and connection. With nearly 1,000 beds available on three campuses, The Healing Place provides a number of services to best fit the client’s needs and give them the best chance at long-term recovery from drugs and/or alcohol. This includes detox services, a long-term inpatient recovery program, intensive outpatient services with sober housing, transitional housing, an overnight shelter for those experiencing homelessness, and specialized services for homeless and addicted veterans. Most services are provided at no cost to the client.

For more information, call 502-585-4848.

Americana World Community Center works to bridge the gap from surviving to thriving for Louisville’s refugee, immigrant, and underserved populations. This organization provides holistic, comprehensive programs to immigrants, refugees, and low-income individuals that enable people to overcome the challenges of integrating into a new community and of living below the poverty line. They offer workforce development programs such as mentoring, coaching and referrals, college/career readiness preparation, and more.

For more information, contact Emilie Dyer at 502-366-7813 or emilie@americanacc.org.

The Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program (EKCEP) through federal funding from SITE, assists workers and businesses throughout the state of Kentucky meet the challenges and & seize opportunities in today’s economy. EKCEP administers programs that help adults looking for work, workers who have been dislocated from their jobs, and economically disadvantaged youth. In the GLI area, EKCEP covers the counties of Jefferson, Bullitt, Henry, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer and Trimble.. EKCEP works with workforce centers across the state, and provides access to more than a dozen state and federal programs that offer employment and training assistance for job seekers and employers.

For more information contact Millie Dee Stevens at 606-312-2028 or email mstevens@ekcep.org.

The Louisville Youth Network is a one-stop shop for understanding what services and programs are available to Louisville’s youth (ages 10-24) that are not in school, working, or simply need support. Through this Network, youth will have the opportunity to receive wrap around services, support, and mentorship. Available services include: connections to educational opportunities, mental and physical health, job training, employment, housing and food, leadership, and transportation.

For more information, contact Bethany Olson at bethany.olson@louisvilleky.gov.