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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

The Louisville Free Public Library offers a wide range of ongoing international and English Language Learning programming at the Library. LFPL’s collection includes books and movies in many languages and more than 500 learn-a-language CD sets, from Arabic to Urdu, as well as downloadable audio foreign language courses. A number of library locations also offer a rich mix of activities, including multilingual storytimes, cultural showcases, conversation groups, foreign films, and literary “salons” in several languages. During the month of September, the entire Library system celebrates Louisville’s diversity during International Month.

For more information, contact Alecia Fuller at alecia.fuller@lfpl.org or (502) 574-1611.

The Seven Counties Services Training Institute is for community mental health professionals, and offers a variety of learning opportunities for professional development through classroom trainings and workshops. Many courses offered are submitted to Kentucky licensing boards for CE hours. Other courses offered are state-approved certifications for Targeted Case Management, Community Support Associates, and Peer Support Specialists.

For more information, contact PGuerrero@sevencounties.org, HMarcus@sevencounties.org or (502) 589-8600.

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.

Metro United Way works every day to lift the community by mobilizing people and maximizing resources to advance opportunity and equity for all. MUW brings together businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, foundations, and individuals to engage in the kinds of collaboration that changes lives. Through data-driven insights, their team identifies the community’s greatest needs and addresses systemic challenges by fighting to improve the disparities that persist in early care and education, economic mobility, home ownership, racial equity, and public policy in Jefferson, Bullitt, Oldham, and Shelby counties in Kentucky and Clark, Floyd and Harrison counties in Indiana.

For more information, contact Michelle Elsby at michelle.elsby@metrounitedway.org or (502) 583-2821.

Russell Promise is an initiative started by Cities United and the Louisville Metro Government and is a fiscally-sponsored project of the Community Foundation of Louisville. The vision of this initiative is to build Black wealth through investment without displacement including sharing decision-making and leadership with residents; connecting individuals and families to resources leading to homeownership and traditional and nontraditional business ownership; building pathways and opportunities to strengthen existing Black-owned businesses; creating innovative connections to career-track jobs; and, community ownership of neighborhood assets.

For more information, contact outreach@russellpromise.com.

Helping Hand of Hope works to offer compassionate relief to people in need by providing immediate assistance and appropriate referrals to meet basic human needs. This organization provides our community with an opportunity for sharing resources that foster personal self-worth and human dignity. Helping Hand of Hope provides the following services:

– Rent Assistance
– Utility Assistance
– Clothing Assistance
– Food Assistance
– Prescription Assistance
– Transportation Assistance for Hardin Co. residents with out-of-county medical appointments
– Job Readiness/Job Placement
– Beds for Children

For more information, contact hburke@hhhope.org or (270) 769-3092.

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.

Louisville Central Community Center is a non-profit, community-based organization that offers a variety of programs and services to support adults in the workforce, along with emerging entrepreneurs. Employment services and job training for adults, money management and homeownership are just some of the services provided in addition to those listed below. Programs include:

– Working Solutions: Employer and job seeker service which helps to connect the right candidate to the right positions. Job seekers may also access other services such as assistance with resume building, search and placement assistance, and mock interviewing.

– Money Matters Club: A financial coaching club that offers 1:1 financial coaching support to help participants achieve goals in the areas of asset attainment, budgeting and savings, credit attainment and repair, and much more. This program also works to alleviate barriers to goal achievement such as low wage employment, childcare issues, housing, and transportation issues. 

– Adult Basic Education (GED): In partnership with JCPS we offer FREE GED classes to individuals interested in obtaining their GED. 

– Skill Up Webinar Series: A technology skills training program to help both entrepreneurs and family leaders compete in our ever-changing world. This webinar series is aimed at providing information about certifications in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cyber security.

– Entrepreneurship Training Program & Be Your Own Boss (BYOB) Network: Offers networking and training opportunities to both budding and experienced entrepreneurs.

For more information, contact (502) 583-8821 or doingbusiness@lcccnews.org.

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.

MASPark serves employers who offer ongoing training and certification opportunities to employees, professionals, and students seeking to advance their skills. Served by approximately 3,500 square feet of training space, the Training and Workforce Development Center includes a welding lab, equipment labs for advanced manufacturing technology and green energy training, a 25-seat computer classroom, and a wide range of equipment to facilitate hands-on learning. MASPark’s Training and Workforce Development Center offers students of all ages ample opportunity to study and earn sought-after certifications in progressive fields. The state-of-the-art communication center complements onsite instruction through virtual audiovisual training with remote colleges and universities.

Programs include:

– Welding Training & Certification

– MSSC Certified Production Technician Training

– Advanced Manufacturing Training

For more information, contact Tyson Skinner, Director of Education & Training at (812) 752-9521 or tskinner@cityofscottsburg.com.

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.

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.

CASI supports and empowers individuals, families, and communities striving to reach self-sufficiency and works to provide life-enhancing opportunities for every individual and family desiring to experience an extraordinary change in their lives. Community Action of Southern Indiana’s programs provide critical support in areas such as financial literacy, education, housing, literacy, energy assistance, and more. Southern Hoosiers, like many Americans, face an array of enormous challenges ranging from poverty to disability to lack of decent and affordable housing to lack of adequate employment. In order to reduce poverty in our community, Community Action of Southern Indiana works to better focus available local, state, federal, and private resources to assist low-income individuals and families to acquire useful skills and knowledge, to gain access to new opportunities, and to achieve economic self-sufficiency.

For more information, contact ​ccarruthers@casi1.org or 812-288-6451.

The Elizabethtown/Hardin County Industrial Foundation Training Consortium (EIFTC), formed in 1987, is a partnership dedicated to workforce excellence and includes representatives from business, industry, the Industrial Foundation, and Elizabethtown Community & Technical College (ECTC). The primary purpose of this organization is to develop and implement various training programs for local industry, to upgrade the skills of current employees, and to provide continuity of educational development for students who may be considered for employment after graduation. Each year, EIFTC proudly invests in workforce solutions and awards a number of scholarships to qualified student applicants – all as part of the organization’s commitment to workforce training and development.

For more information, contact 270-737-0300 or view the program brochure here.

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.

Whether you are embarking upon your first job, experiencing a career transition, or searching for a twilight career before retirement, Jewish Family & Career Services will empower you to make informed decisions regarding your individual career path. This organization will help you explore vocational options and prepare you to enter the job market with confidence with assessment and exploration, counseling and coaching, job search preparation, pre-employment transition services, re-credentialing and career laddering, resource coordination, vocational evaluation, and workshops.

For more information, contact JFCS at services@jfcslouisville.org or 502-452-6341 x120.

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.

Catholic Charities of Louisville has programs that serve immigrants and refugees, new/expecting parents, people seeking job training, trafficking survivors, and, the aging and residents of long-term care facilities, regardless of their background or faith. This organization also focuses on West Louisville residents in need of emergency assistance programs by providing the most basic of human needs such as food, clothes, rent, and utilities assistance as they move from struggling to self-sufficiency so they can fully engage in our community.

For more information, contact TaKiyah Betts at tbetts@archlou.org or 502-637-9786.

The Louisville Association for Community Economics (LACE) is a non-profit developer committed to fostering an ecosystem of cooperative social enterprises built on racial and economic equity. This organization strives to educate the community about how cooperative economics can create community wealth and support the development of cooperative businesses. LACE helps launch cooperatives by supporting feasibility and business planning, connecting with communities and stakeholders, creating financial and governance models, and assisting with capitalization strategies. Their first major initiative is bringing the Louisville Community Grocery (LCG) vision to life.

For more information, contact info@lace.coop.