We are excited to announce that Yohali Asende, one of our Hand Up, Hand Back program participants, is the 2017 recipient of the United Way Shooting Star Award. The award was presented on Thursday, Feb. 1 at the Sloan Convention Center during their Live United Awards and Annual Meeting. The Shooting Star Award honors “an individual who exemplifies the organization’s commitment to helping people overcome personal difficulties and become self-sufficient.”
Yohali is a model of what a little support can do to help someone provide sustainably for their family. Here is what Yohali said about our program, “I am so happy to see the people who helped me find this job. Each time I see them, it gives me courage and strength to keep working hard and persevering because I see how much they believe in me. I am a mom with little education and little work experience in American terms, but because of this program, provided by United Way funds, and these people who believe in me, I have been able to be successful in my job and in providing for my family. I have been given a chance and an opportunity, and I am determined that this is just the beginning.”
Yohali is just one of many that are being supported currently by our program. Hand Up Hand Back focuses on education and occupational training, while encouraging our participants in their daily lives, we expect to see great strides accomplished in the local international community in the years to come.
We offer a huge thank you to the United Way of Southern Kentucky, Kelly Services, and the KY Career Center. We could not accomplish anything without your support and collaboration, and we are proud to partner with you in this work.
https://communityeduc.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/HeaderLogo2.png00Joshua Smithhttps://communityeduc.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/HeaderLogo2.pngJoshua Smith2018-02-02 14:19:582018-02-02 14:19:58Hand Up Hand Back participant honored at United Way’s Live United Awards
Outstanding volunteer teams and individuals were recognized April 30 at the 28th annual Volunteer of the Year Awards, presented by BB&T and Kirby & Moore, LLP, at the Bob Kirby Branch of the Warren County Public Library. The following individuals and groups were recognized for their service.
Anne Grubbs Spirit of Serve Award- Melanie Smith,Eloise B. Houchens Center Board
Melanie is a long-time board member at Eloise B. Houchens Center where she has served as the president and is the go-to the person for anything having to do with computers, printing and publicity work. She serves with the Landmark Association where she helps with fundraising efforts and handles communication for the group. As an active member of the Bowling Green Garden Club, she participates in their many activities that improve the community. In addition, she has provided leadership for the B.G.H.S. Band Boosters, Habitat for Humanity, March of Dimes, and the Junior Woman’s Club. Jonathan Jeffrey, department head for Western Kentucky University Special Collections Library, said that Melanie “volunteers to make organizations better” and “never stakes claim to credit for her volunteer work.”
This award recognizes those excelling in quality, length and spirit of service to others.
The other volunteers recognized were:
Ryan Dearbone, Community Education
Sharon Durie, American Red Cross
Romanza Johnson, Kids on the Block
Team Spirit Award-Empty Bowls of Bowling Green,Community Education
Empty Bowls of Bowling Green’s motto is “working to end hunger, one bowl at a time” and over the past five years they have been doing just that. Garry Taylor, a local potter, discovered the fundraiser and decided to bring the event to Bowling Green in 2013. With the help of the members of St. James United Methodist Church, HOTEL INC, Life Care Ministry, and Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College Culinary Arts this group has taken on the responsibility to plan and coordinate Empty Bowls of Bowling Green. All the money raised supports two local food banks: Manna Mart at HOTEL INC and the Life Care Ministry run by University Church of Christ. Since 2013, more than $60,000 has been raised to support the two food banks and more than 3,000 bowls have been donated.
This award recognizes those groups who work together to provide service in the community.
The other volunteer groups recognized were:
Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority, BGJHS Youth Services Center
SKyPAC Ambassadors, Southern Ky. Performing Arts Center
South Warren High School Football Team, Community Education
Rookie Award- Magen Estep,Kids on the Block
Magen began volunteering in the Kids on the Block office, but it wasn’t long before she was tapped to become a board member as a result of her energy and determination. She wanted to grow the Kids on the Block programming in her hometown of Franklin, so poured her efforts into the third annual Shamrock Sprint, a free kids’ run and fundraiser. Magen grew sponsorships, bombarded social media and put up posters, and increased the number of children participating in the event. She was boots on the ground the day of the event, arriving early to set up and staying late to clean up. Her graphic design skills have allowed Kids on the Block to be marketed in a more effective way, resulting in a spike for supporters for events. She is actively involved with many other nonprofits including CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), Bowling Green Junior Woman’s Club, Potter Gray Elementary PTO, and Junior Achievement of South Central Kentucky.
This award recognizes an individual or group who is new to volunteering, beginning their service with an organization during the last 24 months.
The other volunteers recognized were:
Caroline Flora-Collins, Eloise B. Houchens Center Board
Terri Hewitt, Bowling Green Junior High School Football Team
BB&T Spirit of Community Award- American Legion Post 23
In the last ten years, American Legion Post 23, has donated more than $2 million to nonprofits and those in need in our community. Boys and Girls Club, Community Education, HOTEL INC, Kids Sportstime, Salvation Army, as well as The Good Deeds Club at Alvaton Elementary School have been just a few of the agencies that have benefited from their generosity. They provide transportation for veterans to the Nashville VA Hospital, visit veterans in nursing homes monthly, serve dinners at the Bridge, and set up veterans in apartments who need a hand up. American Legion has anonymously given to various needs in our community and is always ready to serve.
Don Butler (center) along with VIA Board members Linda Krutza and Joshua Smith, accepts the BB&T Spirit of Community Award on behalf of American Legion Post 23 Commander Roger Miller, the officers, and all the members of Post 23.
This award goes to an organization or business that merits special recognition for volunteer service in the community.
Special Thanks to our sponsors: BB&T and Kirby & Moore, LLP, the Eloise B. Houchens Center, Oak Tree Awards & Recognition, Rickman Pottery, Warren County Public Library, and, of course, our judges.
Volunteers in Action is made up of a core group of diverse agencies and organizations that rely on the dedication and commitment of community volunteers. For more information on VIA or the VIA Volunteer of the Year Awards, contact Joshua Smith at (270) 842-4281 or [email protected].
https://www.commed.us/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/VIA-logo.jpg33003300Joshua Smithhttps://communityeduc.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/HeaderLogo2.pngJoshua Smith2017-05-08 15:30:452017-05-08 15:49:1828th annual Volunteer of the Year winners announced
Outstanding volunteer teams and individuals were recognized April 24 at the 27th annual BB&T Volunteer of the Year Awards at the Bob Kirby Branch of the Warren County Public Library. The following individuals and groups were recognized for their service.
Anne Grubbs Spirit of Service Award: Ernie Phelps
This award recognizes individuals who excel in quality, length and spirit of service to others. Ernie Phelps began volunteering at New Beginnings Therapeutic Riding (NBTR) in 2008 and is instrumental in helping NBTR achieve its mission of providing therapeutic horse-riding lessons to individuals with behavioral, mental, and physical disabilities. NBTR’s jack-of-all-trades, Ernie comes in early to feed, water, and muck 12 horses. He hauls hay and feed, repairs fences, and does what needs to be done to help make NBTR successful. He often stays to help the disabled riders.
Team Spirit Award: Saturday Meals
This award recognizes groups who work together to provide service in the community. Utilizing the kitchen at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, the Saturday Meals program provides some 300 nutritious meals to persons in need each Saturday. Using donated summer produce and ingredients purchased through Feeding America and local grocery stores, Saturday Meals volunteers prepare the hot meals and deliver them throughout the community. The recipients of these free meals are low-income individuals and families, including many shut-ins. Saturday Meals has also begun preparing meals for some homeless persons in Bowling Green.
Rookie Award: Presley Nash
This award recognizes an individual or group who is new to volunteering, starting their service with an organization during the last 24 months. Though only a teenager, Presley Nash has a list of volunteer achievements that few adults can match. She collects and donates items to children in foster care, bakes cookies for CASA bake sales, volunteers at the Kiwanis Club’s ThunderFest, and makes and sells bracelets to benefit a children’s hospital. Perhaps her most impressive volunteer activity is creating Presley’s Promise Homeless Outreach, forgoing her own Christmas gifts so she can donate to the homeless. She continues to help the homeless through the Salvation Army, Room in the Inn, and other organizations.
BB&T Spirit of Community Award: Chick-fil-A
This award recognizes an organization or business that merits special recognition for volunteer service in the community. Chick-fil-A in Bowling Green has assisted many community organizations through donations of food or money. Among the events and organizations that Chick-fil-A has assisted: Community Education’s Spellabration, Empty Bowls, Teen Angel Donation Blast, Run/Walk for Children, and Leadership Bowling Green.
Other outstanding volunteers recognized at the event include Anice Bishop, Judy Cothern, Vivian Foe, Eloise Hadden, Amy Milliken, Ed Moody, K.C. Moody, Jimmy Nyunt, Celebration Cakes Ministry, Houchens Center Board, SKyPAC Ambassadors, Starbucks on Scottsville Road, Beth Fiss, Greenwood High School Action Team, Judy Sampson, and Adaline Wakefield. Volunteers in Action is made up of a core group of diverse agencies and organizations that rely on the dedication and commitment of community volunteers. For more information on VIA or the VIA Volunteer of the Year Awards, contact Debi Wade Jordan at (270) 842-4281 or [email protected].
https://www.commed.us/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/VIA-logo.jpg33003300Joshua Smithhttps://communityeduc.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/HeaderLogo2.pngJoshua Smith2016-04-25 13:38:402017-04-05 10:44:22Volunteer of the Year winners announced
Community Education, Bowling Green High School Youth Services Center and Natcher Elementary Family Resource Center sponsored the 12th annual Summer Activities Fair on the evening of Tuesday, April 26 on the concourse of the Bowling Green Ballpark, home of the Hot Rods. The purpose of the fair is to provide parents with children in grades k-12 a one-stop shop opportunity for information on the activities, camps, or other programs offered during the summer in our community. This was the first time the event was held at Bowling Green Ballpark, and participation was higher than ever. More than 400 visitors attended, topping last year’s total of 367, which was the previous high.
The fair included information on a wide variety of summer activity opportunities, including academics, art, aviation, cooking, dance, martial arts, music, police, reading, various sports, volunteer opportunities and much, much more.
With this year’s event being held at Bowling Green Ballpark for the first time, those visiting the fair had the opportunity to receive free admission to that night’s Bowling Green Hot Rods baseball game against the Clinton LumberKings.
The Hill-Arious Spellerz team from Hill’s Pet Nutrition won the 11th annual Community Education Spellabration event February 19th at the Sloan Convention Center, beating WBKO Television’s WBKObi-wan-Kenobees team in the final round of the Star Wars-themed event. The annual fundraiser, described as a party with an adult spelling bee in the middle, was sponsored by Graves Gilbert Clinic and Hill’s Pet Nutrition. Tony Rose of WDNS-FM radio served as Master of Ceremonies and Alan Palmer was again the word reader in an event billed as “Spell Wars”.
The 11 teams and guests were treated to a variety of foods donated by local restaurants, and they were able to browse and bid on dozens of silent auction items in this event that raises funds for Community Education’s school-age programs for children in the Bowling Green and Warren County school systems.
In addition to Hill’s and WBKO, other Spellabration winners were honored. The Best Costume Award went to the spELPO team from the English, Lucas, Priest & Owsley law firm, the Best Table Decoration Award went to the Spellunkers team from Lost River Cave, and the Most Spirited Award went to the Dewey Decibels team from the Warren County Public Library.
https://communityeduc.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/HeaderLogo2.png00Joshua Smithhttps://communityeduc.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/HeaderLogo2.pngJoshua Smith2016-02-23 08:51:502016-02-23 08:51:50Hill’s wins Spellabration, WBKO team is 2nd
The five winners of the Spellabration 2016 Art Contest were recognized during the Spellabration event held February 19th at the Sloan Convention Center. This year, students were asked to submit artwork depicting animals or scenes from Kentucky Down Under. The winners of the art contest, which is sponsored by US Bank, will have their artwork printed on notecards that will be sold at Kentucky Down Under.
This year’s winners: Liz DeMarse, a Drakes Creek Middle School eighth grader; Bosco Tuyisenge, a Henry F. Moss Middle School eighth grader; Harley Wilson, a Lost River Elementary School sixth grader; Hayden Wolf, a North Warren Elementary School third grader; and Addison Rosado, a Jody Richards Elementary School first grader.
All winners had their artwork on display at Spellabration, and the art will be displayed for two weeks at the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce.
https://www.commed.us/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/0021-e1456178860511.jpg34565184Joshua Smithhttps://communityeduc.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/HeaderLogo2.pngJoshua Smith2016-02-22 16:00:482016-02-22 16:41:17Spellabration Art Contest winners
Community Education offers snow day programs but pre-registration is required. Call the office at 270-842-4281 for more information.
https://communityeduc.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/HeaderLogo2.png00Chris Lauthhttps://communityeduc.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/HeaderLogo2.pngChris Lauth2015-11-05 16:10:072016-02-23 08:54:48Community Education offering Snow Day Program
As with any changes in technology, there may be glitches and other issues on this webiste for the first few days it is up and running. Please use our contact form if you would like to point out anything specific.
Feedback is always welcome.
https://www.commed.us/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/SmallBird.png6451Chris Lauthhttps://communityeduc.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/HeaderLogo2.pngChris Lauth2015-01-13 08:51:062015-01-26 22:41:34Welcome to the new Community Education website!
