United Way of Central Kentucky presents at Facility Managers Meeting
Our thanks to United Way of Central Kentucky (UWCK) President/CEO Christa Shouse for presenting during our April Facility Managers’ Meeting.
Before the presentation, Elizabethtown-Hardin County Industrial Foundation (EHCIF) Vice President Andy Games provided updates on the local industrial sector. Games said Whiskey House Kentucky, a producer of contract bourbon and American whiskey located in the TJ Patterson Industrial Park in Elizabethtown, is set to begin production on July 1. In addition, Games said BlueOval SK in Glendale currently has over 700 employees as the battery park prepares to begin production on its first plant in the third quarter of 2025. The on-site Elizabethtown Community and Technical College and BlueOval SK co-branded training facility at the battery park is set to hold its grand opening next month, Games said.
During her remarks, Shouse discussed the mission of UWCK, the organization’s impact on the region and the partnerships that make this impact possible.
UWCK serves residents in Hardin, Breckinridge, Grayson, LaRue and Meade Counties with a vision to ensure each individual in the community is self-sufficient in the areas of education, financial stability and health. The organization provides grant funding to a variety of organizations and nonprofits in its service area, and supports initiatives such as the 211 Help Center, Operation Good Neighbor, the Mini-Grants Program, a Community Garden and more. UWCK addresses complex and costly community challenges by forging partnerships and mobilizing resources to find new solutions to old problems that not one organization can address alone.
“We’re finding ways to connect everybody to initiatives that support others,” Shouse said.
UWCK currently has 21 funded partners and funds 27 unique community programs. Some of UWCK’s funded partners include Warm Blessings Community Kitchen, CASA of the Heartland, Helping Hand of Hope, Spring Haven, Inc. and the Elizabethtown Community and Technical College Student Emergency Fund. Funding for UWCK is made possible in large part by workplace partners, many of whom are members of the area’s industrial sector.
Funds also come from special fundraising events and initiatives, including a new event known as Skydive for Change.
Set for Saturday, Aug. 24 at the Elizabethtown Regional Airport, Skydive for Change will invite 24 brave philanthropists to take the plunge from 12,000 feet, all in support of UWCK. Before the event, all participants will each commit to raise $1,500 or more, using a provided fundraising pledge website so friends, family and co-workers can contribute. The event is made possible through a partnership with Skydive Kentucky.
All funds support UWCK’s Operation Good Neighbor program, aimed at maintaining and keeping at-risk neighbors in their homes. Through Operation Good Neighbor, community volunteers assist neighbors in need by undertaking home renovation projects. These efforts aim to enhance home safety and security while restoring the homes’ character.
For those who would prefer to keep their feet on the ground during the event, there are multiple levels of sponsorship available. To participate or learn about sponsorship opportunities, click here.
Brett Barnes, Systems Manager for Metalsa in Elizabethtown and board member for UWCK, also touted UWCK’s mission during the meeting.
“If you’re not actively involved, find a way,” he said. “This is a large group of people who really understand what the greatest needs are here, and I can’t encourage it enough.”
To learn more about UWCK, visit unitedwayck.org.
Next month’s Facility Managers’ Meeting, set for Thursday, May 16, will be hosted by Elizabethtown financial management firm Cerity Partners.
For more information, or if interested in attending the next Facility Managers’ Meeting, please contact the Elizabethtown-Hardin County Industrial Foundation at 270-737-0300.