Beech Tree News Network

The United Way of Southern Kentucky had a community Speak Out event at the Education Complex in Morgantown on Thursday afternoon. The event was part of an area wide program to promote communication and effective change in the areas that most need it.

“[United Way] made the decision to take on what I believe to be a very bold initiative…. to go out into all 10 counties and listen…. and this is what we think we heard.” This was one of the opening statements made by Joe Tinius, Superintendent for Bowling Green Independent Schools, and Past Chairman for United Way.

The event featured a brief but informative slideshow detailing often shocking statistics on where the 10 counties rank compared to state averages in health care, safe and affordable housing, and education. The data was gathered locally by an unbiased third party, and featured surveys and comments from a diverse group of individuals in the 10 community area. One comment on education was from an anonymous AP High School Senior, who stated the following: “We’re taught to pass the test. We memorize enough, and then forget it.”

“It’s a hit right to the heart.” Stated Butler County School Superintendant Scott Howard, “I don’t think there’s anything on there that I didn’t expect…. We’re not where we need to be yet, but I think we have things in place that are going to address these in the years to come… I think a group like this, is the first step in the right direction.”

“The stats show 75% of kids are coming out [of school] college and career ready, but we have all these jobs we can’t fill. Whatever it is they had to do to be deemed college and career ready isn’t matching the skills we need workers [for].” Tinius commented.

 “What can you do? What’s your call to action? As you look at these areas think about how you may can become involved… “

“We’re always looking for volunteers.” Stated Debbie Hills, Chief Operating Officer for United Way of Southern Kentucky.  Hills has been with United Way for 16 years, and in that time has seen the impact United Way has had on issues from substance abuse to health and safety.
“In the previous work I could feel really great professionally about what I was able to accomplish, in this work I still have that feeling but I can also feel great about the lives I am able to impact.”

“I [did some research]… and one thing I saw everything pivot around was workforce development and its derivatives.  With school preparedness and income comes the resources to have transportation and call upon health care. Workforce development has really been a key factor.”

Community member Chad Tyree, engineering and sales manager for Rust Construction Company: “If that problem could be addressed, I think a lot of our community issues would go away.”

Mandy Hicks:  “I’ve had the amazing privilege as the Director of Marketing Communications to get to interact with so many…. I’ve gotten to see the direct impact. That’s what’s so exciting to me about the work we do now; we’re not just providing these Band-Aid solutions anymore.” Hicks is in her 7th year working with United Way, and had this to say to others looking into volunteering: “Get informed…. Figure out what you’re going to be passionate about, and get involved…. Don’t sit idly by and complain about it and listen to it and not do anything, just get out there and do something.”

Story and photos by J. Harris, Beech Tree News