JCPS is celebrating four years of its Compassionate Schools Project. This is the world's largest implementation of a  health and wellness curriculum focused on nutrition, physical movement, and social and emotional skills built around a mindfulness framework for K-5. 

Owsley Brown III, Dr. Patricia Jennings, Kenya, Karen McKnight, School Board Member Diane Porter, Ed White of River City Drum Corps and many others were on hand at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage to share great success stories about how well our school children are doing as they learn to manage themselves on a daily basis. 

Make your voice heard as Russell transforms, and be entered into a drawing for one of 75, $100 prizes!

Be on the lookout for a survey that is being mailed to property owners and individuals/businesses that own/operate businesses within the Russell neighborhood. The survey is designed to gather feedback and help prioritize the work of the Vision Russell team.

 
The Vision Russell team will use the results to focus their transformation efforts, working to make the neighborhood more attractive for existing investors and more enticing to future investors.  

 For more information about the survey please visit www.visionrussell.org

Registration is now open for Tomorrow’s Talent, a workforce and education summit that brings together national and local experts to focus on ways for young people to realize their full potential in education and the workforce -- creating the maximum impact to the regional economy.  

The event is from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, at the Muhammad Ali Center. Registration is free at www. kentuckianaworks.org/summit.

The keynote speaker will be Richard V. Reeves of the Brookings Institution, where he is Senior Fellow, Economic Studies and Co-Director of the Center on Children and Families. His research focuses on social mobility, inequality, and family change. Prior to joining Brookings in 2013, he was director of strategy to the UK’s Deputy Prime Minister.

Additional breakout sessions, lightning talks and TED-style presentations will feature an eclectic lineup of presenters and topics.

Light refreshments begin at 8 a.m., and lunch will be provided.

LG&E and KU is excited to announce our grant programs are now entirely digital!

Plant for the Planet Grant applications will be accepted through our new online grant portal from Nov. 1 through Dec. 1. All applications and corresponding documentation must be submitted electronically through the portal. Paper applications will no longer be accepted.

Submit Application

Our Plant for the Planet program is modeled after the United Nations Environment Program's (UNEP) Plant for the Planet: Billion Tree Campaign. The purpose of UNEP's tree-planting effort is to bring individuals, communities and businesses together to collectively plant over one billion trees worldwide each year. Similarly, LG&E and KU's program is designed to encourage nonprofit organizations and local government agencies with a record of successful tree planting to continue their efforts. The company has designated up to $75,000 each year toward this initiative.

LG&E and KU offer one-year grants of $500 to $5000 for urban, suburban or rural projects in forests and parks, along parkways or roadways that meet program objectives. Applicants must demonstrate that mature trees resulting from their efforts will not interfere with utility lines.

The Russell Homeownership Incentive  Program is an excellent way to move into a neighborhood rich with history and a wonderful housing stock. Louisville Metro Government (LMG) is placing a priority on  incentivizing homeownership in an effort to further  stabilize the Russell neighborhood. 

 Criteria: 

• Committed to keeping the home as your primary residence for five years. 
• Excited about making up to $24,999 in qualified improvements to your home. 
• Willing to complete homeownership counseling, if a first-time homebuyer.  
• Willing to conduct a lead inspection on the property if it was built prior to 1978.  

For more information, please contact Donnie Adkins at (502) 574-8020. 

1) Register Them for 2018 SummerWorks

 Encourage youth and young adults (age 16 to 21 years as of June 1, 2018) to register for the 2018 SummerWorks program here: https://www.summerworks.org/sign-up/

 2) Hire a Young Person- Are you a nonprofit or public employer that wants to employ youth over the summer?  Based on available funding we will provide wages and on-the-job coaching for youth during this seven week program.  Please contact Natalie to receive more information or to update your job descriptions from last summer.

 3) Apply for one or both of the funding opportunities below.  More details to both are provided in the linked PDFs and subsequent links on that page.  Please contact Natalie for more information and REGISTER HERE for the Technical Assistance on Nov. 27th.

 Work-Learn Subsidy

Deadline: Dec 22, 2017

Grant Technical Assistance will be Monday, Nov. 27 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. at YMCA Safe Place Services - 2400 Crittenden Drive

Apply to Coordinate a Work-Learn Team to fund a Job Coach position for training 10+ youth in the SummerWorks 2018 program.  We are selecting up to five partners to coordinate teams of youth as they design and implement a project benefiting the community; Job Coach position salary and youth wages are provided in this subsidy.

Career Preparation Grant

Deadline: Dec 22, 2017

Grant Technical Assistance will be Monday, Nov. 27 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. and 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. at YMCA Safe Place Services - 2400 Crittenden Drive

We are offering mini-grants ($2,000) to up to five community partners interested in expanding or creating work readiness services for youth.

4) Host a Soft Skills Workshop at your site

SummerWorks is partnering with different industry groups this year to bring work readiness workshops and job search services into the community. If you are interested in hosting a workshop or scheduling a speaker please email Natalie for more information.

Natalie Reteneller  natalie.reteneller@summerworks.org

Reggie Smith reggie.smith@summerworks.org

Programs ramp up efforts to move properties from vacancy into productive use 

The Louisville Metro Vacant & Public Property Administration (VPPA) today announced three new programs  designed to more rapidly move vacant properties back into productive use. All eligible properties are owned by the Landbank Authority, a cooperative effort by the city of Louisville, Commonwealth of Kentucky and Jefferson County Public Schools (main taxing authorities) that acquires, manages and sells distressed and unimproved  properties to responsible property owners who can increase property values and stimulate the tax base. 

The three new programs are: 

Last Look

Because VPPA uses demolition as a last resort, the Last Look program strives to provide an opportunity for  buyers to rehab demolition candidates. All future demolition candidates will be a part of this 60-day program, which involves two phases — Save the Structure and Demo for Deed. · Throughout the first 30 days, a buyer may Save the Structure and acquire it by demonstrating proof of funds and committing to making exterior and structural renovations within 6 months and interior renovations within 18 months. · During the second 30 days, if no one has committed to rehabbing the structure, a buyer may Demo for Deed -- purchasing the property if they can show proof of funds to demolish the structure within 45 days. 

 Cut It, Keep It 

This program allows a property owner to acquire a vacant lot for $500 if they agree to maintain it and pay property taxes for at least three years prior to selling it. The buyer may develop the lot themselves within three years, with approval. To be eligible to acquire a vacant Landbank lot through Cut It Keep It, the buyer must own an occupied structure on the same block as the vacant lot. Cut It, Keep It is designed to encourage neighborhood  redevelopment by incentivizing neighbors to play an active role in the revitalization of their block. 

New Flex Rate Policy

 This initiative is for buyers interested in purchasing a Landbank Authority-owned lot who have detailed plans to develop the lot but don’t yet have the money to complete the work. The goal of the program is to increase the pool of potential buyers by easing the prerequisites for eligibility. Previously, vacant lots were available for purchase only by buyers with proof of funds to complete the project and a construction timeline. Under the new program, properties will now be available for purchase by buyers with detailed development plans and an itemized budget for the project, even without proof of funds or a construction timeline. Purchase prices vary depending on lot size and proof of funds, ranging from $500 to the assessed value of the property. 

 Buyers without proof of funds to complete the project will pay a slightly higher up-front cost for the property. The Landbank Authority has about 400 properties in its inventory, about 80 of which are structures.  

For more information on all the new programs and to view lists of lots and structures for sale,  please visit www.louisvilleky.gov/vacant.  

If you would like to purchase a Landbank Authority-owned vacant structure or lot, please call VPPA’s Real Estate Coordinators at 502-574-4200.

Help make a difference in Jefferson County by being a part of a program that connects eligible, low-income families and individuals to free tax preparation services and earned tax credits.,Volunteer positions are available that provide a wide variety of opportunities and the application of a variety of skills and talents. No experience necessary – you will receive the training you need while serving a vital role in our community. With your help, families can better access the pathway to improved financial stability and bring dollars back into our local economy.

VITA Tax Volunteer Informational Session on Friday, December 1 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. with a short presentation at 7:00 p.m. at The Edison Center, 701 W. Ormsby Avenue. Plan to drop by to learn more about the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. 

For more Information visit: https://www.labcservices.org/index.php/volunteer-resources/volunteer-positions

For an application: http://www.labcservices.org/images/pdf/2017-18-VolunteerApplication.pdf

The mission of the Department for Community Based Services is to build an effective and efficient system of care with Kentucky's citizens and communities to:

• Reduce poverty, adult and child            maltreatment, and their effects 
• Advance person and family self-sufficiency, recovery, and resiliency 
• Assure all children have safe and nurturing homes and communities 
• Recruit and retain a workforce and partners that operate with integrity and transparency.

Apply online at https://careers.ky.gov.  Salary and job requirements can also be viewed on the website. You must set-up an account, complete the online application, and apply for each position of interest.  Jobs are posted for seven days and can be removed at any time.  The website is updated daily.

Neighborhood Place partners join in holiday celebrations, to learn more about these offerings and several others please refer to the list below.

Dec. 2, Park DuValle Holiday Festival in the Park DuValle Neighborhood, 2 - 5 p.m.
Call 775-7000 for more information.  The Park DuValle neighborhood is reviving its Holiday Festival and adding some new events including a holiday stroll, visits with Santa, a holiday concert and a tree-lighting celebration.  Ujima Neighborhood Place will also host a cookie decorating station, holiday Bingo, and face painting at the Duvalle Education Center located at 3610 Bohne Ave.

Mondays and Wednesdays, Free Professional Financial Coaching
Call Rosie Wright at 612-0819 to schedule an appointment.  Free, one-on-one financial coaching will be offered to provide individuals with support, accountability and tools to help make informed decisions.  Hosted by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

• Mondays, South Central Neighborhood Place, 4255 Hazelwood Ave., 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Wednesdays, Bridges of Hope Neighborhood Place, 1411 Algonquin Pkwy, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Mondays and Thursdays, YMCA’s “Caring and Learning with Me” at Thomas Jefferson Middle School, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd., side of Thomas Jefferson Middle School. Call Keyonna Humphrey at 974-8457 for more information and to register. This free program provides a wonderful learning environment for children ages 3-5 years old and their caregivers focusing on play and exploration. The adult caregiver is required to attend with the child/ren and you may also bring other children ages (0-2). Sponsored by the YMCA with support from First Neighborhood Place.

Dec. 5, Energy Management Workshop at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 1 p.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave.   Call 313-4635 for registration.  Project Warm's free workshops help families take control of their energy usage and learn "do-it-yourself" energy-saving tips. Free supplies will be distributed at the end of the workshop such as clear plastic/tape for windows, caulk to seal openings around windows and sealing foam.

Dec. 5 and 14, Healthy Journey for Two Educational Baby Shower
RSVP is required to Mendy Mason at 341-5400 or mmason@sevencounties.org. Join us at to explore the do’s and don’ts of a healthy pregnancy in a free, fun setting.  Seven Counties and KIDSNow Plus will host an educational baby shower to share information on how to care for yourself and your baby while being pregnant. Pregnant attendees receive a baby tote filled with baby items and a gas/gift card, with more chances to win prizes like gift/layette set(s), bottle sets and more.  Fathers are welcome but must be registered..

• Dec. 5, South Central Neighborhood Place, 4255 Hazelwood Ave., 1 – 3 p.m.
• Dec. 14, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Rd., 1 – 3 p.m.

Dec. 5, Car Seat Fitting Station at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 9 – 11 a.m.

 Located at 3610 Bohne Ave.  Call 629-7358 for an appointment. Learn how to install your child’s car seat or booster seat at this car seat fitting station offered by Norton’s Children’s Hospital. Find out if it’s time for a change.

Dec. 12, Fall Youth Conversation with Students at the Academy at Shawnee, 5 – 7 p.m. 

Located at the Academy at Shawnee, 4001 Herman St.  Call 313-4892 for more information.  All youth are invited to join in a candid and engaging conversation entitled, A View from Shawnee Students: Violence Impact In Our Schools, Community and Family.  This event will be moderated by Derrick Mitchell with the Office of Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods.  A community family dinner will be served and an opportunity for family photos will be available.  Collaboratively sponsored by the Academy at Shawnee Youth Service Center, JCPS Student Support Services and the NorthWest Neighborhood Place.

Dec. 12, Foster Parent Recruitment Meeting at First Neighborhood Place, 6 – 8 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd., side of Thomas Jefferson Middle School. Call 595-5437 (KIDS) for more information. Detailed information will be provided on the requirements and process of how to become a foster or adoptive parent. Information such as an explanation of foster care, special needs adoption, and information on foster parent training classes will be provided. Sponsored by Kentucky Foster Care and the training classes will be provided. Sponsored by Kentucky Foster Care and the Special Needs Adoption Program.

Dec. 12, Blood Pressure Checks at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Call 313-4635 for more information. Louisville Metro Health and Wellness health educators will provide free blood pressure checks.

Dec. 12, Healthy Living Club at South Jefferson Neighborhood Place, 1 – 2 p.m.

Located at 1000 Neighborhood Place, Call 3631483 for more information.  Classes are open to anyone interested in gaining more knowledge to live and better and more fulfilling life.  Monthly meetings are on the second Tuesday of every month to discuss healthy living and to get the support you need to eat better, get active, and lose weight.  This month, a representative from Family Health Center will discuss “Getting Through the Holidays in One Peace.”  Come and join the fun and fellowship. 

Dec. 14, Grandparents Group: Kitchen Table Conversations at NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Located at 4018 W. Market St.  Call 313-4909 for more information.  This popular resource support group for relatives raising grandchildren meets the second Thursday of each month.  A monthly guest speaker helps this group focus on the unique issues that caregivers may have raising younger children.  Aunts, uncles or anyone raising their grandchildren are welcome to attend.  Lunch is provided free of charge.

Dec. 19, Sodexo Hiring Opportunities at South Central Neighborhood Place, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd., side of Thomas Jefferson Middle School. Call 313-4700 for more information. Sodexo, a food-service agency, will provide on-the-spot interviews for positions with Jewish Hospital, Our Lady of Peace and University of Louisville Hospital. Bring your resume and be prepared for an interview. This is one of Sodexo’s busiest hiring seasons. Stop by if you are looking for employment that can lead to a full-time or part-time position.

Dec. 20, Community Dental Care Information Sessions
Call 366-4442 for more information.  Community Dental Care is a full-service dental organization designed to increase access to health care in communities with the goal of improving the overall health of the population. Representatives will be on site to provide information about services offered and to assist in scheduling appointments for dental needs or for pediatric health needs. 

• South Jefferson Neighborhood Place – Fairdale location, 1000 Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
• South Jefferson Neighborhood Place – Valley Location, 10200 Dixie Hwy., 1:30 – 3 p.m.

Dec. 28, Celebrating Ujima - a Kwanzaa Reception at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. In honor of Ujima, the third principle of Kwanzaa meaning collective work and responsibility, community members are invited to gather for networking opportunities and to explore ideas for community collaborations.

Jan. 4, American Red Cross Blood Drive at Charmoli Center Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. 
Located at 200 Juneau Drive, Suite 200.  Please register online at Access your online scheduling account or contact Jessica Strader at Jessica.Strader@redcross.org.  Walk-ins are also welcome the day of the drive.