(June 24, 2026) United Way of Southern Kentucky announced today that it is investing a total of $641,997 in Education, Health, Income, and Safety Net programs and services in Warren County. These investments will begin July 1, 2026, and continue through June 30, 2027. In total, $1,103,297 will be invested across the Barren River Region, supporting 45 programs that improve lives and strengthen communities. The announcement was made during a community news conference at the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce attended by dozens of nonprofit leaders, community partners, elected officials, and supporters.
In September of 2025, organizations with programs impacting United Way of Southern Kentucky’s (UWSK) strategic imperatives in each of the defined Community Impact issue areas were asked to submit a Letter of Intent indicating their desire to complete a full application request for funding. Across the 10-county BRADD, 70 total Letters of Intent were submitted.
In March 2026, Warren County specific programs who had the opportunity to complete the full application moved forward to a full review and visit with the Allocations Committee. With the full review by the Allocations Committee and recommendation to and approval by the UWSK Board of Directors complete, funding will now be awarded to the programs selected. In Warren County, 27 local programs will receive the allocated campaign dollars and donor designations.
Allocation dollars were determined based on the work of 94 volunteers working specifically in their home counties of Allen, Barren, Butler, Edmonson, Hart, Logan, Metcalfe, Monroe, Simpson, and Warren. In total, these volunteers invested 1,311 hours in the process, which began with training sessions for all volunteers. This time generated an impact of $47,380 in service to our community (based on independent sector national volunteer rate: $36.14 per hour). Volunteers reviewed programs, finances, governance, and outcomes to develop the recommendations for program investments.
In WARREN COUNTY, $641,997 will be allocated by volunteers, led by Warren County Allocations Committee Chair Tad Pardue.
EDUCATION: $357,997
Kindergarten Readiness: Led by Committee Chairs, Joe Tinius and Natalie Holder
Barren River District Health Department, HANDS: $5,000
Family Enrichment Center, Parents as Teachers Little Learners Program: $28,000
Family Enrichment, Wee Care Child Care Center: $60,000
The Foundry Christian Community Center, Preschool Academy: $30,000
Refuge BG, English Academy Preschool Program: $30,000
KinderReady Summer Academy: $35,000
Mobile Preschool Classroom & Community Outreach Bus: $40,000
College and Career Readiness: Led by Committee Chairs, Erin Ballou and Kenly Ames
Bowling Green Independent Schools, RISE Program: $25,000
Junior Achievement of South Central KY, Preparing Our Youth: $10,000
Warren County Public Schools, College & Career Transition Readiness Program: $42,000
WROTE Foundation, Bridging the Gap After-School/Summer Enrichment Program: $52,997
INCOME: $30,000
Workforce Development: Led by Committee Chairs, Mark Gardner and Brenda Polley
Refuge Bowling Green, English Academy: $12,000
SKYCTC Foundation, Workforce Solutions CDL Program: $15,000
SKYCTC Foundation, SKYRISE Road to Reentry: $3,000
HEALTH: $151,000
Access to Affordable Health Care: Led by Committee Chairs, Brooke Schakat and Tom Flynn
CAREUSTZ, Resettlement and Empowerment: $5,000
HOTEL INC., Street Medicine: $10,000
Kentucky Legal Aid, Barren River Long Term Care Ombudsman: $25,000
Kentucky Legal Aid, Benefits Counseling: $25,000
New Path Recovery Home, Finding a NEW Path Restoring Recovery: $6,000
Safe Home & Community: Led by Committee Chairs, Lanny White and Jonathan Wysong
Barren River Area Child Advocacy Center, Preventing Child Abuse: $26,500
BRASS, Emergency Shelter & Crisis to Protect & Empower (ESCAPE): $26,500
Kentucky Legal Aid, Emergency Shelter & Crisis Aid to Protect & Empower (ESCAPE): $27,000
SAFETY NET: $103,000
Access to Basic Needs: Led by Committee Chairs, Angela Dossey and Lindsey Sanson
HOTEL INC., Housing Readiness: $32,500
Kentucky Legal Aid, Emergency Legal Assistance: $42,500
Transportation: Led by Committee Chairs, Mark Gardner and Brenda Polley
ADEVS, Transportation Services: $21,000
BRASS, Shelter Transportation Assistance Program: $7,000
“These investments represent more than funding—they represent opportunities for individuals and families to thrive. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and the dedication of our community partners, we are able to support programs that address some of our region’s most pressing challenges. We are proud to help connect resources with organizations that are making a measurable difference every day,” said Debbie Hills, President & CEO of United Way of Southern Kentucky.
To receive funding from United Way of Southern Kentucky (UWSK), programs must align with the four priority areas identified through a comprehensive community research initiative. The community-defined focus areas are: Education, Income, Health, and Safety Net. In addition, all funded programs are evaluated using UWSK’s IMPACT criteria: Innovative, Measured, Partnered/Collaborative, Accountable, Community-centered, and Transformative. Priority is given to programs that follow best practices, demonstrate strong collaboration, and are deeply integrated into broader community efforts in these four key areas.
If you would like to volunteer to participate in the United Way of Southern Kentucky Allocation Process, please visit www.uwsk.org or call 270-843-3205 to learn more.