A Community Taking Action
Experiencing first hand, Jessica Shelton, a Knox County resident, knows what it is like to be in a shelter and homeless. When she was a child her, her younger brother, and her mother found themselves at the KCEOC Women’s and Children’s Emergency Support Shelter with nowhere to turn due to unforeseen circumstances. They called the KCEOC shelter home for 45 days, and KCEOC helped them move into their own home, and gave them a new beginning.
Jessica saw the KCEOC “Sponsor a Family” program on the KCEOC Facebook and it immediately hit home. Having gone through this experience, Jessica immediately contacted Beverly Isom, KCEOC Homeless Services Manager. After speaking with Beverly, and getting a description of the families in the shelter at the time, Jessica chose to sponsor a single mother of four children during their time at the shelter.
As soon as she chose the family she jumped right in and began her mission to change their lives. She began by writing a list of things they may need. She said, “I thought to myself what would someone who has nothing, and starting over, need? I began making a list of personal hygiene products, cleaning supplies, and more that someone would need to move into a new home.” Items that were donated for the family included: mattress and box spring, two air mattresses, five bedding sets, hygiene products, house cleaning supplies, clothes, kitchen utensils, pots and pans, dish sets, garbage can, mop and broom, living room suit, and more.
She knew if she could get more people on board, she could make even more of an impact. For two months she contacted local businesses, people she knew, and one day parked in downtown Barbourville and walked to every business in the Court Square and down Knox Street. So many community members jumped on board and donated products, things they had at home, and monetary donations. She kept the items stored until everything was collected.
Jessica, a worker at Parkway Pharmacy, said her co-workers helped and supported her through the whole process by helping her stay positive, donating what they could, helping contact individuals, and allowing her to store the items at Parkway Pharmacy.
Through her efforts, she joined a community to accomplish one common mission. The businesses and individuals who donated to sponsor the family are as follows: Cristy Napier, Calvin and Charlena Manis (owners of Parkway Pharmacy), Southeast Finance, Save-a-lot, Walmart of Barbourville, Bill Oxendine, IGA of Barbourville, Carrie Lefevers, Elizabeth Mills, Ugly Mug, Amanda Mills (Shear Vixen Salon), Travis Rossman Law Office, Cole and Cole, Nationwide Gary Campbell Insurance Agency, Anderson & Newman Law Office, and Betty Brown at Carreen’s. Josh from Rent-A-Center donated a complete living room suit including a couch, love seat, lamps, and two end tables. Many others donated as well who wish to remain anonymous, or who we were unable to get in contact with to use their information. Jessica, the family, and KCEOC are very appreciative and thankful for all the donations received for the family.
When asked about the experience Jessica said, “I absolutely loved it! I try to help as much as I can, because I have been helped myself tremendously in numerous ways, and I believe lending a hand whether or not you will ever be paid back, is one of the most important things a person can do. I would suggest everyone in Knox County participate in the “Sponsor a Family” program at KCEOC. This program is amazing, and I have always thought a lot of KCEOC because they were there when we had nowhere to turn or go. I will definitely do it again.”
KCEOC, Jessica, and the family would like to once again thank everyone who donated. Everyone helped a family who had nothing get a new start at a better life. When a community comes together and takes action there are multiple lives changed for the better good. If you would like to participate in the “Sponsor a Family” program at the KCEOC shelter contact Kayla Sergent at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 606-546-3152.
KCEOC President Paul Dole Receives the 2017 Jesse Amburgey Award
Paul Dole, KCEOC President/CEO, is the recipient of the 2017 Jesse Amburgey Excellence in Community Action Award presented on Thursday June 15, 2017 in Louisville, KY.
The Jesse Amburgey Excellence in Community Action Award honors efforts and achievements of someone who has worked diligently to reduce or eliminate the causes or conditions of poverty. Annually, the award is given to someone who has excelled in advancing Community Action in Kentucky by their efforts at the local, state, and/or national level. Paul is very deserving of this award because of all the changes, advancements, and vast efforts put into his work for the past 43 years of his career in Community Action at KCEOC Community Action Partnership.
Paul began working at KCEOC after graduating from Union College in 1974, where he was later elected to the College’s Hall of Fame in 2003. He held many positions, and rose through the ranks, starting out as a Special Assistant and finally becoming Executive Director in 1980, the title was changed to President/CEO in 2006. In 2005, Paul was the recipient of the William Hacker Leader of the Year Honor from Leadership Tri-County. In 2009, he was recognized by the East Kentucky Leadership Foundation as the Outstanding Public Individual of the Year. In 2013, Paul received the Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award for a non-profit.
Paul holds a multitude of honors and certifications, but most importantly he is the Certified Community Action Professional and the Certified Community Action Manager. Paul Dole is in his 37th year as President/CEO of KCEOC and his 43rd year overall serving his community.
Paul Dole has served as Treasurer and President of the Southeastern Association of Community Action Agencies, 1st Vice President of the National Community Action Partnership, and two terms as National Chair. He is currently serving as the Region IV representative on the National Community Action Partnership Board, and as VP of the state association. Paul serves as a Commissioner on both the Certified Community Action Professional (CCAP) and the Award for Excellence Commissions. He has also been a board member of the East Kentucky Leadership Foundation for 25 years.
Through the many positions held on boards and committees, serving through positions at KCEOC, and working with government officials and community members Paul has been a voice for the voiceless. At times when there seemed to be no hope for the future of Community Action, a firm believer in the power of Community Action, Paul worked diligently with other Community Action staffers and supporters to fight for Community Action and the low-income residents of Southeastern KY. Through his excellent leadership and entrepreneurship, KCEOC was the recipient of the 2015 National Award for Excellence.
KCEOC would like to congratulate our President/CEO, Paul Dole, on the well deserved award. KCEOC is as successful as it is because of the amazing leadership, and the dedication the staff have to recognizing human potential, improving communities, and creating opportunities for change.
