In 1996, the federal government passed national welfare reform legislation aimed at decreasing the cash welfare assistance roles in the U.S. by changing the rules and regulations by which recipients can receive TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) funds.  This philosophy of “movement toward self-sufficiency,” is promulgated by the partnership between the Big Sandy Area Development District and the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.  This arrangement provides KTAP (Kentucky’s Transitional Assistance Program) recipients in a 46-plus county service area in eastern and southeastern Kentucky with training and employment opportunities. 

By utilizing TANF monies, The Regional KWP department of the BSADD provides training opportunities through the planning, development, and contractual securing of various short-term trainings by way of area colleges, technical schools, adult educational centers and businesses. 

In addition, the likelihood of employment for KTAP recipients is increased by the availability of “special projects” in seven of the service counties.  These special projects provide participants with adult education, instruction in basic computer skills, lessons in life skills, supportive services, counseling and mentoring, personal development, Kentucky’s Employability Skills instruction, and other job readiness activities. 

Support personnel in the field work closely with KTAP recipients and area employers to ensure good “employment matches”.  These 'Employment Specialists' provide job development, placement, retention, and job advancement services to the participants.  A continuous part of the Employment Specialists’ realm of responsibilities is that of barrier resolution to employment and self-sufficiency.  

As an incentive to employers to hire KTAP recipients within the six Cabinet service regions, the Regional Kentucky Works Program utilizes a wage-subsidy program.  The Employer Reimbursement Program (ERP) provides participating employers with reimbursement of a percentage of wages paid to a “new hire” during the initial six months of employment (75% the first four months and 50% the last two). 

Also, through this initiative, participating employers may receive training for their employers at little or no cost to them, interview screening services and referral, support personnel for their new employees, federal tax credits, and other appropriate employment related services.

Additionally, Employment Specialists serve as valuable resources to employers and their “new hires” alike.  Serving as liaisons and mediators, Employment Specialists continue their relationship with the KTAP recipients for nine months after they find employment to ensure they retain their jobs.  They work closely with employers to resolve potential issues before they become disruptive in the workplace.

The Regional Kentucky Works Program of the Big Sandy Area Development District is a very successful program.  In the years since its inception, it has grown from just a few counties in the Big Sandy Area to a much larger area now encompassing 46 counties across the Eastern part of the Commonwealth.  Having successfully moved many individuals off the roles of welfare into self-sufficiency continues to make us strive to do our very best every day.  Our Employment Specialists continue daily work on job development and retention while constantly looking for ways to improve the lives of their clients through trainings and various projects.  The Regional Kentucky Program of the Big Sandy Area Development District is a program that makes a difference in the lives of our citizens.