2023 Success Stories

Below are three success stories of recipients who received support from Harlan County Community Action Agency.

Success Story # 1

Cianna Martinez was a senior in high school being raised by her cousin who took her and her sister in asthey had nowhere to live. who needed employment to buy school clothes and save for a vehicle. Ciannabegan work experience and successfully completed it with Harlan County CAA. She was an exemplaryemployee. Working mostly with CSBG’s LIHEAP. Cianna completed high school and attended EKU. She didn’t have transportation and only attended for one semester. She decided that she wanted to come home. She was in need of employment. She applied for the Smart Start Early Learning Academy. She was one of the first employees with Smart Start Early Learning Academy in Harlan on the OJT. Shehas successfully completed her hours and she states that she loves her job and Smart Start really likesCianna and her work ethic. Cianna through the WIOA program work experience and OJT has purchasedher first vehicle. We are so proud of Cianna, she continues to work at Smart Start Early LearningAcademy.

Success Story # 2

Edwin Golden came into the office seeking CDL training. He was a single dad caring for a disabled child.He was approved for CDL training and started training December 5, 2022. Passed his CDL exam onJanuary 17, 2023. He got a job on January 18, 2023 with Western Express.

Success Story # 3

Sierra Patterson came into the office seeking assistance with the RN program. She received tuition assistance along with supportive services to assist with the RN training at Southeast KCTCS in Cumberland KY. Sierra came in in 2021 and completed the RN program in May 2023. She began working at Harlan ARH on 05/22/2023. Sierra loves her job and is a great nurse.