Building skills, creating opportunity, and changing lives — through paid work experience and wraparound support for public housing residents and KTAP recipients across Kentucky.
Since 1997, the REACH HIGHER Welfare-to-Work Program has been creating opportunities for individuals to strengthen personal skills, overcome barriers to self-sufficiency, and move successfully into the workforce — with a focus on long-term job retention.
Allen, Barren, Butler, Edmonson, Hart, Logan, Metcalfe, Monroe, Simpson, and Warren Counties
Program Highlights
- Participants work 30 hours/week at minimum wage at no cost to the employer
- Participants complete 4 hours/week of job and life-skills training
- Employment sites provided by community partners throughout the service area
Community Partner Industries
- Retail, Manufacturing, Service Industry, Clerical, Medical
- Special Projects, Non-Profit, University, Hospitality
Training Topics
- Resume writing and interview preparation
- Goal setting, workplace expectations, and time management
- Money management, parenting skills, and mental health support
- Other life-skills support based on participant needs
Wraparound Support Services
- Subsidized childcare, transportation assistance, and car repair assistance
- Pre-employment and work-related expense assistance
- Case management connections to education, counseling, and community resources
- Ongoing support for graduates to help maintain job retention beyond program participation
Chyrreece Knight
REACH Higher Graduate
"I never imagined I would be where I am. Because of this program, our lives have changed and we've been truly blessed."
Chyrreece came to REACH Higher in 2025 as a single mother starting over from scratch after a separation, with a toddler to care for and limited transportation. She completed the program, landed a job at her placement site, and is now building the stable life she set out to create for her and her son.
Life before REACH Higher was very scary and very stressful. I was basically having to start over with my 3-year-old son after being kicked out by my soon-to-be ex-husband. I had been looking for a job since September 2024 and was limited with transportation. In April 2025, we were kicked out and had to go stay with my grandmother. I used the little money I had for what my son needed, and then it ran out. I didn't want my grandmother to have to take care of us, so in August 2025 I went and applied for KTAP and was referred to the REACH Higher Program.
My experience was amazing! When I first started, I was quiet and only talked to my ride, who was also a participant. But as the weeks went by, I began to look forward to Fridays. Ms. Renea made it a welcoming space, so it helped me open up. I didn't feel ashamed to be there. There was no reason to be ashamed — I had to start over and get KTAP for a while. It's not forever. It's a means of bettering our lives. The activity I think about most is The Bus Activity with Ms. Renea. The lightbulb moment was: I'm not alone, and I have support if I utilize my resources and ask for help. That moment is truly how I made it through the program.
Because of Kellye's resume lessons, I was able to use different tools to revamp my resume, which helped me secure my current position. I love my job and the people I work with each day! Before those lessons I truly dreaded resumes — I would literally get a headache. No more headaches!!
If you truly want to better yourself so you can better your life and your children's lives, REACH Higher is right for you!
My journey from April 2025 to now has been full of ups and downs and twists and turns. I've felt disappointed, sad, ashamed, angry, scared, and a whole lot of other emotions. However, because of the REACH Higher Program, Ms. Renea, and Kellye — and their guidance and the resources they provided — our lives have changed and we've been truly blessed. I was able to gain employment at the very site I was placed at during the program. I am forever thankful. Don't give up. Don't count yourself out. You can do it. You are not alone. It truly does get better.
The REACH Program provides public housing residents with paid, hands-on work experience designed to build skills, confidence, and clear pathways to employment.
- 29 hours/week at $12.00/hour
- 6–12 months of on-the-job training
- Training areas include Maintenance, Grounds, Clerical, Housekeeping/Vacancy Crew, and Special Projects
Education Requirement
Participants are required to enroll in education or skill-building programs such as:
- ESL classes
- GED preparation
- Computer training
- Post-secondary training
