STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
The Barren County Economic Authority, in partnership with Community Partners for Recovery, has been awarded a Tennessee Valley Authority Workforce Invest grant to launch a new workforce development effort called the CPR Works Initiative.
Officials say the program is designed to help people in recovery prepare for meaningful employment while strengthening Barren County’s overall workforce pipeline.
The Workforce Invest program was created in partnership with VisionFirst Advisors to support innovative workforce training and education efforts tailored to local needs.
Now in its fifth funding round, TVA reports the program has awarded more than 50 grants across the Tennessee Valley and is expected to provide training opportunities for more than 10,000 residents in the region.
Through the CPR Works Initiative in Barren County, participants will have access to education, workforce training, industry-recognized certifications and supportive services.
Program planners say the goal is to prepare participants for careers in high-demand industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, logistics and skilled trades.
Training opportunities may include OSHA courses, welding, industrial maintenance, certified nursing assistant certification, carpentry, commercial driver’s license training and other credentials that align with local workforce needs.
The initiative will bring together education providers, recovery services, workforce organizations, local employers and community partners to address workforce needs across Barren County.
By connecting individuals in recovery with training, certifications and employment opportunities, CPR Works is intended to reduce barriers to workforce participation and create clearer pathways to long-term career success.
“Workforce development is one of the most important investments we can make in our community,” Maureen Carpenter, president and CEO of the Barren County Economic Authority, said in a statement.
Carpenter said CPR Works will unite education, recovery services, workforce partners and employers to create pathways that benefit both individuals and local industry.
Participants will receive career readiness instruction, individualized coaching, supportive services and technical training focused on sustainable employment.
The initiative will primarily serve individuals transitioning from addiction treatment, people engaged in outpatient recovery and others who face barriers to entering the workforce.
Upon completion, participants are expected to be connected directly with employers seeking qualified workers in industries facing workforce shortages.
“This partnership will give participants the support, training and encouragement they need to enter the workforce and build lasting careers,” Libby Short, executive director of Community Partners for Recovery, said in a statement.
The program also plans to work with local training providers such as South Central Community and Technical College to offer workforce training and certifications that match regional employer needs.
Heidi Smith, TVA’s vice president of economic development, said the Workforce Invest program is intended to support initiatives that meet today’s talent demands while preparing residents for long-term career pathways.
VisionFirst Advisors managing director Nancy Blum-Heintz said the Workforce Invest projects help strengthen partnerships, improve awareness and connect residents with education and training that can change the trajectory of their careers.
Key Facts
– Barren County Economic Authority and Community Partners for Recovery awarded TVA Workforce Invest grant
– CPR Works Initiative will support residents in recovery preparing for employment
– Program offers education, training, certifications and supportive services
– Focus on high-demand industries like manufacturing, healthcare, logistics and skilled trades
– Participants will be connected directly with local employers seeking workers
– TVA Workforce Invest has awarded more than 50 grants and expects to reach over 10,000 Valley residents
