As the sun peaks over the expansive tree line that seemingly holds the mountain range in place, the world underneath it dances with shimmering light reflected off the morning dew, which coated all it has touched. As the birds begin to sing and the squirrels forage for their morning breakfast, light begins to take hold of the darkness. What once was hidden by the darkened edifice of the night is becoming clear.
The shadows hid the reality of people that have been left behind due to the ills of life. While some have battled the darkness of addiction, others have fought generational poverty and seem to be losing the war. In the light, some in the community criticize the reality of those who live in the shadows. There is a struggle with aligning the truth of a community that fits both worlds into one. Yet, the fact cannot be glossed over in the hope of ignoring societyâs ills but must be addressed at its point of closes origin (food, clothing, health care and shelter).
Diners wait in line for lunch at the Community Kitchen at The Neighborhood building in the 2500 block of Carter Avenue. KEVIN GOLDY | THE DAILY INDEPENDENT
ASHLAND A squabble over three for-profit agencies moving into The Neighborhood came to a head Wednesday when the City of Ashland enforced a code violation.
However, the issues run deeper and call into question the use of federal dollars used in the cityâs Community Development Block Grant program, which sees federal dollars released through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The executive director of The Neighborhood, Todd Young, tendered his resignation May 19 effective June 30, according to Neighborhood Board member Dr. Desmond Barrett, executive director of Ashland Community Kitchen. Young, according to Barrett, signed contracts with three for-profit entities to move into the Neighborhood, all without approval from the 23-member board.
Dr. Desmond Barrett, of the Ashland Community Kitchen, and United Way s Jerri Compton, right, display a United Way sign. Submitted
United Way in Ashland has been part of the area for 85 years, and Executive Director Jerri Compton of United Way of Northeast Kentucky said many members of the community instantly recognize the organizationâs logo, but they might not realize that each United Way is focused on serving the needs of its community.
Each individual United Way partners with local government agencies and civic organizations to ensure that residents of the community receive needed services in the most effective way possible.
Monica Justice | Obituary | The Independent dailyindependent.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from dailyindependent.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.