GLASGOW, Ky. – (October 2, 2026) The Barren County Economic Authority (BCEA), in partnership with Community Partners for Recovery has been awarded a Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Workforce Invest grant to launch the CPR Works Initiative. The collaborative workforce development program will help individuals in recovery prepare for meaningful employment while strengthening Barren County’s workforce pipeline.
Created by TVA Economic Development in partnership with VisionFirst Advisors, the Workforce Invest program supports innovative workforce training and education initiatives tailored to each community’s unique needs. Now in its fifth funding round, the program has awarded more than 50 grants across the Tennessee Valley and is expected to provide training opportunities for more than 10,000 Valley residents.
Through the CPR Works Initiative, participants will have access to education, workforce training, industry-recognized certifications and supportive services designed to prepare them for careers in high-demand industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, logistics and skilled trades. Training opportunities may include OSHA, welding, industrial maintenance, certified nursing assistant (CNA), carpentry, commercial driver’s license (CDL) and other credentials aligned with local workforce needs.
The initiative brings together education, recovery services, workforce organizations, local employers and community partners to help address workforce needs across Barren County. By connecting individuals in recovery with training, certifications and employment opportunities, CPR Works will help reduce barriers to workforce participation while creating pathways to long-term career success.
“Workforce development is one of the most important investments we can make in our community,” said Maureen Carpenter, EDP, IOM, President and CEO of the Barren County Economic Authority. “The CPR Works Initiative brings together education, recovery services, workforce partners and local employers to create pathways that benefit both individuals and industry. By helping people overcome barriers to employment while providing businesses with a skilled workforce, we are investing in the long-term success of Barren County.”
Participants will receive career readiness instruction, individualized coaching, supportive services and technical training designed to prepare them for sustainable employment. The program will primarily serve individuals transitioning from addiction treatment, participants engaged in outpatient recovery and others facing barriers to entering the workforce. Upon completion, participants will be connected directly with employers seeking qualified workers in industries experiencing workforce demand.
“Recovery is about creating opportunities for people to rebuild their lives,” said Libby Short, Executive Director of Community Partners for Recovery. “Employment plays a vital role in long-term recovery by providing purpose, stability and independence. Through this partnership, participants will receive the support, training and encouragement they need to successfully enter the workforce and build lasting careers.”
The program will work with local training providers such as Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College to provide workforce training and industry-recognized certifications that align with regional employer needs. By combining technical education, supportive services and employer partnerships, the program will create a comprehensive pathway from recovery to meaningful employment.
“Developing a skilled workforce is essential to creating long-term economic opportunity across the Valley region,” said Heidi Smith, TVA Vice President of Economic Development. “Through Workforce Invest, we are partnering with local economic development organizations to support innovative workforce training and education initiatives that not only meet today’s talent demands but prepare community residents for rewarding job opportunities and career pathways. TVA and Glasgow EPB congratulate Barren County and look forward to seeing the lasting impact this investment will have.”
“Communities often have incredible workforce and education resources, but residents may not be aware of the opportunities available to them,” said Nancy Blum-Heintz, Managing Director of VisionFirst Advisors. “Workforce Invest projects do not just create new training opportunities. They strengthen partnerships, improve awareness and connect residents to training and education opportunities that can change the trajectory of their careers. When communities align around that shared mission, everyone benefits.”
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About the Barren County Economic Authority
Established in 1984, the Barren County Economic Authority is the lead economic development organization in Barren County. BCEA works to attract new business and industry, support the growth of existing employers, and develop infrastructure and workforce initiatives that strengthen the local economy and improve the quality of life.
BCEA Investors in Economic Development
The following organizations invest in the Barren County Economic Authority’s mission to strengthen the local economy through business growth, workforce development and strategic economic development initiatives: T.J. Regional Health, Glasgow Electric Plant Board, STV, Kelley Construction, Green Mechanical Construction, The Peoples Bank, German American Bank, South Central Bank and Alliance Corporation.
About the CPR Works Initiative
The CPR Works Initiative is a collaborative workforce development program that provides education, career readiness training, industry-recognized certifications, supportive services and employer connections for individuals overcoming barriers to employment. Through partnerships with Community Partners for Recovery, Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College and local employers, the initiative prepares participants for meaningful careers while strengthening Barren County’s workforce.
About Workforce Invest
The Workforce Invest program supports collaborative workforce and education initiatives that address locally identified workforce needs through partnerships among economic development organizations, educational institutions, workforce agencies, employers and community organizations. By leveraging matching investments and regional collaboration, Workforce Invest helps communities expand training capacity, strengthen talent pipelines and prepare residents for careers that support long-term economic prosperity throughout the Tennessee Valley.
About TVA
The Tennessee Valley Authority is the nation’s largest public power supplier, delivering energy to 10 million people across seven southeastern states. TVA was established 90 years ago to serve this region and the nation by developing innovative solutions to solve complex challenges. TVA’s unique mission focuses on energy, environmental stewardship and economic development. With one of the largest, most diverse and cleanest energy systems – which includes nuclear, hydro, solar, gas and advanced technologies – TVA is a leader in our nation’s drive toward a clean energy future.
About VisionFirst Advisors
VisionFirst Advisors is a leading economic development consulting firm, serving clients nationwide, including 29 Fortune 500 companies. We embed with our clients as an extension of their team, by helping define strategy, solve problems and execute. Our work is tailored, data-driven and focused on two things: increasing competitiveness and delivering results.