Cathy Lamar

Audubon Area Community Services, Inc.

Community Services Block Grant

Community Services administers four programs - Community Services Block Grant, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the Senior Community Employment Program (SCEP), known by its funding source as Title V, and WinterCare. This program is transitioning from a direct service delivery system to a case management system. Staff focus their time, energy, and resources on working with ten to fifteen households at one time. Case workers assist customers as they build on their strengths, with the long-term goal of becoming self-sufficient, as measured by an income that exceeds the 100% poverty level.

LIHEAP provides a cash benefit to income-eligible households meeting specific criteria. During the fall Subsidy component, total household income determines eligibility, and and during the winter Crisis component households must not only meet income guidelines, heating sources must be within 48 hours of depletion or there must be a disconnect notice. Enrollees in the Title V program receive a stipend for tasks performed in a variety of settings. The long-term goal is to gain employment where the employer does not receive a federal subsidy for the person. Enrollees must be at least 55 years of age and meet income guidelines. WinterCare funds are generated by donations from utility customers. The funds are sent to the Lexington Community Action Agency from across the state and distributed two or three times during the winter heating season. Persons who are LIHEAP Crisis eligible are also eligible for WinterCare assistance.