Promise Zone designation ends but partnerships continue to thrive

More than 10 years ago, Eastern Kentucky was designated as one of the first five — and the only rural — Promise Zone communities. The initiative helped local communities and businesses more effectively connect with federal agencies to create jobs, increase economic security, expand educational opportunities, build private investment and improve public safety.

The initiative grew to more than 100 partners, who worked together to leverage the Kentucky Highlands Promise Zone’s competitive advantage in applying for federal funds and assistance for Bell, Harlan, Letcher, Perry, Leslie, Clay, Knox and part of Whitley counties.

“The amount of collaboration is unprecedented, and these partnerships continue to thrive,” said Jerry Rickett, president and CEO of KHIC. “This collaboration lives on into the future to improve jobs, education and health in our region.”

The Kentucky Highlands Promise Zone designation ended in January, but the partnerships continue to thrive and benefit the region. Here are just three examples:

  • Kentucky Highlands Community Network: Kentucky is one of five states to receive a new designation called the Rural Partners Network, which helps rural communities access government resources and funding to create jobs, build infrastructure and support long-term economic stability. That network has expanded. (See accompanying story for more information.)
  • Appalachian Cradle to Career: The Promise Zone served as the launching pad to this important initiative, which was created to transform generational poverty into generational success through a cradle-to-career system of support that enables all Appalachian children to succeed. Eight organizations, including KHIC, have joined forces in a commitment for all Appalachian students to succeed by bringing together years of experience from a cross-section of sectors. The partnership is focused on helping all young people have the opportunity to attain a postsecondary degree and choose a path to economic mobility by receiving the support necessary to accomplish those goals.
  • Faith-based economic development: Faith-based organizations are connecting with entrepreneurs, financial institutions and job seekers to make a difference in Eastern Kentucky. They already were serving the population with the most needs, and many of the region’s best leaders are in these organizations. Many faith-based organizations have expanded their work in other places — turning ministry into job creation or going beyond their food pantry presence to include empowerment building like growing sustainable food and selling surplus crops at the farmers market.