Community Action Celebrates 60th Anniversary With Chamber Ribbon Cutting and Reception

Team members of Community Action of Southern KY cut a ceremonial ribbon at their 60th anniversary reception in Brownsville Feb. 28, 2025.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Community Action of Southern Kentucky celebrated 60 years in the region with a ribbon cutting with the Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce and reception today at the Edmonson County Community Center.

Leslie Talley, Director of Operations for the organization, and local resident, welcomed everyone in attendance and discussed the group's role and commitments to the local community.

Leslie Talley, Director of Operations for CASOKY, speaks at a reception in Brownsville.

Carla Brown, Executive Director of CASOKY speaks at a reception in Brownsville.

She then introduced Executive Director Carla Brown, who first recognized the Edmonson County Head Start program, which is a Community Action Program, run by local resident Rena Beth Chaffins.

"They have a 5-star early childhood program, and it's just like hotel ratings, we are top dog here in Edmonson County, so congratulations to Rena and her staff," Brown said.

She also recognized Misty Meredith, who leads the Community Services staff. Brown said over 1200 recipients have benefited from rental, utility, water, and other assistance. She also pointed out the RSVP Senior Center volunteers, which Edmonson County has 69 total members assisting, along with Senior Center director Marlene Webb.

The new Senior Center has moved into the fellowship hall of Cedar Grove Baptist Church on Washington Street in Brownsville.

EC Judge-Executive Scott Lindsey presents plaque honoring Toby Ann Van Meter.

Edmonson County Judge-Executive Scott Lindsey then addressed the crowd and gave honor to former Edmonson County Community Action Director Toby Van Meter, who passed away in February of 2024.

Lindsey presented a plaque to be placed on the office space in the Community Center that read "Toby Ann Van Meter Community Services Office."

The attendees and staff members then gathered together to cut the ceremonial ribbon as becoming Chamber of Commerce members.

Refreshments and fellowship followed.

To join the Edmonson County Chamber, visit edmonsonchamber.com.