UNITED WAY OF THE BLUEGRASS opened its fi rst WayPoint Center outside of Lexington on April 7, while surrounded by members of the Woodford County Chamber of Commerce and supporters. Holding the ribbon, from left, Woodford County Public Health Director Cassie Prather, Judge-Executive James Kay, UWB CEO/President Caleb Robinson, UWB Vice President and Manager of WayPoint Centers Shawn Bumpase and Versailles Mayor Laura Dake. (Photo by Scott White)

By Scott White

Woodford Sun staff

In 2021, following the success of its “call 2-1-1” program, United Way of the Bluegrass (UWB), which serves Woodford County, began envisioning a way to expand it by creating a brick-and-mortar community access point for families and individuals . . . a one-stop location that would enable folks to find help in navigating available resources. That vision has since become a reality.

Earlier last fall, former UWB president Timothy Johnson, accompanied by UWB-Woodford advisory board member John Hutcherson, told the Sun that engaging all of the services needed for the Woodford WayPoint Center had proved to be complex and cumbersome.

At that point, UWB had already set up three successful WayPoint Centers in Lexington, and was looking to branch out into one of its other counties. Johnson explained that discussions had just begun with leaders in Woodford County, with the idea of locating it in the Woodford County Health Department on N. Main Street.

Though Johnson left UWB for another opportunity, the plans continued under the leadership of UWB’s new CEO/President Caleb Robinson and Shawn Bumpase, vice president for Community Outreach and manager of the WayPoint program.

The new Woodford County WayPoint Center celebrated its opening at a ribbon-cutting on April 27.

According to Robinson, these centers are designed to provide vital programming to underserved people by leveraging the strengths and resources of the area's most effective nonprofit government and business organizations to address those needs on an individual and family basis.

“WayPoint in Woodford County serves as a vital community hub, connecting residents to essential services in employment, housing, financial education and health, all in one convenient place. With tailored, trauma-informed support, coordinators guide individuals and families to overcome obstacles, build stability and create practical steps toward lasting self-sufficiency,” Autumn Miller, UWB's Marketing and Engagement coordinator, told the Sun. “By integrating programs such as 211 (a toll-free service to access programs), VITA (income tax filing assistance program) and local partnerships, WayPoint fortifies the community safety net and helps ALICE households (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), (which) represent the growing number of families who are unable to afford the basics, move from crisis to long-term economic security.”

Woodford County Public Health Director Cassie Prather said the center will complement the services already being provided by the health department by helping clients, on an individualized or family bases, more efficiently and practically access the services they need.

She said, “Too often, folks get lost in locating and finding services they need and qualify for, but need help in navigating what can be a confusing and frustrating process.”

The Woodford WayPoint Center will be open every Monday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Woodford County Health Department at 229 N. Main St.