Join us on Tuesday, June 3, for Ideas to Impact: Turning Barriers into Breakthroughs, a featured session of the Social Enterprise Accelerator through SOAR’s EKY Runway Program. As part of our child care-focused track, we are excited to spotlight the work of the Appalachian Early Childhood Network (AECN), a regional leader in building access to affordable, high-quality early care and education. You’ll hear from three powerful voices shaping real-world solutions: 👉️Becky Stacy, Executive Director, brings nearly three decades of experience as a public school kindergarten teacher and now leads AECN with a focus on advocacy, policy, and community collaboration. 👉️Tonya Lambert, Family Child Care Specialist, draws from over 20 years in the field, including 17 years operating her own licensed program, to mentor providers and raise care quality across the Cumberland region. 👉️Karen Thompson, Professional Development Manager, is celebrating 40 years in the field of early childhood education. She oversees AECN’s FLORA training program and family learning initiatives at their Middlesboro location. This isn’t just a panel discussion. You’ll leave with a better understanding of the childcare challenges in our region, ideas for real solutions, and a concrete plan to help move one of those solutions forward. Register here: https://soar-ky.org/soar-event-calendar/ideas-to-impact-turning-barriers-into-breakthroughs/ Date & Time: June 3, 2025, 9:00 A.M. - 2:30 P.M. Location: First Federal Center, Hazard Community and Technical College, Room 123 Breakfast and lunch will be provided, and we promise you’ll leave with more than just ideas, you’ll leave with momentum. #IdeasToImpact #EarlyChildhood #ChildCareSolutions #SOARSEA #EasternKentucky #WomenWhoLead #KentuckyStrong (fb)

Our hearts are with our neighbors in Southern Kentucky who were impacted by last week’s devastating tornado. Communities like Somerset and London have faced heartbreaking loss, but the strength of this region shines through. Whether you can donate, volunteer, or help spread the word, your support matters. Our friends Upper Cumberland Community Foundation and Somerset Community College have resources available for those affected, including donation links, volunteer opportunities, and support services. Donate or learn more: https://bit.ly/appalachiantornadorelief Local relief and recovery info: https://somerset.kctcs.edu/community/tornado-relief.aspx #SOAR #TornadoRelief #SouthernKentucky #SomersetKY #LondonKY (fb)