The Local Lens is a public health podcast going inside one community's experience with the drug epidemic. Everyone in the town of Stanton, KY sees this drug issue differently from each other, either because of their personal lives or professional roles. This show aims to showcase those different perspectives by having honest, in-depth interviews.
AppHarvest is one of the premier new companies in Kentucky, selling their produce in a growing number of places. You can find their tomatoes in Kroger, Costco, and on a sandwich at Wendy's. This company is an image of success in eastern Kentucky.
However, that isn't why we wanted to interview them. AppHarvest is one of the leading second-chance employers in the state. They are helping usher in a new era of employment, one that supports the workers available. They are hiring people with criminal records and histories of substance abuse, two sets of the population who have always been discarded as employees.
What's more is they are realizing that these second-chance employees are outperforming the average employee and are contributing a great deal to the success of the company. In many ways, it seems like this company is simply investing in the workers available in the area, which is commonly known as the best practice in building an exceptional company.
These are our people, using our voices, telling our stories, because no one sees it like we do.
This is all done with the help of the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program (EKCEP) and the Employment Resource Network - Kentucky (ERN-KY). The Kentucky Fair Chance Academy through the state Chamber of Commerce has also assisted and is available to other companies interested in following this lead.
Visit findhelpnowky.org to find treatment options for you in Kentucky.
Need help now? Call the Mountain Comp Care 24-Hour Helpline: 1-800-422-1060
Learn more about the Kentucky State Police's Angel Initiative here.
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The Local Lens is sponsored by Kentucky Opioid Community Healing (from the Kentucky Rural Health Information Organization) and Powell County CARES (from the Powell County Health Department).
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https://www.facebook.com/powellcountycares
Instagram: @powellcountycares