The United Way of the Coalfield hosted its annual Award Celebration in Madisonville on Thursday morning, featuring impactful stories from partners in Caldwell, Hopkins, and Muhlenberg counties and Community Service Awards to outstanding individuals from each county.
United Way of the Coalfield Executive Director Ashley Alexander said this was the second year for the Award Celebration.
click to download audioDr. Ann Love, assistant superintendent of Hopkins County Schools, presented the Caldwell County Community Service Award to BreAnna Dunn. She said that Dunn’s nominator wrote a letter praising her for her outstanding and impactful work as a Community Health Worker. The letter stated that Dunn has consistently gone above and beyond her standard duties, serving as a vital link between the underserved populations of essential health and social services.
click to download audioStephanie Chambliss, JAG Specialist at Caldwell County Schools, was among the partners of the organization to speak at the event. She gave a PowerPoint presentation on the Jobs for America’s Graduates program, which launched at Caldwell County High School’s Fine Arts Building with a ribbon-cutting in November 2025. The JAG program also received a $10,000 donation from United Way of the Coalfield that she said will be used for student field trips.
She also noted that the United Way has teamed up with JAG to provide community service opportunities, helping students fulfill their program requirement of at least ten service hours.
click to download audioAfter additional speakers and award presentations, Alexander shared the United Way of the Coalfield’s 2026 Plan, emphasizing the importance of fundraising to continue supporting the counties they serve.
Additionally, she said they are focusing on early childhood development and education by creating Born Learning Walking Trails in each county they serve, made possible through a grant from United Way Worldwide.
click to download audioThis year, the nonprofit’s focus is on community resilience, with the Board collaborating with county committees to gather feedback and address local needs.
The plan also includes continuing to support communities during disasters, which includes the introduction of the 211 with Airbnb program this year, which is designed to assist people with medical needs, seniors, and families who are displaced.
The United Way of the Coalfield Award Celebration took place at the Steve Beshear Center for Post-Secondary Education on the Madisonville Community College campus.
