Audubon Area Community Services is celebrating its 50th anniversary, a milestone in its mission to eradicate poverty and support families across the Green River region. CEO Branden Harley said the organization has adapted over the years to address the complex and evolving issues of poverty, which President Lyndon B. Johnson identified as a multifaceted problem during his War on Poverty initiative in the 1960s.
“We are a community action agency, one of 23 in Kentucky and part of a nationwide network of about 1,000 agencies,” Harley said. “Our mission has always been to alleviate barriers that keep people in poverty. It’s a tough battle because poverty has long roots and requires comprehensive, long-term solutions.”
Audubon Area Community Services was formed in 1975 through the consolidation of two smaller agencies: Owensboro Economic Opportunities and Henderson-Union-Webster Opportunities. Over the decades, the nonprofit has grown into one of the largest community action agencies in Kentucky.
It serves seven counties in the Green River region with a wide range of programs, including Head Start, job training, housing assistance, Medicaid transportation, and substance use recovery services. Along with those seven counties, the agency services an additional 27 counties throughout the area.
Harley credited the organization’s longevity to its ability to adapt and its dedication to gathering community input.
“We’re always listening to our communities, whether through our low-income sector board members, elected officials, or public forums,” Harley said. “We’re constantly looking for new ways to address poverty and improve lives.”
One of Audubon’s recent initiatives is a partnership with Owensboro Public Schools to implement telehealth services for students, families, and staff. The program aims to remove healthcare barriers that can prevent students from attending school and succeeding academically.
“Education is one of the keys to breaking the cycle of poverty,” Harley said. “If kids can’t be in school because of illness, they miss out on opportunities to learn and grow.”
To celebrate its 50th anniversary, Audubon is planning several events, including a community fair in May and a celebratory banquet in September. Harley said the events will honor the organization’s progress and the dedication of its board, staff, and community partners.
“Over the past 50 years, we’ve seen incredible progress thanks to the support and hard work of our team and the community,” Harley said. “We’re excited to celebrate that success and look forward to continuing our mission.”
For more information about upcoming events or Audubon Area Community Services, visit their website here.
