Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR) is honored to be among the 164 nonprofit organizations awarded funding through the Pallottine Foundation of Huntington’s 2025 Healthy Communities Initiative. This grant supports a new pilot program aimed at providing health-related, wraparound services to individuals facing employment barriers in Floyd, Johnson, Lawrence, Martin, and Pike counties.

The initiative will enhance the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Recompete program by offering critical support such as co-payments, dental and vision care, prescription vouchers, mental health services, food assistance, and transportation aid. These services are designed to address the challenges that hinder employment opportunities for individuals aged 25 to 54 in the region. This work was built upon the Eastern Kentucky Runway Project, an initiative focused on strengthening the Region through client centered support to individuals facing barriers to employment. The Pallottine Foundations investment will directly strengthen EKY Runways ability to remove real obstacles for participants, helping them take the necessary steps towards meaningful and long term employment.

The Pallottine Foundation’s 2025 Healthy Communities Initiative awarded over $2.5 million to organizations across West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio, focusing on programs that address behavioral, emotional, physical, social, and spiritual health needs. SOAR is grateful for this support and is committed to using the grant to foster economic growth and improve health outcomes in Eastern Kentucky.

For more information about the Pallottine Foundation and its initiatives, visit pallottinehuntington.org.