JENKINS, Ky. — A $20,000 grant from AARP Kentucky will help rebuild damaged sidewalks, create a walking trail, install benches and create a mural in Jenkins, as part of the recovery from the deadly 2022 flood that took the lives of 45 residents across Eastern Kentucky.
Rachel Rosolina, communications director for the nonprofit Appalshop, explained because its headquarters was severely damaged by the flooding, staff has temporarily moved to neighboring Jenkins, where the grant will help improve walkability.
She noted the new walking trail and benches will begin at a local senior center and extend about a mile into downtown.
“Twenty-four percent of the county is over the age of 59 and the poverty rate is also like over 38 percent,” Rosolina pointed out. “We want to be part of this community for as long as they will have us, but we also want to work with the city and use our resources to make improvements and make things safer.”
Other 2024 Community Challenge grants awardees include Hotel Inc., a Bowling Green organization providing training on home safety and aging in place for older adults; and Casey County Public Library, to build a series of public displays and activities grandparents can do with their grandchildren.
Tiffany Sturdivant, interim executive director of Appalshop, said while the flood was devastating, it brought out the best in a close-knit community.
“Speaking as someone who was present during the recovery, it was a special time where Eastern Kentucky really shined,” Sturdivant recounted. “I feel like it shined its brightest because it brought out that deep-rooted togetherness and everybody was just pitching in.”
Rosolina added the mural, designed by local artist Lacy Hale, will highlight residents’ perseverance.
“Art is one way to process trauma and I think the flood is going to be part of all of these communities for the rest of time,” Rosolina observed. “It’s part of the history now. So having something beautiful come out of that, I think, is really important.”
She added the art display will be formally presented to the public during the Jenkins Homecoming Days Festival at the end of August.
