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The Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

Putting People and Solutions to Work

The mission of the Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation is to cause eligible persons with disabilities to achieve suitable employment

OUR LOCAL OFFICE

Our office is located at 955 Fairview Ave., Suite 100. This is next to the WRECC building. There are 18 professional individuals specializing in services to individuals with disabilities that staff this office. Our location offers a state of the art classroom, Rehabilitation Lab, and computer lab to assist disabled individuals make informed choices about jobs and rehab technology.

VISION To assist individuals with disabilities to achieve suitable employment and independence within our assigned areas. MISSION We have served every eligible individual with a disability by helping them reach an appropriate vocational goal.

To practice the best customer service techniques in the state.

We have achieved the highest team management practice in the state.

On behalf of the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and Team Rehab-Bowling Green, we would like to introduce our Bowling Green team.

WHAT DO WE OFFER

Assessment : Occupational abilities, talents, and interests are revealed through medical, psychological interest and vocational evaluation.

Counseling and Guidance : Individuals receive assistance in setting and achieving realistic vocational goals.

Job Placement : Skills and Interest are matched to jobs, tools, equipment, licenses, and permits may be provided.

Rehabilitation Engineering : Job and home environments may be modified to achieve working and living independence. For more information click here.

Training : Individuals may be trained on the job, at a technical school, business school or in other setting.

Medical Services : An Individual’s ability to work may be improved through medical rehabilitation.

Maintance, Transportation and Other Support Services : Housing, bus fare, driver evaluation, driver training or vehicle modification may be provided if needed to help individuals with disabilities secure employment and independent living.

For more information c lick he re for our state web page.

ELIGIBILITY

Individuals may be eligible if they are unable to obtain or maintain employment or live independently in their communities as a result of a physical or mental disability.

Eligibility will be determined by a rehabilitation professional. Individuals with disabilities may request a review of any decision regarding their vocational rehabilitation programs.

For more information click here for our agency web page.

BOWLING GREEN VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION STAFF LISTING

The following individuals are located in the local Bowling Green and Glasgow Offices, as indicated. The Bowling Green Office serves Labor Market # 8 (Warren, Logan, Simpson, Butler, Edmonson Counties), Allen County is also served from the Bowling Green Office:

Jim Wallace, District 4 Branch Manager: Jim is the District Manager for the Bowling Green Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and the Glasgow office. Jim’s phone number is 270-746-7489. The office’s toll free number is 1-800-443-6055. Jim’s e-mail address is jimw.wallace@ky.gov. His assistant is Penney Baseheart.

Amanda Herron, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor: Amanda serves eligible individuals from Warren and Simpson Counties. She travels to Simpson County on Thursdays, and may be contacted at the Simpson County Family Support Office at 210 West Cedar Street in Franklin, KY; the phone number is 270-586-4433. Her primary location is at the Bowling Green Vocational Rehabilitation office. Amanda's email address is: Amanda.Herron@ky.gov. Her assistant is Crystal Farmer.

Jamie Chaffin, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor: Jamie serves eligible individuals from Warren and Logan counties. Jamie is located at 955 Fairview Ave, Suite 100. Her phone number is 270-746-7489. Her e-mail address is Jamie.Chaffin@ky.gov. Her assistant is Penney Baseheart.

Jason Herron, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor: Jason serves eligible individuals from Warren and Butler Counties. He also serves as Communications Specialist, and takes referrals from all individuals with hearing disorders for the counties served by the Bowling Green office. Jason travels to Butler County on the first and third Tuesday of each month, and is located at the Southern KY. Community Action Building in Morgantown, phone 270-526-3735. Jason’s e-mail address is jasona.herron@ky.gov. His assistant is Karri Provance.

Sherry West, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the Deaf (RCD): Sherry is the RCD (Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for Deaf Individuals who use sign language as their primary mode of communication) with fluency in Sign Communication. She currently serves 21 South Central KY counties, as follows: Allen, Barren, Breckinridge, Butler, Cumberland, Edmonson, Grayson, Green, Hardin, Hart, Larue, Logan, Marion, Meade, Metcalfe, Monroe, Nelson, Simpson, Taylor, Warren and Washington. Her office is located at the Bowling Green Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, 955 Fairview Ave., STE 100, Bowling Green, KY. 42101. She can be reached at 270-282-2153 (videophone). Sherry’s e-mail address is SherryA.West@ky.gov. Denise Breen is her assistant, and Denise may be reached at 270-746-7489.

Lindsey Goins, Sign Language Interpreter: Lindsey is assigned to assist Sherry West with communication issues associated with services to deaf individuals. She is located in the Bowling Green Vocational Rehabilitation office at 955 Fairview Ave., Suite100. Her phone number is 270-746-7489 voice/TTY. Her e-mail address is Lindsey.goins@ky.gov.

Leslie Hudson, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor: Leslie is the counselor assigned to work with Warren County and Bowling Green Independent Schools. Leslie is located at the Bowling Green Vocational Rehabilitation office at 955 Fairview Ave., STE 100. Her phone number is 270-746-7489. Leslie travels weekly during the school year to Greenwood High School on Tuesdays, Warren Central High School on Wednesdays, and to Warren East High School on Thursdays. Leslie's e-mail address is lesliej.husdon@ky.gov. Her assistant is Karri Provance.

Missy Wheeler, Job Placement Specialist: Missy is responsible for Public Relations between the OVR agency and employers. She maintains contact with community organizations, provides disability awareness training, conducts job readiness skills training, and works with VR consumers in their job search process. Missy is located at the Bowling Green Vocational Rehabilitation office, and her e-mail address is melissau.wheeler@ky.gov . Her assistant is Penney Baseheart.

Keith Brown, Job Placement Specialist: Keith provides job readiness skills training and job placement assistance to individuals who are prepared to enter or reenter the workforce. He serves as a liaison between the agency and community employers and business organizations. Keith is located at the Bowling Green Vocational Rehabilitation office at 955 Fairview Ave., Suite 100. His Phone Number is 270-746-7489, and e-mail address is keithm.brown@ky.gov. His assistant is Penney Baseheart.

Clint Brizendine, Rehabilitation Technology Coordinator: Clint is assigned to implement a program for delivery of assistive technology services and devices to people with disabilities. He provides technical assistance and consultation services regarding assistive technology to Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors and consumers requiring assistive technology to prepare for or maintain employment. Clint provides these services for the Western Kentucky Areas of Districts 2, 3 and 4. Clint travels on an as needed basis. Referrals for these services must come through the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. Clint is located at the Bowling Green Vocational Rehabilitation office at 955 Fairview Ave., Suite 100. Clint’s e-mail address is clinth.brizendine@ky.gov .

Kami Cossey, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor: Kami serves eligible individuals from Warren and Edmonson counties. She serves as a point of referral for Drug Court, Probation and Parole, and area recovery homes, as well as for mental health community agencies. She travels to Edmonson County on alternating Thursdays, and may be reached at the Office of Family Support in Brownsville at 1129 Highway 259 South, Phone 270-597-2118. Her primary location is at the Bowling Green Vocational Rehabilitation office. Her phone number is 270-746-7489, and her e-mail is kami.cossey@ky.gov. Her assistant is Crystal Farmer.

Chrisonia Thomas, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor: Chrisonia serves eligible individuals from Warren County. She receives referrals from Probation and Parole, Drug Court, recovery facilities, and community mental health agencies. Chrisonia is located at the Bowling Green Vocational Rehabilitation office, 955 Fairview Ave., STE 100. Her phone number is 270-746-7489, and her e-mail is chrisonia.thomas@ky.gov. Her assistant is Karri Provance.

Jane Smith, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor: Jane serves as on-site manager for the Glasgow Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, located at 106 Park Avenue, Glasgow, KY. 42141. The phone number is (270) 651-5147. She may be reached at the Glasgow office on Mondays and Tuesdays. Jane also serves eligible individuals from Allen County. Her office there is located at 201 West Main Street, Room 6, Scottsville, KY. 42164. The phone number is (270) 237-3112. She may be contacted in the Scottsville OVR office on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Jane is also charged with the responsibility of serving individuals who are pursuing self-employment. Jane Steffey serves as her assistant.

Glena Thrasher, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor: Glena provides services to eligible program participants from Barren, Monroe and Hart Counties. She also serves eligible students from Monroe County Schools. Her primary office is at the Glasgow Office of Vocational Rehabilitation at 106 Park Avenue. The phone number is (270) 651-5147. Glena visits Monroe County on Tuesdays; her office is at Monroe County Family Support Center, 201 Page Street, Tompkinsville, KY. 42167, and she may be reached at (270) 487-6798. She works in Hart County on Thursdays, and her office there is at the Hart County Protection and Permanency Office, 50 Quality Street, Munfordville, KY 42765; the phone number is (270) 524-7111. Assistants Nancy Lyons and Jane Steffey provide support to Glena.

Reyna Gibbons, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor: Reyna serves eligible persons from the counties of Barren and Metcalfe. She also serves individuals with hearing impairments (hard of hearing) in the Allen County area. In addition, she serves eligible students from Barren County and Glasgow Independent Schools. Reyna’s primary office is in Glasgow, 106 Park Avenue, 42141. She may be reached in Glasgow at (270) 651-5147. She works in Metcalfe County on alternating Tuesdays; Reyna may be contacted at Metcalfe County Chamber of Commerce, 109 E. Stockton St., Edmonton, KY. 42129. The phone number is (270) 432-3222. Assistant Nancy Lyons provides support to Reyna.

TRANSITION SERVICES

The Bowling Green office currently has a counselor assigned to all High Schools in our service area. Bowling Green/Warren County Schools has participated in a school cooperative since 1987. These school systems provide matching funding to help establish a cooperative project. A rehabilitation counselor is assigned to this program on a full time basis.

In addition to school cooperatives the Bowling Green office provides transition services through a Community Based Work Transition Project. This project is established by the school system providing matching funds to assist in the school hiring a job coach. This program involves a school-based job coach that finds appropriate placement sites for students that need the assistance of a "Job Coach" to insure they maintain employment.

Currently Bowling Green High School, Allen county, Russellville High School, and Warren County High Schools are participating in this program.

For more information on transition services click here .

COMMUNITY BASED FACILITY & SERVICES

The Bowling Green Staff has maintained a close working relationship with Lifeskills Industries for many years. This program is utilized by Vocational Rehabilitation on a Fee for Service basis. Should an eligible individual require vocational evaluation, Work Adjustment Training, Community Work Adjustment Training then a referral is made by a rehabilitation counselor at Lifeskills weekly staffing. This facility provides a valuable service to individuals with disabilities in the Bowling Green Community. For more information click here: www.lifeskills.com

Supported Employment Services

Eligible Individuals needing Job Coaching and long term job site follow-up and accommodations can receive these services through Lifeskills Inc. Referrals can be made by a rehabilitation counselor.

The Bowling Green Area currently works cooperatively with 2 Supported Employment Providers. These programs are administered through Lifeskills, Inc. For individuals with MR/DD services are provided by Employment Options. For individuals with Mental Illness services are provided by Lifeskills. For more information click here.

	KY Farmworks Program BRADD Job Corps Adult Education Vocational Rehabilitation Office for the Blind Community Action Experience Works Return to Menu		The Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Putting People and Solutions to Work The mission of the Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation is to cause eligible persons with disabilities to achieve suitable employment OUR LOCAL OFFICE Our office is located at 955 Fairview Ave., Suite 100. This is next to the WRECC building. There are 18 professional individuals specializing in services to individuals with disabilities that staff this office. Our location offers a state of the art classroom, Rehabilitation Lab, and computer lab to assist disabled individuals make informed choices about jobs and rehab technology. VISION To assist individuals with disabilities to achieve suitable employment and independence within our assigned areas. MISSION We have served every eligible individual with a disability by helping them reach an appropriate vocational goal. To practice the best customer service techniques in the state. We have achieved the highest team management practice in the state. On behalf of the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and Team Rehab-Bowling Green, we would like to introduce our Bowling Green team. WHAT DO WE OFFER Assessment : Occupational abilities, talents, and interests are revealed through medical, psychological interest and vocational evaluation. Counseling and Guidance : Individuals receive assistance in setting and achieving realistic vocational goals. Job Placement : Skills and Interest are matched to jobs, tools, equipment, licenses, and permits may be provided. Rehabilitation Engineering : Job and home environments may be modified to achieve working and living independence. For more information click here. Training : Individuals may be trained on the job, at a technical school, business school or in other setting. Medical Services : An Individual’s ability to work may be improved through medical rehabilitation. Maintance, Transportation and Other Support Services : Housing, bus fare, driver evaluation, driver training or vehicle modification may be provided if needed to help individuals with disabilities secure employment and independent living. For more information c lick he re for our state web page. ELIGIBILITY Individuals may be eligible if they are unable to obtain or maintain employment or live independently in their communities as a result of a physical or mental disability. Eligibility will be determined by a rehabilitation professional. Individuals with disabilities may request a review of any decision regarding their vocational rehabilitation programs. For more information click here for our agency web page. BOWLING GREEN VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION STAFF LISTING The following individuals are located in the local Bowling Green and Glasgow Offices, as indicated. The Bowling Green Office serves Labor Market # 8 (Warren, Logan, Simpson, Butler, Edmonson Counties), Allen County is also served from the Bowling Green Office: Jim Wallace, District 4 Branch Manager: Jim is the District Manager for the Bowling Green Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and the Glasgow office. Jim’s phone number is 270-746-7489. The office’s toll free number is 1-800-443-6055. Jim’s e-mail address is jimw.wallace@ky.gov. His assistant is Penney Baseheart. Amanda Herron, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor: Amanda serves eligible individuals from Warren and Simpson Counties. She travels to Simpson County on Thursdays, and may be contacted at the Simpson County Family Support Office at 210 West Cedar Street in Franklin, KY; the phone number is 270-586-4433. Her primary location is at the Bowling Green Vocational Rehabilitation office. Amanda's email address is: Amanda.Herron@ky.gov. Her assistant is Crystal Farmer. Jamie Chaffin, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor: Jamie serves eligible individuals from Warren and Logan counties. Jamie is located at 955 Fairview Ave, Suite 100. Her phone number is 270-746-7489. Her e-mail address is Jamie.Chaffin@ky.gov. Her assistant is Penney Baseheart. Jason Herron, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor: Jason serves eligible individuals from Warren and Butler Counties. He also serves as Communications Specialist, and takes referrals from all individuals with hearing disorders for the counties served by the Bowling Green office. Jason travels to Butler County on the first and third Tuesday of each month, and is located at the Southern KY. Community Action Building in Morgantown, phone 270-526-3735. Jason’s e-mail address is jasona.herron@ky.gov. His assistant is Karri Provance. Sherry West, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the Deaf (RCD): Sherry is the RCD (Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for Deaf Individuals who use sign language as their primary mode of communication) with fluency in Sign Communication. She currently serves 21 South Central KY counties, as follows: Allen, Barren, Breckinridge, Butler, Cumberland, Edmonson, Grayson, Green, Hardin, Hart, Larue, Logan, Marion, Meade, Metcalfe, Monroe, Nelson, Simpson, Taylor, Warren and Washington. Her office is located at the Bowling Green Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, 955 Fairview Ave., STE 100, Bowling Green, KY. 42101. She can be reached at 270-282-2153 (videophone). Sherry’s e-mail address is SherryA.West@ky.gov. Denise Breen is her assistant, and Denise may be reached at 270-746-7489. Lindsey Goins, Sign Language Interpreter: Lindsey is assigned to assist Sherry West with communication issues associated with services to deaf individuals. She is located in the Bowling Green Vocational Rehabilitation office at 955 Fairview Ave., Suite100. Her phone number is 270-746-7489 voice/TTY. Her e-mail address is Lindsey.goins@ky.gov. Leslie Hudson, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor: Leslie is the counselor assigned to work with Warren County and Bowling Green Independent Schools. Leslie is located at the Bowling Green Vocational Rehabilitation office at 955 Fairview Ave., STE 100. Her phone number is 270-746-7489. Leslie travels weekly during the school year to Greenwood High School on Tuesdays, Warren Central High School on Wednesdays, and to Warren East High School on Thursdays. Leslie's e-mail address is lesliej.husdon@ky.gov. Her assistant is Karri Provance. Missy Wheeler, Job Placement Specialist: Missy is responsible for Public Relations between the OVR agency and employers. She maintains contact with community organizations, provides disability awareness training, conducts job readiness skills training, and works with VR consumers in their job search process. Missy is located at the Bowling Green Vocational Rehabilitation office, and her e-mail address is melissau.wheeler@ky.gov . Her assistant is Penney Baseheart. Keith Brown, Job Placement Specialist: Keith provides job readiness skills training and job placement assistance to individuals who are prepared to enter or reenter the workforce. He serves as a liaison between the agency and community employers and business organizations. Keith is located at the Bowling Green Vocational Rehabilitation office at 955 Fairview Ave., Suite 100. His Phone Number is 270-746-7489, and e-mail address is keithm.brown@ky.gov. His assistant is Penney Baseheart. Clint Brizendine, Rehabilitation Technology Coordinator: Clint is assigned to implement a program for delivery of assistive technology services and devices to people with disabilities. He provides technical assistance and consultation services regarding assistive technology to Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors and consumers requiring assistive technology to prepare for or maintain employment. Clint provides these services for the Western Kentucky Areas of Districts 2, 3 and 4. Clint travels on an as needed basis. Referrals for these services must come through the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. Clint is located at the Bowling Green Vocational Rehabilitation office at 955 Fairview Ave., Suite 100. Clint’s e-mail address is clinth.brizendine@ky.gov . Kami Cossey, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor: Kami serves eligible individuals from Warren and Edmonson counties. She serves as a point of referral for Drug Court, Probation and Parole, and area recovery homes, as well as for mental health community agencies. She travels to Edmonson County on alternating Thursdays, and may be reached at the Office of Family Support in Brownsville at 1129 Highway 259 South, Phone 270-597-2118. Her primary location is at the Bowling Green Vocational Rehabilitation office. Her phone number is 270-746-7489, and her e-mail is kami.cossey@ky.gov. Her assistant is Crystal Farmer. Chrisonia Thomas, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor: Chrisonia serves eligible individuals from Warren County. She receives referrals from Probation and Parole, Drug Court, recovery facilities, and community mental health agencies. Chrisonia is located at the Bowling Green Vocational Rehabilitation office, 955 Fairview Ave., STE 100. Her phone number is 270-746-7489, and her e-mail is chrisonia.thomas@ky.gov. Her assistant is Karri Provance. Jane Smith, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor: Jane serves as on-site manager for the Glasgow Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, located at 106 Park Avenue, Glasgow, KY. 42141. The phone number is (270) 651-5147. She may be reached at the Glasgow office on Mondays and Tuesdays. Jane also serves eligible individuals from Allen County. Her office there is located at 201 West Main Street, Room 6, Scottsville, KY. 42164. The phone number is (270) 237-3112. She may be contacted in the Scottsville OVR office on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Jane is also charged with the responsibility of serving individuals who are pursuing self-employment. Jane Steffey serves as her assistant. Glena Thrasher, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor: Glena provides services to eligible program participants from Barren, Monroe and Hart Counties. She also serves eligible students from Monroe County Schools. Her primary office is at the Glasgow Office of Vocational Rehabilitation at 106 Park Avenue. The phone number is (270) 651-5147. Glena visits Monroe County on Tuesdays; her office is at Monroe County Family Support Center, 201 Page Street, Tompkinsville, KY. 42167, and she may be reached at (270) 487-6798. She works in Hart County on Thursdays, and her office there is at the Hart County Protection and Permanency Office, 50 Quality Street, Munfordville, KY 42765; the phone number is (270) 524-7111. Assistants Nancy Lyons and Jane Steffey provide support to Glena. Reyna Gibbons, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor: Reyna serves eligible persons from the counties of Barren and Metcalfe. She also serves individuals with hearing impairments (hard of hearing) in the Allen County area. In addition, she serves eligible students from Barren County and Glasgow Independent Schools. Reyna’s primary office is in Glasgow, 106 Park Avenue, 42141. She may be reached in Glasgow at (270) 651-5147. She works in Metcalfe County on alternating Tuesdays; Reyna may be contacted at Metcalfe County Chamber of Commerce, 109 E. Stockton St., Edmonton, KY. 42129. The phone number is (270) 432-3222. Assistant Nancy Lyons provides support to Reyna. TRANSITION SERVICES The Bowling Green office currently has a counselor assigned to all High Schools in our service area. Bowling Green/Warren County Schools has participated in a school cooperative since 1987. These school systems provide matching funding to help establish a cooperative project. A rehabilitation counselor is assigned to this program on a full time basis. In addition to school cooperatives the Bowling Green office provides transition services through a Community Based Work Transition Project. This project is established by the school system providing matching funds to assist in the school hiring a job coach. This program involves a school-based job coach that finds appropriate placement sites for students that need the assistance of a "Job Coach" to insure they maintain employment. Currently Bowling Green High School, Allen county, Russellville High School, and Warren County High Schools are participating in this program. For more information on transition services click here . COMMUNITY BASED FACILITY & SERVICES The Bowling Green Staff has maintained a close working relationship with Lifeskills Industries for many years. This program is utilized by Vocational Rehabilitation on a Fee for Service basis. Should an eligible individual require vocational evaluation, Work Adjustment Training, Community Work Adjustment Training then a referral is made by a rehabilitation counselor at Lifeskills weekly staffing. This facility provides a valuable service to individuals with disabilities in the Bowling Green Community. For more information click here: www.lifeskills.com Supported Employment Services Eligible Individuals needing Job Coaching and long term job site follow-up and accommodations can receive these services through Lifeskills Inc. Referrals can be made by a rehabilitation counselor. The Bowling Green Area currently works cooperatively with 2 Supported Employment Providers. These programs are administered through Lifeskills, Inc. For individuals with MR/DD services are provided by Employment Options. For individuals with Mental Illness services are provided by Lifeskills. For more information click here.