WHAT WE DO
BCF was created to:
Advance and promote the charitable goal of poverty alleviation through economic development activities, career training, and job placement.
To educate the community about business creation, entrepreneurship, workforce development, career preparation, and financial wellbeing.
To alleviate the burdens of federal, state and county governments by creating an organization that will supplement much of the work by helping connect government entities and municipal economic goals to companies and organizations who can meet those goals, and assist in the navigation of grants, loans, investments, and contract requirements on behalf of each.
To combat further community deterioration in rural regions and inner-city areas that have been devastated by job loss, population flight, and the hollowing out of industry.
To promote regional, city, and neighborhood development in areas affected by generational poverty, drug addiction, and high incarceration levels by providing meaningful and productive employment options with wrap around services that promote sobriety, second chances, and community reconciliation.
WHO WE ARE
Renee Parsons
Executive Director, Grant Specialist
With 28 years of experience in missional and non-profit work, and a decade writing grants for various organizations from emergency care charities to daycare and first responders, Renee has a diverse area of expertise in assessing need, developing programming, grant discovery, and proposal crafting. Her leadership approach is both logical and compassionate, while her problem solving skills make her passion for economic development with community needs in mind an innovative approach to what businesses, whether charitable or for-profit, can accomplish. Renee is also an adept public speaker who facilitates conferences nationwide for Aha! Process INC., a Ruby Payne Company®.
Eugenia Wilson
Board Chair, Special Needs Expert
Special needs educator and former Consumer and Family Science Agent with the University of Kentucky extension office in Boyd County, KY. Eugenia Wilson currently works as a clinical counselor for Addiction Recovery Care helping people with severe mental health issues stemming from Substance Use Disorder. Eugenia is keenly aware of the limited work options afforded to people with various special needs, and has made it her mission to help create meaningful employment opportunities for these vulnerable people.
Amber Samons
Board Secretary, Recovery Systems Analyst
A Peer Support Specialist with Ramey Estep ReGroup, Amber Samons expertise comes with lived experience and a high level of commitment. Amber, having previously served as the Executive Director of a non-profit organization herself, and spending a decade working with the homeless and impoverished, brings both compassion and common sense to BCF. Her passion lies with people overcoming substance addiction, with a particular focus on post-incarcerated individuals re-entering society and the workforce.
Ada Porter
Chief Operating Officer, Grant Writer
Ada serves as the chief operating officer and a grant writer for BCF, where her organizational skills and attention to detail play a vital role in supporting the organization's mission and operations. With a background in both culinary arts and administrative work, Ada brings a unique blend of creativity and efficiency to her roles.
Kenny Riffe
Board Treasurer, Marketing & Media Specialist
Actor, producer, techie, farmer, insurance agent, Kenny Riffe has talent and intellect combined into the perfect marketing guru. “Kenny The Bearded” is a native of Greenup County, who is a professional actor whose credits include "Chicago Fire", "Christmas is Cancelled", "God Loves the Green Bay Packers", and "Every 21 Seconds". He also has appeared in national commercials promoting Sears Automotive, Dude Wipes, and The George Foreman Grill, as well as many more! He studied improv and writing as part of the world famous "Second City", as well as "Improv Olympic" (currently called "IO") and "The Annoyance" theaters all located in Chicago, IL. Kenny also maintains his family’s cattle farm and provides insurance assistance to farmers around the US, as well as providing social media and website marketing and consultation services to companies throughout Appalachia.
Mark Nigro
Personal Development Specialist, Leadership Training Provider
Based in Berea, KY, Mark takes delight in helping people share, learn, lead, and collaborate. As a leadership consultant and training facilitator, Mark designs and delivers high quality “soft-skill” programs that improve individual work habits, strengthen team performance, enhance organizational leadership, and build community success. His approach has been influenced by experiences as a classroom teacher, outdoor educator, human resources professional, entrepreneurial coach, youth soccer coach, and corporate analyst. With degrees in business, journalism, and education, he has provided effective training since 1983.