LEXINGTON, KY. (October 22, 2025) – The Hope Center announced an enhancement to its employment program with the appointment of two dedicated social services coordinators, a scope of support funded in part by a $75,000 grant from the PNC Foundation.
Brielle Perque, who joined the Hope Center in September 2024, and Brandi Chadwell, who joined the organization in June 2025, will serve as the Hope Center’s inaugural social services coordinators. In this role, they will focus on helping clients secure stable employment while building relationships with local second-chance employers to match them with suitable job openings.
“As the Hope Center continues to empower and equip our clients to rebuild their lives, our employment program represents an important element of our multifaceted approach to help them achieve self-sufficiency,” said Jeff Crook, Chief Executive Officer of the Hope Center. “We are grateful for the PNC Foundation’s commitment to workforce development in our community and this generous support for the Hope Center’s employment resources.”
The Hope Center’s employment program offers participating clients a breadth of resources and services, including employment training opportunities, transportation to interviews and orientations, resume and referral assistance, higher education information, and access to technology.
According to Recovery Kentucky data, participants in the Hope Center’s George Privett Recovery Center for Men have demonstrated significant gains in employment, with 52% of clients having worked at least one month in the six months preceding their entry and 85% working at least one month during the follow-up period – a 33% increase.
“All of us at PNC recognize that increasing Kentucky’s workforce participation rate represents an ongoing priority for the commonwealth and our local economy,” said Kristen Byrd, PNC Regional President for Kentucky. “Through our collaboration with organizations such as the Hope Center, we are doing our part to create meaningful impact.”
The grant builds on PNC’s longstanding support for the Hope Center, which in recent years has included funding the center’s veterans’ program, transportation assistance services, and food program.
About the PNC Foundation
The PNC Foundation, which receives its principal funding from The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC), actively supports organizations that provide services for the benefit of communities in which it has a significant presence. The Foundation focuses its philanthropic mission on early childhood education, community development, and economic development, which includes the arts and culture. Through PNC Grow Up Great®, its signature cause that began in 2004, PNC has created a bilingual $500 million, multi-year initiative to help prepare children from birth to age 5 for success in school and life. For more information, visit PNC Foundation.
Above the Hope Center
The Hope Center serves as a lifeline for men and women in Central Kentucky facing homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges. Through comprehensive programs – including a men’s emergency shelter, men’s and women’s recovery programs, mental health and medical care, employment and affordable housing support, and One Parent Scholar House, and veteran-specific services – the Hope Center helps individuals rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose. Each day, the organization provides shelter, meals, and life-changing opportunities to more than 800 individuals, guiding them from crisis to stability and independence.