BY MADISON MOONEY

Hello Martin County residents.

My name is Madison Mooney. I work for the nonprofit LiKEN Knowledge (short for Livelihoods Knowledge Exchange Network) as their community care coordinator. I have been doing water-related work with LiKEN for over four years here in Martin County. Between my time with LiKEN and the prior four years studying at the University of Kentucky, I have spent over eight years focusing on Martin County’s “water story.”

I work with LiKEN’s Water Collaboratory Program that supports community-based projects in Martin County, including the Mountain Drinking Water Project and the Water Pressure Project, which focus on water knowledge and awareness in Martin County. I am also one of the lead organizers for a group known as East Kentucky Water Network that connects and supports different organizations, including watershed nonprofits, and lawmakers to help spread water awareness, education, and support quality and affordability across the East Kentucky Region.

Outside my role at LiKEN, I also serve as a board member for Friends of the Tug Fork River and Kentucky Watershed Watch. Last but certainly not least, I serve as a board member for Martin County Concerned Citizens. This is one of my most important roles in Martin County because it focuses on my people, my community, and the voices of our community when it comes to any and all water stories that surround water accessibility, affordability, and quality for our community while building trust and transparency about our water.

Introducing “What’s The Drip.” This series will share information on Martin County’s water and wastewater systems and showcase some of the water-related work that locally rooted individuals and organizations like Martin County Concerned Citizens and LiKEN Knowledge are doing. Stay tuned for opportunities to get involved with projects, volunteer efforts, and community meetings that I want YOU to be involved with. It’s the easiest way to be“in the know” when it comes to Martin County’s water.

If you asked me 10 years ago, “Madison, what do you see yourself doing when you grow up?” I would not have imagined I would get the opportunity to do the work that I am doing now. However, I felt very drawn at such a young age to always wanting to help others in any shape, form or fashion. 20-year-old me wouldn’t believe the work, support, opportunities, efforts, and professional development that I have been blessed with. I truly do not take the work that I get to do for Martin County Concerned Citizens and LiKEN Knowledge for granted, but, most importantly, I do not take for granted the opportunities and support that I can bring to my home, my community and my region.

I am beyond grateful for the work that I get to do, and all I want to do is share everything that I can with each and every one of you! I just want to thank the owners of the Mountain Citizen for allowing me to start this new series in our local newspaper and the amazing community of Martin County who have supported me and my work thus far. The work that is being done through Martin County Concern Citizens and LiKEN Knowledge is not just for me; it is for YOU! If you want to learn more about LiKEN Knowledge please visit our website or Facebook page.

If residents in the Martin County community have a certain topic or theme of stories that surround water, please email me at mmooney@likenknowledge.org or visit my office here in Martin County located at the Martin County Senior Citizens Center.

More soon.

To future Livelihoods.