Wanda J is here to offer love and support to parents, caregivers, guardians, mentors and our community.

For Family of Wanda J Youth

Youth Programs

Wanda J offers programs for all ages of youth that are impacted by incarceration. Start by filling out this form and we will be in touch. 

Parent/Caregiver Meetups

Our monthly support group for parents and caregivers is led by a licensed counselor. Join us on the Second Thursday of every month for a program, free dinner and free childcare. 

Parent Cafes

A parent café is a place where parents of all types can gather and share their stories, their experiences, their worries, their fears, their wisdom, and find community and strength together. Our cafes are offered monthly and are led by current caregivers and peers.

Financial Support for Extracurricular Activities

Thanks to Just Say Yes, we are able to offer our youth Yes Card dollars to help pay for sports and activities. If your child is involved in our programs and has not received a Yes Card, please reach out to us. 

Prison Fellowship Partnership

Prison Fellowship is a national organization that offers support and resources for our families. Their newsletters offer support and resources. They also host a virtual support group. 

Visitation Support

The WJRF offers video visitation for our youth to visit with incarcerated parents. Support for travel is also available. Contact us for more information.

Mentors For Youth

Having access to at least one positive is a major predictor of resilience. Our Amachi program matches youth with an adult mentor to spend one hour per week with.

Family Events

Events are hosted seasonally for all Wanda J families. 

Food + More

Come see us at Thorn Hill Education Center! On Mondays, we are able to distribute Panera Bread. Bi-weekly, we have food boxes from Locals. Through a partnership with Franklin County Farmers Market, we are able to distribute food vouchers. 

open to all of Frankfort

Family Literacy Program

at Thorn Hill Education Center

Thorn Hill's Family Literacy Program partners with the community to ensure you and your family can grow together by participating in parent and child educational programs.

Adult Education, Children's Education, Parent and Child Time, Parent Time

Benefits of Literacy Program:

Earn Gift Cards for Participation

Free Computer Lab Access
Fun Activities for Your Family
Earn Points to Shop
Licensed Social Worker Available

Free Computer Classes

Free Panera Bread and Resource Help

Reduced Rate on Gym Rentals

Parents Meetings with Free Food and Childcare


Resources for all parents/caregivers

This program is through Community Action and provides stipends to grandparents/caregivers raising children. Caregiver does not have to provide proof of custody, rather prove that child resides with them. Call 1-866-665-7921.

The WJRF offers support to those in transition or working on re-entry. Our Family Transition Coordinator works directly inside the jail and is here to support our families. Contact us for more information.

Apply for state assistance online including food stamps, medical card, kinship care and childcare assistance.

Learn more

The Guide for Supporting Children Who Have a Parent Incarcerated is not intended to be a definitive or exhaustive resource. Instead, it is a quick, approachable document that has easy-to-use tips, suggestions, and statewide resources that adults, both incarcerated and not, can use. Read more

YES Cards are available for Franklin County middle school students. Learn more.

In Franklin County, mental health counseling is available to meet with child at their school. Call 502-352-2208.

A guide to jail visiting in Kentucky. Read More.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Learn More.

https://www.mindspringhealth.org/get-involved/webinars-and-events#page=1

Parent Cafés are FREE parent-led get-togethers that encourage parents/caregivers to openly talk about the challenges of caring for a child(ren) and share ways to strengthen their families. This is an opportunity for parents/caregivers to learn from each other in a fun and supportive atmosphere. In the Parent Café model, a parent is defined as any adult providing care for a child. Learn more.

WJRF offers monthly Parent Cafes. View our Calendar.

Training for healthy child development and more. Read more.

Educational Videos and Webinars

Use the following resources to learn about supporting kin caregivers: Click Here