New Home for Wanda J
This Spring, the Wanda Joyce Robinson Foundation will set up offices inside the Thorn Hill Education Center, a community center focused on adult education and community. The center has existed in Frankfort for decades, offering adult education, English language classes, corrections education, workplace development, career and college navigation and much more.
The Wanda Joyce Robinson Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in Frankfort that supports children, youth and families impacted by incarceration. This social issue affects more than 800 of Franklin County’s youth. The foundation offers programs for all ages of children, support for parents and caregivers and connects with incarcerated parents through parenting classes and reentry support. The organization, which started five years ago, has utilized community spaces for programs, such as churches, the Franklin County Extension Office, Yes Arts, Paul Sawyier Public Library, Kentucky Monthly Magazine and Thorn Hill Education Center. This move will allow Wanda Joyce to serve more youth, in a convenient location, while having access to a gym, classrooms and outdoor space. After school middle school programs have already started meeting at Thorn Hill as of February.
Thorn Hill was recently named the first location in the country to become a Families Learning Community through the National Center for Families Learning as part of their 60×30 initiative. The vision of this program is to establish 60 communities by 2030 to increase education and economic outcomes and create more equitable communities. This initiative was paid for by Thorn Hill Education Center, Frankfort Independent and Franklin County Schools. In addition, Thorn Hill received an NCFL Family Literacy grant which will pilot with Wanda Joyce families. According to their website, “Family learning systems consist of deep learning opportunities in family literacy, family engagement, and family leadership. These systems of support create relevant, equitable, and accessible learning opportunities; build capacity; strengthen partnerships; and activate family leadership for children and families who are furthest from opportunity.”
“Moving our operations to Thorn Hill is a no brainer. We want to be wherever our kids and families can thrive. Thorn Hill will allow us to grow our services and meet our families wherever they’re at in their journey.” Amy Snow, Executive Director of Wanda Joyce Robinson Foundation
The move will take place this Spring and both organizations are thrilled to see kids fill the hallways of an iconic Frankfort building. Follow both organizations on Facebook or visit their websites below to learn more about the services and programs they offer for Frankfort families.
Thorn Hill Education Center, 700 Leslie Avenue, Frankfort, thornhilleducation.org
Press Release sent on March 5, 2024.