The Next Chapter
Since inception, Wanda J has had a vision to break cycles, offer hope and empower young people in our community. For us, a strong community is one that supports its young people and offers opportunities for all. Can you envision a stronger Frankfort? We can!
A big part of supporting families is having a building for them to gather in, a safe place for kids to be. Moving to Thorn Hill Education Center has been a game changer for our foundation. Having doors for our families to walk through and a place to host gatherings is exactly where we needed to start. This stepping stone has allowed us to kickstart our father’s group, participate in NA programs at Thorn Hill and partner with them to offer bigger and better community events. Together, we have a vision to serve Frankfort’s families and all their needs, no matter their history or current circumstances. Being on this hill has allowed us to dream of the next big step. This step will help us serve our 800 children in addition to all youth in Frankfort, particularly the ones impacted by familial substance use disorder and adverse childhood experiences. It’s Frankfort’s most vulnerable population of kids and it’s time we give them a place to heal and grow.
We are proud to announce the formation of a Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Club of Frankfort. In partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of America (BGCA), WJRF is dedicated to establishing a world-class after-school youth club in Frankfort, KY.
Frankfort is one of two state capitals in the U.S. without a Boy’s and Girls Club. The mission of the Boys and Girls Club is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. According to their website, they “believe every kid has what it takes. The mission and core beliefs of Boys & Girls Clubs fuel our commitment to promoting safe, positive and inclusive environments for all. Boys & Girls Clubs of America supports all youth and teens – of every race, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, ability, socio-economic status, and religion – in reaching their full potential.”
The Wanda Joyce Robinson Foundation at the Boys & Girls Club of Frankfort will leverage essential resources from the nationally recognized BGCA to provide a safe and nurturing environment for Frankfort’s youth. This collaboration aims to foster growth and resilience in our community’s young people.
Amy Snow, Executive Director of WJRF, will serve as the liaison between the Frankfort community and BGCA, ensuring that local needs and aspirations are front and center in our programming. Snow believes “the BGC needs to be Frankfort-owned.” The entire community must assume responsibility in order to sustain its presence for generations to come. Only then will Frankfort see a healthier community for all of its members.
What does Frankfort look like where our youth are supported through a Boys and Girls Club? Together, we can all play a vital role in shaping the future of our youth and community. Great futures start here.
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Published in The State Journal. This is the final piece of a three part series from the Wanda Joyce Robinson Foundation. Learn more about them and the work they do in Franklin County at wjrfoundation.org.