Wanda Joyce Robinson Foundation

It is the mission of the Wanda Joyce Robinson Foundation to invest in relationships that strengthen the lives of children, youth, and families impacted by incarceration. Established in 2018, we serve incarcerated people, parents and caregivers, kids and teens and our community. 

Kentucky’s state incarceration rate is more than double the national average and leads the nation in the number of children living with relatives. In Franklin County, more than 800 youth are impacted. Wanda J reaches hundreds of youth per week through programs, reach outs, mentoring and more. 

Focus for children and youth…

• KRUSH: We are in the 7th year of a school-based program serving more than 380 students, in 12 schools. Data shows improvements in school attendance, academic performance and school involvement.


• High School Outreach program: weekly mentorship, monthly group meeting


• Operation Making A Change: intervention program for justice involved youth


• Adam Hyatt Memorial Scholarship: 18 awards, renewable for up to three additional years


• Amachi Mentoring: 62 children and youth matched with a one-to-one mentor. Weekly commitment for 12 months. WJRF provides monthly match support to children, caregivers, and mentors.


• Drug intervention Program: WJRF sub-awarded funding to the Franklin County Attorney’s Office for the purpose of creating a position for an Intervention Specialist to provide support to youth currently using opioids and/or greatly at risk.  


• WJRF has spear-headed a two year effort to bring a Boys and Girls Club of America to Frankfort. The building will open with 60 elementary children and increase to 120, summer 2026.

An important mission like ours takes intentional planning and financial support to accomplish. Most of our staff are currently employed through grant funded positions. Other grants we receive offer restricted funds for very specific needs. Our operational costs (the costs of doing business) is approximately $65,000 which is predominately not included in grants. We cover these expenses through fundraising, sponsorships and our sustainer program. You can view all of our information on our financials at wjrfoundation.org.

Who We Are

The Wanda Joyce Robinson Foundation was established in 2018 in Frankfort, Kentucky. With the support of the community, we strive to improve outcomes for children impacted by incarceration.