• info@justsayyesky.org
  • Frankfort, KY

Community Prevention Awards

Ed Councill Upstream Award

Ed Councill (1941-2023) founded Canoe Kentucky and its sister organization, Kids Grow Kentucky, a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring children, families and educators to grow and be connected with the world. Councill was a pioneer in upstream prevention, and had been a strong advocate for a cohesive community response to the opioid crisis.

recipients

for leadership in upstream prevention efforts that build up our young people and healthier, brighter future for Franklin County.

2023: Rev. Les Whitlock

Senior Pastor, First Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church

2024: Judy Mattingly

Public Health Director, Franklin County Health Department

2025: Charles Kendell

President, Franklin County Agency for Substance Abuse Policy

Ed Power Beloved Community Award

Ed Powe (1945-2023) was the founder of Focus on Race Relations (FORR), a nonprofit organization created to increase awareness of race and race-related issues in Frankfort and Franklin County. Powe was a model in showing how to hold values of justice and family advocacy together, as two sides of one coin, even when society often defines those values as conflicting. Powe’s daughter, Kristie, has continued his work with FORR, fiercely advocating for justice and families.

recipients

for prevention efforts that exemplify the tenets of love and justice that are necessary to build a Beloved Community in Franklin County.

2023: Wanda Joyce Robinson Foundation

The mission of the Wanda Joyce Robinson Foundation is to create and invest in relationships that strengthen the lives of children, youth and families impacted by incarceration. 

2024: Thorn Hill Education Center

Through individualized support, workplace literacy, and family literacy initiatives, Thorn Hill strives to create opportunities for lifelong learning, personal growth, and a brighter future for every individual they serve.

2025: Roni Robinson

Bridging the Gap is an organization created to build upon the under utilized relationship between Kentucky State University and the Frankfort Community through community events, sports, STEAM activities, and philanthropy.