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YES Arts tells Franklin County court it has expanded recovery and youth programs and seeks support for sustainability
Summary
YES Arts executive director Elle (L.) Travis briefed the court on the nonprofit's recovery, youth prevention and community-art programs, partnerships with local agencies and schools, and its need for sustainable funding as it scales services for at-risk youth and people in recovery.
Frankfort — YES Arts (formerly Hands Healing Hearts) presented an annual update to Franklin County Fiscal Court, outlining an expanding slate of recovery, youth-prevention and community arts programming and asking for continued county support and advocacy.
Elle (L.) Travis, executive director, said YES Arts began work with women in recovery in 2016, became a 501(c)(3) in 2018, rebranded in 2019 and now provides prevention programs for toddlers through older adults, youth mentorship and recovery-focused art therapy. The organization partners with Franklin County Schools, Fresh Start Frankfort, Wanda Joyce Foundation, Thornhill and regional providers, Travis said, and emphasized that most programming is grant-funded and provided at no charge to partner agencies.
Why it matters: Travis said YES Arts’ prevention programs are universal in design and that some targeted programs address children identified as at-risk. She described a block-party outreach calendar, after-school academies, summer camps, arts-based employment-readiness classes and a gallery program that supports 75 roster artists; she also noted recognition such as a governor’s award for community arts impact.
Court response: Magistrates and the judge thanked YES Arts for partnering with county departments, noted the group’s role at the flood donation site and urged continued collaboration on funding and program expansion.
Next steps: Travis said the organization will continue to pursue sustainable funding, donor cultivation and local partnerships and welcomed advocacy and referrals from court members.
