LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky Nonprofit Network recognized Isaiah House of Willisburg; Lisa Minton of Lexington; and Jan Swett of Stanford at the 17th annual Kentucky Nonprofit Leadership Forum today in Lexington.
Isaiah House was the recipient of the 2019 Innovative Nonprofit Award, which recognizes an organization that implements inventive, nontraditional programs or methods that effectively meet community needs. The award recipient is required to demonstrate creativity and vision in finding unique solutions to those needs.
Isaiah House won for its innovative approach to providing clients with the skills they need to live a life free of substance abuse. Their alumni-managed and client-operated businesses train and provide employment for individuals in recovery, providing needed the on-the job-training – especially for clients with criminal records challenged to find employment. Their unique partnership with Campbellsville University has resulted in a satellite campus at Isaiah House. The organization was also the first selected nationwide in 2017 for a new U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) pilot project where Isaiah House purchases and renovatKentucky Lions Eyees USDA-owned homes to become rental property for recovering addicts and their families, with a future option to purchase. Renovations are carried out by Isaiah 58 Builders, one of the organization’s client-operated businesses.
Lisa Minton, executive director of Chrysalis House, won the 2019 Distinguished Nonprofit Leadership Award, which recognizes outstanding leadership among Kentucky nonprofit chief executives. The award recognizes achievement in the areas of strategic leadership, community building, ethical integrity, innovation and commitment to strengthening the nonprofit sector.
Minton’s career of helping people began over thirty years ago and she became the leader of Chrysalis House in 2003, dedicating herself to the recovery needs of women and their children. Established in 1978, Chrysalis House is Kentucky’s largest and oldest licensed substance treatment program for women. Since becoming the director, Minton is credited with implementing research-based treatment modalities; emphasizing vocational education and training; and focusing on parenting and services to the entire family unit. Noted for her commitment to partnerships with all levels of government and other nonprofits, Minton and Chrysalis House have been recognized with numerous awards.
Jan Swett, board member with Kentucky Lions Eye Foundation, received the 2019 Outstanding Board Leadership Award. The award highlights the work of a board leader who is strategic-thinking and works cooperatively to further the mission of an organization and is actively committed to best practices.
Swett is noted as embodying the Lion’s Club motto of “we serve” and joined the board of directors in 2013. She has been formally recognized by both the Kentucky Lions Club and Lions Club International for her service and is regarded as a tireless champion of the Foundation’s free vision screening program. Swett is also credited for her strategic leadership of the Foundation’s board that resulted in the merger of the University of Louisville Lions Eye Bank and the University of Kentucky Lions Eye Bank – ensuring growth and expansion of services to individuals in need of restoring their sight through cornea transplants.
The awards were presented today during an Awards Luncheon sponsored by WellCare at the 17th Annual Kentucky Nonprofit Leadership Forum.
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