The Jenco Foundation Fund
Celebrating the Legacy of Father Martin Jenco
The Jenco Foundation Fund was established at the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO) to recognize citizens of Appalachian Ohio who demonstrate visionary leadership in serving others throughout the region. The Jenco Awards, which began in 2002, uphold the legacy of Father Martin Jenco, who dedicated his life to the service of others.
The Jenco Foundation Fund at the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio celebrates people who, like Father Lawrence Martin Jenco, have made a difference in their communities through community service and visionary leadership, including through activism. Established to continue the work of the Jenco Foundation, the Fund offers individual achievement awards to recognize visionary leaders and volunteers who by direct, person-to-person action have worked to increase the dignity and sense of worth of individuals in Appalachian Ohio through creative problem-solving. The award is open to people of all ages serving their communities.
2023 Jenco Award Nominations
Do you know someone in your community who goes above and beyond to improve the lives of others? Is there a visionary leader in your community you want to recognize? To honor people of all ages who work passionately in service of others in Appalachian Ohio, the Jenco Foundation Fund is seeking nominations for the 2023 Jenco Awards. Nominations are encouraged across areas essential to quality of life, including arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services.
Download the nomination form here. Email to rhawk@ffao.org with “2023 Jenco Award Nomination” in the subject line by June 27, 2023, or mail to Jenco Foundation Fund, Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, Attn: Rochelle Hawk, 35 Public Square, Nelsonville, OH 45764. Nominations must be postmarked by June 27, 2023.
2022 Jenco Recipients
- Melissa O’Harra Brown: Hocking County resident and founder of the Hope Blooms Foundation, dedicated to drug prevention and education. Conservation efforts and a nature preserve with the same mission will focus on nature experiences for youth impacted by the opioid crisis.
- David Butcher: Local historian working to protect and preserve his family’s legacy and history as African Americans in Appalachian Ohio, through the creation of the Tablertown People of Color Museum, a self sustaining museum dedicated to African American history.
- Jane Cavarozzi: Visionary founder and entrepreneur of Dirty Girl Coffee, LLC working to revitalize Glouster and advocate and mobilize for women’s economic empowerment in Appalachian Ohio and beyond.
- Kyle Johnson: Local organizer focused on equity and inclusion in the Zanesville community. Founder of Voice of the Youth, an group dedicated to give young people a voice to express their hopes for their community in a safe inclusive space.
- Therese Fieler Lackey: Dedicated Program Director for the Federal Valley Resource Center, envisioning new and creative ways to ensure those with limited income have access to and can benefit from arts programming and basic needs resources.
- Dr. Logan Minter: Professor and dedicated local volunteer in Portsmouth Ohio, working to connect underserved populations to nature and conservation through a variety of direct service and activities.
In the past, the Jenco Foundation Fund has honored a wide array of exceptional individuals in Appalachian Ohio and West Virginia who have been active in furthering Father Jenco’s vision of philanthropy. To learn more about past recipients, click here.
Supporting the Jenco Award
Want to make sure the Jenco Awards keep uplifting the heroes in your community? Make an online donation through Network for Good to the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, designating the Jenco Foundation Fund or mail gifts to:
Foundation for Appalachian Ohio
PO Box 456
35 Public Square
Nelsonville, OH 45764
For more information contact the Foundation at 740.753.1111
