News & Events

The next Steven Spielberg or Meryl Streep may be among the group of teens who participated in Bellewood’s third annual Youth Film Festival, an event that encourages people ages 12-18 in Kentucky and Southern Indiana to create a short film for competition.

On Sunday, March 6, teens and Bellewood supporters gathered from across the state to attend the Festival which showcases the works of every young filmmaker and presents honors to the top three winning films. 

Each year Bellewood challenges youth to make a five-minute film based on various criteria.  This year, entries had to reflect the Festival’s theme, “The Spirit to Succeed,” as well as contain the word “grit” and reference an American icon.

This year’s Festival harvested 21 films, double the entries from the previous year, and each one reflected the filmmakers’ personal interpretation of the Festival’s theme.  Submissions ranged from light-hearted comedies to more serious subject matter, like the Festival’s Honorable Mention picture, “Striving for Perfection,” from three young ladies at Noe Middle School. 

Honorable Mention recipients from Noe Middle School stand with Festival host, Liz Everman, and their teacher Kim Joiner-Johnson.

Their story of a ballerina struggling to be the best while suffering from bulimia made a significant impact with Festival judges Robin Burke, Tracy Heightchew, Kimberly Levin and Tom Whitus.

With the large increase in films, the judges’ scores resulted in a tie for first place.  Bowling Green High School’s “The American Spirit of Gritification,” and Sarah Downes’ “Steps to Success” entertained the audience of more than 250 people, and each took home the $500 grand prize. 

The BGHS film was a class project lead by speech and multimedia teacher, Sandra McCoy.  A group of 12 students ranging from 11 to 18 years old worked on conceptualizing and producing the film from beginning to end.

P.J. Correa represented BGHS in accepting the first place award.

“We had a lot of fun,” 18-year-old P.J. Correa said after accepting his team’s award. “We all worked together and even got to get out of a few classes, but I never thought we’d place first; so this is exciting.”

“Steps to Success” was written, directed and starred Sarah Downes, who worked individually to portray a young girl’s ambition to compete in a marathon.

Sarah Downes' film, 'Steps for Success,' tied for first place with a film from Bowling Green High School

Like Bowling Green High School, this was Sarah’s first time entering the Festival, and she plans to enter another work for next year.

On a last-minute whim two young men from Floyds Knobs, Indiana, created what placed second in the Festival.  Their film, “Grit,” was made in about four days and showcases their interpretation of the theme and criteria by reflecting on civil rights activist Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Ryan Fuquey (left) and Jackson Power made their film in less than a week.

With little equipment and no cast to speak of, the boys, Jackson Power and Ryan Fuquey, tell their story through narration and simple, but creative, cinematography. 

A group of young men from Fourth Presbyterian Church in Louisville created the third place film, “Cul-de-sac Kid.”  Their team has been involved with the Festival since its first year, and their works continue to impress the judges and the audience.  In an interview after the festival, the boys stated they have so much making their films for the Bellewood’s festival that they now want to experiment in making longer pictures for their own fun.

The young men from Fourth Prebyterian Church in Louisville have been involved with the Festival from the first year.

“We’re just so thrilled to see this festival grow each year and inspire young people,” Festival organizer and Vice President of Development at Bellewood, Sally Pendleton, said. “With cell phones, flip cameras and computer programs, it’s so easy for people to make films these days, and our festival gives kids a competitive chance to be creative and discover things about themselves in the process.”

As part of the ceremonies, the young filmmakers received words of encouragement from Bellewood supporter and Academy Award nominee, Jennifer Lawrence.  The 20-year-old star was unable to attend the festival, so her brother, Ben, and his wife, Meredith, delivered Lawrence’s personal message to encourage the young artists to continue their dreams in filmmaking and support of Bellewood. 

Sponsors of this year’s Festival include: Kosair Charities, The Schnatter Foundation, Commonwealth Bank, The Louisville Film Society, Derby City Film Festival, Kentucky Planning Partners, Second Presbyterian Church, DMLO Certified Public Accountants and The Event Company.

After the presentation of awards, Bellewood announced that KET will air some of the Festival’s submissions on their ‘Reel Visions’ program starting in August.

Additionally, the 2012 Festival’s theme was revealed as ‘DREAM!,’ and entries must contain a red balloon and the word ‘heritage.’

“We’re already thinking about next year,” Cul-de-sac Kid creator, Will Hanna, said. “We have a lot of fun doing this.”

Jennifer Lawrence, the underdog nominee for Best Actress, will have a special group of supporters watching on Oscar night – the young people at Bellewood Home for Children in her hometown of Louisville.

The 20-year-old Lawrence has been a financial and inspirational supporter of Bellewood, which helps abused, vulnerable and homeless youth and troubled families across Kentucky. The rising star, whohas been making films since her early teens, supports the annual BellewoodYouth Film Festival, which encourages young people to express themselves through filmmaking.

To show their support, Bellewood’s youth this week sent an emotional video message to Lawrence and posted it on You Tube. 

Bellewood’syouth and supporters also will hold an Oscar Night Party at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 27,at Bellewood’s Louisville campus.

In her Academy Award-nominated role in “Winter’s Bone,” Lawrence portrays Ree Dolly, a 17-year-old with a missing father and an incapacitated mother who must overcome an abusive environment to provide a secure future for her younger brother and sister.

Like Ree, the youth served by BellewoodHome for Children are overcoming challenging situations. Manyhave been removed from abusive or neglectful parents. Some are now receiving residential treatment at Bellewood, while others have been placed with caring foster parents. With Bellewood’s help, many will become independent individuals who will go on to make positive contributions to their communities.

“In ‘Winter’s Bone,’ Jennifer’s character overcomes adversities that many of us can only imagine,” said Jerry Cantrell, president and CEO of Bellewood. “For many of our children, those difficult challenges are all too familiar. Both Jennifer and her character inspire us to have the faith and courage to carry on.”

Lawrence and the Louisville Film Society collaborated last year to raise money forBellewoodand its annual Youth Film Festival with a premier of “Winter’s Bone” in Louisville. Lawrence also visited Bellewood’s Louisville campus to talk with young people.

Jennifer visits with Bellewood youth and talks about her experiences in filmmaking.

The third annual Bellewood Youth Film Festival is scheduled for one week after the Academy Awards – at 3 p.m., Sunday,March 6 at Second Presbyterian Church, 3701 Brownsboro Road. Proceeds from the event support Bellewoodservices.

The festival is open to filmmakers ages 12-18 in Kentucky and Southern Indiana and offers cash prizes to the producers of the top three short films.

Ever feel guilty about dining out?  Well, now you don’t have to!

Famous Louisville pizzeria, Tony BoomBozz, from February 7-10,  is donating to Bellewood 15 percent of each person’s bill when they present the flier below with their payment. 

Open the Tony BoomBozz Flier!

This offer is valid for lunch or dinner, dine-in or carry-out at the 3400 Frankfort Avenue location only.  Come as many times as you like.  Bring your friends, family and coworkers.  We hope to see you there!

And a BIG THANKS to Tony BoomBozz for supporting Bellewood!

Our President and CEO, Jerry Cantrell, was featured in the Courier Journal’s op-ed section today. 

In his piece, Mr. Cantrell explains how child abuse is an underlying factor in many of the issues that plague society.  Additionally, he calls for the general public to become more active to combat this growing problem.

Read the article.

If you’re looking for a way to give to someone less fortunate this holiday season, we’ve got some ideas for you.  While you’re out shopping for your loved ones, you can pick up a few items for the young people at Bellewood who wouldn’t have a very merry Christmas if it weren’t for your generosity.

Below is a list of items you can give to us so our kids have a better, brighter Christmas.  Please mail or drop-off your unwrapped gifts by Dec. 19 to the location nearest you. 

• Arts and crafts supplies
• Board games
• Books for all ages
• Clothing for males and females, all ages
• Dish sets
• DVD players
• DVDs (PG-13 or under)
• Gas cards
• Gift cards to Target, Kroger, Wal-Mart, Barnes & Noble and restaurants
• Gloves, hats and scarves for male and female, all ages
• Helmets, knee and elbow pads for teenage males and females
• Infant care products (diapers, car seats, cribs)
• Kitchen supplies
• Luggage and tote bags
• Pots and pans
• Sports equipment (basketballs, footballs, etc.)
• Televisions
• Winter coats for male and female, all ages

Thank you for your support — we hope you have a wonderful holiday!

Logan Clayton Bohannon, former Bellewood client turned executive director, died November 4, 2010, at 101.

Logan Bohannon 1909-2010

Mr. Bohannon had been an integral part of Bellewood since he arrived to our campus with his siblings in 1923 after their father died of black lung in far Eastern Kentucky.  At a time when many rural schools in the nation were still a one-room structure maintained by a single individual, Bellewood gave its students a well-rounded education at The Anchorage Public School. 

“Mr. Bo,” as he known, had a tremendous sense of pride for the education and skill sets he received at Bellewood, and throughout the rest of his life attributed Bellewood as the catalyst and foundation for his life’s successes.  He stressed the value of education and personal endurance to literally every youth at Bellewood when he returned with his wife, Mary Elizabeth, to work here in the 1948. 

For 32 years Mr. Bo and his wife held a variety of titles at Bellewood, and in 1973, he reached his apex by becoming the executive director.  He retired at age 70 in 1979, but the impact he made and the lives he touched is unwavering and immeasurable.

Mr. Bo brought an incredible sense of care, love and pride to this organization.  He didn’t just believe in Bellewood, he did everything in his power to nurture it, make it grow and more than anything, give every child the means to live as an educated, accomplished adult who possesses self-awareness, confidence and perseverance.

The University of Kentucky’s Center for the Study of Violence Against Children (CSVAC) bestowed honors this weekend to individuals who exemplify progress in the field of childcare services.  Kristy Watt, director of operations at the local nonprofit agency Bellewood Home for Children, was among eight people to receive CSVAC’s Circle of Compassion Award.

The Center is dedicated to the research and enhancement of children and families’ health and well-being through extensive research, education and dissemination of information.  Watt and other recipients were honored Saturday, October 30, in Lexington at the Center’s banquet.

Now in its second year, the awards ceremony publicly honors people in Kentucky who have made significant impacts toward improving the lives of children who have experienced maltreatment or have in some way been deprived of a safe, healthy life.

“I was thrilled to learn I was considered for nomination, let alone actually win,” Watt said.  “To me, this a true honor because the award is coming from individuals in the field who see so many great accomplishments.”

Bellewood treatment coordinator, Tisha Thompson (left), and Kristy Watt attended the CSVAC gala awards banquet in Lexington.

Watt began working for Bellewood in 2007 and has been instrumental in strengthening and expanding the agency’s reach throughout South Central Kentucky and western portions of the commonwealth.

A graduate of Western Kentucky University, Watt was responsible for planning and launching the agency’s highly-successful therapeutic foster care program in addition to opening and staffing a new office in Owensboro.  As a result of her tireless efforts, Bellewood now has 65-and growing foster homes in Kentucky, and its independent living program which provides support services to homeless young adults increased its client base five times the number it was when Watt arrived.

Aside from improving the agency’s services, Watt was also noted for her collaboration with local businesses including the Bowling Green Hot Rods and Chandler Property Management, both of which have supported Bellewood and its clients through a variety of offerings.

Other recipients that evening hold backgrounds in higher education, law and child advocacy organizations. 

“We’re very proud and lucky to have Kristy with us,” Bellewood President and CEO, Jerry Cantrell, said.  “She’s helped Bellewood reach incredible accomplishments, and I’m glad to see her efforts being noticed by those in the industry.”

The young men at Bellewood’s residential campus in Bowling Green have much to brag about — their artwork is now on-display to the public in the gallery of the fellowship hall in The Presbyterian Church.

The gallery which changes each month to display a new portfolio of work from local and regional artists opened Sunday, August 15, with the finer works from the youth at Bellewood.

By funding through a $2,500 grant from Target, the males worked with resident artist, Monica Crawford, for more than a year creating various pieces in a number of media. 

Through Ms. Crawford’s ongoing work, the boys were able to grasp a stronger understanding on the importance of art and self-expression at a time when cultural programs are dwindling in schools across the country.

Located at 1003 State Street, Bowling Green, KY 42101, the gallery is open to the public 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8:30 a.m. – noon on Sunday.  All artwork is for sale at $25, and proceeds go back to Bellewood’s programming.  The gallery will display the art until September 9.

For more information on the display or how to purchase the art, contact Kristy Watt at 270.796.2012 or e-mail her. You can view the art in our photo album on Bellewood’s Facebook page.

Members of the Bowling Green Hot Rods will spend the afternoon with youth at Bellewood Home for Children, a local nonprofit that provides services to struggling young people and families in Kentucky.

Several players will visit the Bellewood campus for lunch on Thursday, August 12 as they meet with the teenage males who are a part of the agency’s residential living facility for youth who have been removed from their homes as a result of abuse and neglect. 

In addition to lunch, the players will be sharing stories with the boys about their own struggles and obstacles as well as the importance of education and personal perseverance.

“Helping the community is important to us,” Hot Rods General Manager, Brad Taylor, said.  “We’re happy to give back on a level that can have a positive impact on the lives of these young people who simply seek the guidance, support and love that so many of us take for granted.”

The players will also take photos, answer questions and sign autographs for the young teens.  Part of the idea behind the visit is to inspire the youth at Bellewood to recognize their own strengths in order to set and achieve goals for themselves as teenagers and eventually young adults.  

“All of our kids have been neglected and abused for so long that by the time they come to Bellewood, they’ve lost faith in themselves and sight of any dreams to be a successful adult,” Bellewood’s Director of Operations for Western Kentucky, Kristy Watt, said.  “Having the Hot Rods come talk to our boys will help remind them that while they haven’t had the fortunes most people have, they still have the tools to achieve what they want in life.”

In conjunction with the visit, Bellewood will be joining the Hot Rods at their home game on Sunday, August 15, at 2 p.m. CT against the Great Lake Loons. 

As a prize to the first 1,000 guests, Bellewood will hand out the Minor League Baseball Association’s annual comic book which brings awareness to nonprofit organizations like Bellewood and ties young audiences closer to charitable agencies.

Additionally, Bellewood will have a corn-hole contest set-up outside the ballpark’s gate. For a $1 entry, people can play for a chance to win a Hot Rods gift package. All the contest participants will win a frosty from Wendy’s, which has been a longtime supporter of Bellewood. 

While at the game, staff will talk to attendees about their upcoming event, BelleWoodstock, a music and song competition for youth in South Central Kentucky as well as what services they offer to young people and families in the area.

“We have a wide range of programs from foster care to mentoring in South Central Kentucky,” Watt said.  “Being a part of community events like the Hot Rods games helps us talk to people who might be interested in learning more about our services.”

Capitalizing on America’s craze for competitive showmanship, Bellewood is launching an exciting event that challenges young bands, musicians and singers in Kentucky to showcase their talents in a competitive setting.  They’re calling the musical extravaganza “BelleWoodstock.”

The fun-filled event takes place Saturday, October 16, at the Capitol Arts Theatre in Bowling Green with country music artist, Clay Underwood, as master of ceremonies. 

“Helping kids and families is at the core of our mission,” Bellewood’s Director of Operations for Western Kentucky, Kristy Watt, said.  “We wanted to build a fun event that brings the community together, celebrates the creativity of young people and helps increase awareness of our organization.”

The contest is divided into three categories: bands eighth grade and under, bands ninth to 12th grade, and solo artists from first to 12th grade.  Entries are due September 1, and require a sample of music. Once all the submissions are in, Bellewood will select three artists from each category to perform at the event. 

A panel of judges, along with the help of the audience, will critique the performers.  One award will be presented for the top performance in each category, along with honors for best performance overall.  Residing over the ceremony, Clay Underwood will present the grand prize winner with an opportunity to perform at the legendary Blue Bird Café in Nashville.

“I’m very glad to see an organization like Bellewood that does so much for its community step forward and offer young people a chance to showcase their talents,” Underwood said. “It’s important for kids and teens to have an opportunity to explore music, and this event supports that need in a fun, creative way.”

BelleWoodstock welcomes every genre of music and is hopeful the contest will bring an assortment of performers.  Aside from talent, Bellewood needs sponsors and support for its red-carpet event.  Slim Nash, Associate Director of Western Kentucky Operations, is engaging individuals and businesses in the community to get behind the initiative.

“With arts programs being cut from school curriculums, we feel our event will give an opportunity for young people to explore their talents,” Nash said.  “We’re hoping that the community really comes together to support this in what ways it can.”

Visit www.bellewood.org/music for more information.