Curtis Sullivan

Curtis Sullivan has lived in Williamson County since the nineties and both he and his wife, Leigh, have been involved in FrankTown since 2006. As a Cyber Security Specialist for Google Cloud, much of his time may be in the tech world but as an active volunteer in FrankTown’s outdoor program, where he has the opportunity to teach the kids the responsibility and appreciation of the outdoors. 

He sees the need in Williamson County for youth to have the same opportunities to succeed as all students. “Growing up, I was fortunate to have two great parents, but I was also blessed to have other people in my life in different phases who poured time into me,” says Curtis. “This was what Jesus commanded us to do!” 

Curtis states that love is the equalizer of all things in this life, and he hopes that others feel the same. He tells others to take the first step of making the call or showing up to get involved. “Don't worry about what you don't know—just show up. That is half the battle, in giving of ourselves, and making the time just to show up. The other stuff will come as you give your heart away little by little to these precious kids,” he says. “I try to be an evangelist for FrankTown wherever I am—in the gym, a restaurant, or the airport. I love telling people about the successful kids that have come through FrankTown.”

Curtis’s passion for outreach and support also expands to other organizations, including The Refuge Center. He truly has a passion and drive to give back and help those looking to better their lives.

Marilyn & Calvin LeHew

Marilyn and Calvin LeHew saw a need for FrankTown—like many of the organizations and projects in our community they support—and stepped in to help when a vacant lot in Franklin became available and FrankTown was trying to purchase it for their new permanent location. 

“I respect what FrankTown does, so we did not object to helping them secure the lot for their future campus,” says Marilyn. “I respect that they teach the students cooking, they teach them how to fix cars. They teach them crafts, mechanics, sewing and knitting. They teach them good things. You know how the saying goes: Teach a man to fish…”

The new kitchen area of the building will be dedicated to Marilyn and Calvin's dear friend and local cooking celebrity—Miss Daisy King, who passed away earlier this year. They intend for her legacy of great food as well as entrepreneurship, like their own restaurant and business ownership, will inspire the next generation of wonderful chefs and business owners, who then in turn, will share their success with others as well. And it all starts at FrankTown. 

Marilyn and Calvin say they have been blessed and want to pass the blessings on. “The community has supported us so much in our businesses over the many years and we don't have any children…so why not give back to good use,” Marilyn explains. “My parents always made me work and Calvin's parents always made him work. And you don't give your kids everything. You teach them how to survive. And we don't have any kids, so we give to organizations like FrankTown who do the same teaching.” 

On top of helping FrankTown’s dream of a campus come to life, through generous donations, they are also very involved in other community organizations like BrightStone. “That's another organization that gives students opportunities and they are taught skills so they can work,” she says.

Generosity is part of who the LeHews are, and their blessings are felt all over Williamson County. They also support the Williamson County Animal Center, Saddle Up!, Crossroads Campus, and many other deserving organizations.

Allen & Cindy Gentry

Cindy and Allen Gentry, owners of the beloved Gentry Farm, are former Board members of FrankTown and have opened their home to the youth in the program providing everything from tutoring, eating meals together, teaching classes, fun outings and more. “FrankTown Open Hearts has been special to us since inception. The founder, Wayne Howell, came to us and another family and shared his vision from God,” says Cindy. “From that moment, we supported and became involved with this ministry.

FrankTown is important to us because it is a local ministry that serves our community. Both of us are Franklin natives and our hearts have always been full for our neighbors. It is a wonderful Christian organization that serves an amazing group of people. We have laughed and cried with many of these families through milestones, baptisms, sporting events, weddings and funerals.”

Allen and Cindy feel that you learn so much about yourself when you get involved in a ministry or charity. “It’s amazing how free and unburdened you become when you share this God given journey with others. We are here on earth to share joys and burdens. It’s not always easy, but burdens are lighter when shared. FrankTown has been such a blessing for our entire family as we served side by side. Many of the graduates come to the farm each year to check in and share how they are doing. What a blessing it has been to see them mature and flourish,” explains Cindy. 

Allen and Cindy encourage others share their gifts and talents. “Not only will you bless others, but you will also grow and learn so much in the process,” says Cindy. “This is an amazing town, and we love to tell others about the things going on here. We thank God for the journey we are on and can’t imagine a better town to live in. 

Through the years, Allen and Cindy have also been involved with Meals On Wheels, Hard Bargain Association, Williamson County Jail Ministry and The Gentry Foundation.