Swim with Purpose

Empowering lives through teaching lifelong swimming and water safety skills.

Our Mission

Our mission at Swim With Purpose is to empower the Frankfort and Franklin County community—including students, faculty, and staff of Kentucky State University—by providing free swimming lessons and water safety education. Through these efforts, we strive to build confidence, promote lifelong skills, and reduce the risk of drowning by ensuring that every individual has access to the knowledge and ability to stay safe in and around the water.

Our Fund

100% of your generous donations go directly to fund free swimming lessons and water safety instruction. All Swim With Purpose board members serve on a voluntary basis. Additionally, our board members cover all administrative expenses. Swim With Purpose is a fund held within the Blue Grass Community Foundation a 501(c) (3) organization.

All donations are tax deductible.

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DID YOU KNOW?

Minorities are 50% more likely to drown than non-minorities and young minority children are up to ten times more likely to drown than non-minority children

Michael Phelps

Olympic Gold Medalist & Swimming Legend

ENDORSEMENT

Statement of Support from Michael Phelps

I, Michael Phelps, support Swim With Purpose's mission. It's wonderful to see people and organizations coming together to make a difference in underserved communities. I hope that Swim With Purpose is able to reach its fundraising goal and that the renovated aquatic center can make a positive impact on the lives of those who benefit from it.

One-on-One Instruction

Community Programs

Building Skills

Our Impact in Action

Since launching our free swim lesson program, Swim With Purpose has provided water safety education to 175 Franklin County residents, including KSU students and faculty.

See Our Mission in Motion

Watch how we're empowering lives through swimming and water safety education. From first-time swimmers to advanced skill development, every lesson builds confidence.

Help Support Us

Join us in promoting a healthier, safer community by supporting Swim With Purpose. Your contribution helps provide free swimming lessons and water safety education for Frankfort and Franklin County residents, including KSU students, faculty, and staff.

Dollars Donated

Percent of Our Goal

Lives Impacted by Swim With Purpose's Free Swim Lessons and Water Safety

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Swimming Transforms Lives

In this inspiring podcast episode, Sam Taylor sits down with new board member Ann Hartley Smith and her daughter Gray Rutledge to share their remarkable story. Ann, a lifelong Frankfort resident with deep community roots, has dedicated her life to health and fitness through her work at the YMCA and her own CrossFit gym. Gray, an accomplished para-swimmer with national records, discovered swimming after a spinal cord injury in 2022 and has since thrived in the sport with aspirations for the Paralympics. Their story exemplifies the transformative power of swimming and why bringing an indoor pool to Frankfort is so vital for our community.

Listen to the Full Episode

Board of Directors

The board of directors for Swim with Purpose is comprised of dedicated individuals who share a passion for water safety, swimming education, and community wellness. With a diverse range of backgrounds and expertise, the board works collaboratively to oversee fundraising efforts, develop programs, and establish partnerships to provide free swimming lessons and water safety education for Frankfort and Franklin County, including KSU students, faculty, and staff.

Sam Taylor

Chairman and Co‑founder

Dr. Jamaal Jackson

Board Member and Co‑founder

Berry L. Popp

Board Member and Co‑founder

Nick Belcore

Board Member and Co‑founder

Chuck Geveden

Board Member

Ann Hartley-Smith

Board Member

Corporate Sponsors

Contact

Address

Blue Grass Community Foundation
ATTN: Swim With Purpose
499 E. High Street, Ste. 112
Lexington, KY 40507

Email

[email protected]
[email protected]

Empowering lives through teaching lifelong swimming and water safety skills.