By Melissa Patrick
Kentucky Health News
Jim Bennett is the winner of the Foundation for Healthy Kentucky‘s 2025 Gil Friedell Memorial Health Policy Award for his work to improve the health of immigrants and refugees in the Central Kentucky area.
Bennett and his wife, Dot, have dedicated their time to creating Centro de San Juan Diego, a hub of health, education and social services for immigrants and refugees in Central Kentucky. It opened in Lexington in 2020. The Centro de San Juan Diego is also an Apostolate of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lexington; Bennett also serves the community as a deacon of the church.
Jim is a business/industry loss prevention consultant, and Dot is a retired social service worker and English as a second language (ESL) teacher. They live in Richmond.
“Jim and Dot Bennett embody what it means to build healthier communities by addressing the root causes of poor health, such as access, opportunity, and belonging,” Allison Adams, president and CEO of the foundation, said in a news release. “Their leadership and generosity are an example of how compassion and action can transform health.”
Under the Bennetts’ leadership, Centro de San Juan Diego has provided more than $1 million annually in free services to families who otherwise faced overwhelming barriers to care. Programs include a spectrum of services that address social determinants of health. This includes food pantry giveaways and family nutrition classes that help keep people fed and provide access to healthy food options.
The Centro also provides health screenings and referrals through partnerships with local clinics and hosts events such as bilingual Masses for World Suicide Prevention Day, to help communities heal from trauma and loss. It offers mental health counseling in Spanish and English.
Additionally, English as a Second Language (ESL) classes are available for children and adults through the Centro. These classes are credited with contributing to better employment and financial independence, both essential building blocks for long-term health and well-being.
In 2024 alone, more than 14,000 individuals received support through the Centro’s programs.
“This recognition truly belongs to both of us,” Bennett said. “Dot and I simply saw a need and wanted to do our part. While the community we serve is primarily Hispanic, we welcome anyone who walks through our doors. Our goal has always been to create a place where every person feels seen, supported and valued.”
As part of the Friedell Award, the winner is given $5,000 to donate to the nonprofit of their choice. Bennett chose the Centro de San Juan Diego Foundation, ensuring the funds will further support the organization’s work to expand access to care and opportunity for immigrant and refugee families.
The winner of the Gil Friedell Memorial Health Policy Award is chosen from recipients of a Healthy Kentucky Champions Award, which recognizes Kentuckians who are working to improve the health of their community and the commonwealth. Click here to read more about each of them.
The other 2025 Healthy Kentucky Champions are:
- Dr. Brett Bechtel, Mercy Health (Paducah)
- Elaine Fields, Fresh Start Health Centers (Ashland)
- Michelle Hernandez, HealthFirst Bluegrass (Lexington)
- Devan King, St. John Center (Louisville)
- Anthony Munger, Louisville Pride Foundation (Louisville)
- Jonathan Northcutt, Esperanza Latino Center (Alexandria)
- Nancy Owens, Allen County Cooperative Extension Service (Scottsville)
- Dr. Nathan Vanderford, UK Markey Cancer Center (Lexington)
- Kelsie Williams, All Access EKY (Louisville)
