ordinary people do extraordinary things

Transforming Communities, Changing Lives, Connecting Leader s
issue 1 - 201 2
ordinary people do extraordinary things
O
Our goal – To recruit 75
mentors in 75 days. Thank you
to the following companies and
individuals for helping make
National Mentoring Month and
the 75/75 campaign a continued
success!
Cumulus Broadcasting
WIVK, Sports Animal, Newstalk
Journal Broadcast Group
Q93.1, Star 102.1, Hot 104.5
Southcentral Media
B97.5, WIMZ
WIAM
Victory 92.7
Joy 620
WBIR TV Channel 10
WVLT TV Channel 8
WATE TV Channel 6
Comcast/Xfinity
Knoxville Museum of Art
Coleman’s Printing
First Presbyterian Church
Angelouise Catering
Mitchell & Susan Moore
Marco Harris
Cuonzo Martin
Kristina LaBerge
David Olds
n a crisp April morning,
David Ault was prepping
a group from Fellowship
Church to begin an Operation
Backyard project. As David
shared about several KLF
programs, he noticed a big
smile come across the faces
of a couple, when Amachi was
mentioned.
“Everyone has the ability
to serve… they just need to
take action.” Richard and
Olga Maique are members of
Fellowship Evangelical Free
Church and are truly walking
out their passion to serve,
allowing others to challenge
them, and answering the call.
Richard and Olga began by just
thinking mentoring was a good
idea and finally on a Sunday in
January, fellow church member
Denny Cwiek told them about
Amachi Knoxville and informed
them of the Breaking the
Cycle Event, which was an
informational meeting about
the program on that same
Thursday. The Maique’s simply
said “Yes.”
After filling out the necessary
paperwork and attending
trainings, the Maique’s are
soon to be matched with a
brother/sister pair who have
an incarcerated father and
an estranged mother. The
Maique’s look forward to
building a strong relationship
with their mentees. Both
Richard and Olga grew up in
single parent homes and know
first-hand how critical it is to
have someone be there for you
when a parent is absent.
Not long after hearing about
Amachi, the Maique’s heard
about Operation Backyard
through a friend, Sean
Chalmers. A homeowner was
in need of a ramp and when
Sean challenged the Maique’s
to get involved and help build
it, they simply answered “Yes.”
The Maique’s had no idea
that these two programs were
linked together in any way, they
just knew that both programs
seemed to do good in the
community and they wanted
to be a part. It was not until
they ran into David Ault, Vice
President of Programs at KLF,
that they realized that he was
also present at the Breaking
the Cycle Event.
Olga stated “I myself am not
equipped or qualified alone, but
as a group we were able to get
so much done.” “We are just
getting started,” said Richard.
He believes that organizations
like the Knoxville Leadership
Foundation can help people get
plugged into Christian service
and really make a difference.
Richard and Olga Maique are
another example of “ordinary
people” doing extraordinary
things.
“Train up a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old, he will not turn from it.”
Proverbs 22:6
Operation Backyard
Thanks
Ironman Golf
Tournament
A Recent Flenniken
Landing Resident Story
Heels & Wheels
Mentor of the Year
The Mentor of the Year award is the highest honor that
can be bestowed upon an Amachi Knoxville mentor. Those
being considered are required to have been matched in
our program for at least one year. There are a number of
factors that are considered when determining who the
Mentor of the Year will be; the number of hours spent
with the mentee, the creativity of their outings, their
presence at additional trainings and outings are taken into
consideration.
This year there are two individuals, Frank and Freda
Schingle, that are able to claim the title. Frank and Freda
have been mentors with Amachi Knoxville since March of
2010 and have gone above and beyond the call of duty
to make a difference in the life of their eleven-year-old
mentee, Devin.
Frank Schingle, Devin, Freda Schingle
The couple heard about Amachi Knoxville from a
television ad and felt the desire to invest in the life of a
child. Having a deep love for children, and a desire to see
them excel beyond their circumstance, is what prompted
Frank and Freda to become Amachi Mentors.
Their mentee, Devin, lives in a single-parent foster
home and is the oldest of five children. The Schingles have
become like a family, continually supporting all of Devin’s
activities such as football, soccer and karate. “Stability
means a lot to children,” explains Frank, “because they
are used to a lot of promises not being kept.”
Frank said they were surprised when they received
Mentor of the Year because some people tend to be
more creative in activities than they are. He also says,
“The activities we’ve done, such as going to Cherokee,
Dollywood, going to the movies, and visiting the Titanic
display in Pigeon Forge, have not only been fun for Devin,
but for us, allowing us to do things that we normally
wouldn’t do.”
Since coming aboard, not only have they been actively
involved with their mentee, but also with the activities
of Amachi Knoxville and the Knoxville Leadership
Foundation.
We are grateful to have awesome mentors like the
Schingles who are willing to be present in the life of a
child. We congratulate them on being named Mentor of
the Year.
For more information about becoming a mentor, contact
Charles Lomax at (865) 524-2774 or e-mail [email protected].
P2
Operation
Backyard
Don’t Give up; Don’t Settle
Sometimes when people face constant hardships, it is easy to give up. Everyone has
been there a time or two. But for Nakia Davis, a mother raising two daughters and her
grandson, giving up never crossed her mind.
To those around her, Nakia is a strong
woman and a blessing to everyone she comes
in contact with. Having been in an abusive
relationship, she knew it was necessary to
get out of it, not only for herself, but her family
as well. She explains that it was a step that
is hard for many others that are in her same
situation. Nakia now volunteers at the Family
Justice Center and is on the Voice Committee
where she tells her story and encourages others to stand up against abuse.
Up until a few months ago, Nakia was working as a home assistant, until a routine
gallbladder surgery turned into a long-term recovery issue when doctors accidentally
nicked her pancreas. While missing her patient and friend, Karen, she knows her injury
has turned into a blessing, now allowing Nakia to spend more time with her grandson.
Constant medical visits created less focus on her home and a need for repairs.
Volunteers from Powell Church, one of this year’s first churches to commit to building
projects for Operation Backyard, repaired Nakia’s porch earlier this year.
Nakia says, “everyone who helped was precious” and
is thankful that there are people who are willing to serve
God and help others in need. Despite the health obstacles
facing the Davis family in recent years, Nakia thanks God
for bringing her through them. She praises Him saying,
“God just works things out. He’s been good to me through
the loss of my son, who I lost in a swimming pool accident
when I was younger, domestic abuse, and getting through
each day.” When asked what advice she can give others,
she answers saying, “Don’t give up; don’t settle.”
Nakia’s grandson, Jy-zayiah,
smiles for the camera.
Operation Backyard Thanks the Super Crew
Throughout the history of Operation Backyard, there have been few volunteers and
groups as dedicated as those from Central Baptist Church in Bearden. Central Baptist
Bearden began a partnership with Operation
Backyard over 10 years ago. Since then, they
have completed over 30 projects and have logged
over 24,000 man hours of volunteer time.
Out of this partnership, a “dream team” of
volunteers developed. They are known simply
as “The Super Crew”, consisting of a retired
mechanical engineer, real estate broker and two teachers. This super crew dedicates
numerous hours each year to lead and instruct volunteer groups from Central Baptist
Bearden, as well as other groups.
Most recently, the Super Crew of Stan Johnson, Frank Tanner, Mike White and
David Boushears helped lead a college team from Spokane, Washington. Sixteen
students from Gonzaga University traveled from Spokane to Knoxville to serve with
Operation Backyard during their alternative spring break program.
Through their service, the “Super Crew” was able to mentor and lead the Gonzaga
team to replace the roof, and paint the house of an east Knoxville homeowner.
Through their partnership with Operation Backyard, the “Super Crew” has impacted
the lives of countless homeowners and volunteers alike, and has truly embodied the
call of Christ to be His hands and feet.
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:12
P4 Out of the Woods- A story about
a Flenniken Landing Resident
50th House Celebration
On Tuesday, April 24, 2012, Knoxville
Leadership
Foundation’s
Neighborhood
Housing Inc. (NHI) highlighted its 50th home
built at 5213 Oakhill Drive.
New homeowners, Dustin, Tara and their
daughter Kayden were on hand to accept the
keys. Tara stated, “We never thought we would
be able to purchase a new home, but with the
help of Russell Catron (NHI Homeownership
Coordinator), our dreams have come true.”
Kayden was most excited! “I am really close to
my brother, but now I get my own room!”
Neighborhood Housing, Inc. started in 1999
with a remodeled house and neighborhood
building project called Community Place, which
helped propel NHI into the sustainable, lowincome homeownership market. Then, to better
serve homebuyers and increase KLF’s ability
to help more people in Knoxville, the Home
Readiness Program was created in 2009.
Throughout NHI’s history we have consistently
built quality homes for the Knoxville community
that benefit not only our hard working, lowincome clients, but also benefit the surrounding
community. We are proud to serve Knoxville
with a foundation that will serve for many more
years. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to our
City’s Community Development Department for
their commitment to serving our neighborhoods
and citizens through quality, affordable housing.
Because of great partnerships like Community
Development and the East Tennessee
Foundation, we are able to help many people
across Knoxville not only fulfill a lifelong dream
of homeownership, but also be able to afford
and maintain that dream.
A
native of rural Pennsylvania, Ron grew up in a working class family. He
spent four years in the Air Force, was married twice and has tried his
hand at several professions. When nothing worked out, he began to
withdraw from society, became homeless, and lived in the woods away from
the community. But that is not where his story ends.
Ron moved to Knoxville a few years ago. Here, while living once again in
the woods, he met people who cared for him, accepted him and loved him.
These people did not look at his condition, but at him as a person.
One gentleman, Mark, began to see Ron at a local McDonalds. He
began to buy Ron an occasional meal and as they ate together a friendship
began. Ron had become a fixture at
the McDonalds and the employees
were getting to know him. They
found out his birthday and threw him
a party. Soon thereafter, Aaron and
Missy were biking near that same
McDonalds and saw Ron camping.
They began talking and learning
about Ron’s story. They offered to
let Ron shower at their house. He
began going to church with them
and became part of their family. All
of these people had a hand in Ron’s
redemption and Ron has also poured
into their lives.
Ron soon was accepted into the Steps House, a local nonprofit that helps
homeless veterans break addictions, where he obtained life skills necessary
for independent living. Ron began to volunteer in the community to help
other homeless individuals. His passion to help people grew because of
caring individuals that helped him and his love for God. “I now see the
value of helping people and living in a community where I can let my light
shine!” exclaimed Ron.
In December 2011, Ron became one of the first residents of Flenniken
Landing. Flenniken Landing is supportive housing for former chronically
homeless individuals owned by Southeastern Housing Inc. The smile never
left his face when talking about Flenniken Landing. “Someone did a lot of
research into my background to make sure I was acceptable to live here,”
he stated. “That makes me feel valuable. I also love the fact that my
apartment was furnished. I did not have a lot to move in.”
Ron fills his days writing down verses, music was always an important
part of his life, and helping those around him and letting his light shine.
Flenniken Volunteer Opportunities
e need volunteers- individuals, groups, and you! To help in
W
providing services for Flenniken residents who are formerly
homeless men and women.
elp in an activity of your choice– bingo night, movie night,
H
dinner, fun outing, teach a class like cooking or other skill, or host
a book club, etc.
Funding provided by City of Knoxville Community
Development and East Tennessee Foundation Affordable
Housing Trust Fund
ontact Katie Moore– (865) 524-2774 or email at
C
[email protected] for more information.
out to the created
homelessinand
loveless
in their
-JamesEphesians
1:26
“We are “Reach
God’s handiwork,
Christ
Jesus
to doplight...”
good works.”
2:10
Emory Valley partners with klf
E
mory Valley Center (EVC) is a non-profit agency which has been serving individuals
with developmental disabilities for 57 years. Their mission is to enhance the lives
of children, adults and families in an environment that promotes independence,
dignity and respect. What started as a school, EVC now provides residential services
and day services. They also assist in vocational training, transportation, clinical services,
personal assistance, family support and even have an early childhood learning center.
When they found out about KLF through the United Way of Anderson County’s Interagency
Coalition meeting, EVC knew their capacity building needs could be addressed. Through
an assessment process, it was determined that the best course of action to build their
capacity was through developing a three-year strategic plan. Jennifer Enderson, President
of EVC, says, “We were at a place to begin our journey to the next level and with the
passion we found in Stanley Taylor, it was a perfect fit.”
As part of KLF’s Center for Communities, marketing and strategic planning consultant,
Carol Reeve, aided Anderson County’s EVC with the development of a strategic plan.
“The board was highly engaged with the process,” says Reeve. “They generated detailed,
two-year action plans for five key areas: Finance, Awareness, Operations, Facilities, and
Programs & Services.” Among other goals, the plans include the construction of a new
facility, securing additional accreditations, engaging volunteers and increasing employee
retention.
For more information about the Emory Valley Center and its current events, please visit
www.emoryvalleycenter.com or call (865) 483-4385.
us on facebook!
Heels & Wheels Duathlon
On April 21, the Heels & Wheels 2012
Duathlon occurred at Johnson University
to help support 15 local, nonprofit
organizations. Presented by Wells Fargo,
Johnson University and Knoxville Leadership
Foundation, hundreds of people showed up
to participate in the duathlon consisting of
a 5K run/18K bike/3K run, while others
showed their support in the Fun Walk or 5K
run. Participants and their families enjoyed
the many activities such as the KidZone
that had inflatables and face painting and
visiting the nonprofit booths where they
were educated on the organizations Heels &
Wheels supported. If you weren’t there this
year, be sure to spend this year training, so
you can not only participate in the Heels &
Wheels 2013 Duathlon, but also to support
your local nonprofits.
Organizations that benefitted include:
A Hand Up for Women
Alpha House
CASA of East Tennessee
CASA of TN Heartland
Community Mediation Services
CONNECT
Contact Helpline
Family Promise Knoxville
HOME
Keystone Adult Day Program
Restoration House of East Tennessee
SOAR Youth Ministries
Stepping Out Inc.
Seymour Volunteer Fire Department
“Competitors go into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last,
Check out our pages to have the most up
to date information on what is going on
with the Knoxville Leadership Foundation,
its programs, fundraisers and affiliates.
Below is a list of the many different
pages you can follow to stay informed on
projects, event information and volunteer
opportunities.
•Knoxville Leadership Foundation
facebook.com/knoxvilleleadershipfoundation
•Operation Backyard
facebook.com/obyklf
•Amachi Knoxville
facebook.com/pages/AmachiKnoxville
•Heels and Wheels Duathlon
facebook.com/pages/Heels-and-WheelsDuathlon
•Gladiator Games
facebook.com/pages/Gladiator-Games
Also visit www.klf.org to find out
more about who we.
Don’t be terrified. Don’t be
but we do it to get a crown that will last forever” - 2 Corinthians 9:25
P5
Heels &
Wheels
discouraged...
who will earn the title
to Be calleD thiS Year’S ironMan?
F
or sixteen years on the second Tuesday of May, a group of
dedicated golfers gather to raise important funds for Knoxville
Leadership Foundation. These Ironmen tee-off at 7:30 am
and quit at 5:00 p.m. Yes…10 hours of golf, only stopping to quickly
eat lunch (in their cart) and stock up on snacks.
It sounds overwhelming, but as 16-year Iron Man veteran,
Todd Rechenbach states, “I do this because I love KLF and their
willingness to serve others.” Not every person participates in our
tournament the same way, but at the end of the day, they are all
smiling and laughing about something that happened. Some golfers
do everything in their power to play 100 holes, some are spending
time with their kids and some just hanging out with a friend and
catching up. In the end over $40,000 was raised for the ministries
of KLF.
If you want to be a part of this tournament in the future contact
Dan Myers at [email protected]. Visit www.knoxvilleironman.org
for more information about the event.
ManY thankS to our SponSorS!
TITLE SPONSORS
TOURNAMENT SPONSORS
Allan Associates Architects, LLC
B & B Lawn Services, LLC
Barnhart Crane
Bryant Boats
Cannon & Cannon, Inc.
Coulter and Justus, PC
Curt Leonard w/J. Smith Lanier
Dr. Dan Anderson, DDS
Fleenor Security Systems
Fulghum, Macindoe & Associates, Inc.
George W. Reagan Company
Market Realty, LLC
Pershing, Yoakley & Associates
Rainbow International Restoration & Cleaning
Rice Automotive
Schmid and Rhodes Construction
William Blount Associates
Silver rinG thinG SucceSS:
492 Youth at Show, 192 puritY rinGS put on, 65 coMMitMentS to chriSt!
hri
The March 11, 2012, event at Cokesbury UMC witnessed the transformation of youth in our city. Brent Ronald, Youth Director at Cokesbury
noted “KLF is a great partner in helping youth make the best choices in terms of dating and waiting to have sex until marriage.”
David Ault, KLF VP of Programs, recalled one conversation about the event...“from the first phone call, it was evident that Aspen had a
burden for the youth of her Church, a desperate desire to help them make better decisions.” Aspen commented that she
initially thought she had missed the SRT show, but God enabled 18 of her youth to receive funding and attend the
show. She wept as she realized God had answered her prayers when her youth came to the altar and made
commitments to “put their life on the right track” and for others to know “it was not too late to begin again.”
Aspen concluded by saying “it was well worth the hour drive to the show as God planted something deep.
God planted hope in these kids. Through that one phone call, God created a chain of events that helped
our youth to make the best choices in life. Thank you God, You truly move mountains!”
P3
“Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires.” Song of Solomon 2:7
ironman Golf
tournament
KLF BOARD MEMBERS
Kevin Bailey
Bailey Sales Corporation
Todd Harms
Coulter and Justus, PC
Doug Harris
Harris Restaurant Group
Curt Leonard
901 E Summit Hill Drive, Ste. 300
Knoxville, TN 37915
p: 865.524.2774 f: 865.525.4213
www.klf.org
J. Smith Lanier
Chris Martin
Knoxville Leadership Foundation
J. Scott Overholt
The White Stone Group
Glenn Sumner
Ortho Tennessee
Sheryl Taylor
Doug White
Toyota/Lexus of Knoxville
KLF BOARD OF
REFERENCE
What’s Inside this issue?
Reid Carpenter
Neighborhood housing
Leadership Foundation
Steve Diggs
Emerald Youth Foundation
Bill Haslam
Governor, State of Tennessee
Hallerin Hilton Hill
Hallerin Hilton Hill Show
Dale Keasling
Home Federal Bank
Dr. Robert Lupton
FCS Urban Ministries
Dr. John Perkins
Christian Community
Development Association
Todd Rechenbach
NHI celebrates the building completion of the program’s
50th home.
Operation Backyard
OUR S TAFF
Chris Martin
Adam Montgomery
David Arning
Katie Moore
President
Operation Backyard Coor.
Nakia gives her story about how she overcame abuse, and
thanks Operation Backyard for repairing her porch.
Vice President, Housing
David Ault
Charles Lomax
Flenniken Landing
Dan Myers
Cathy Lanz
Ironman Golf Tournament
Chris Cowart
Janis Trant
Diane Johnson
Alisha Graves
Gloria Nolan
Sandee Bailey
Steve Pearson
Taryn Ellsworth
Stanley Taylor
Rachel Underwood
Out of the woods- A story about a Flenniken Landing Resident.
Thank you to all the golfers who helped raise 0ver $40,000.
Worden, Rechenbach &
Brooke
Vice President, Programs Match Support, Amachi Knoxville
Vice President
Advancement/Marketing
Legal Counsel to the
Governor, State of TN
Accountant
Director of Asset Mngmt. Accounting Assistant
Director of Administration Administrative Assistant
Director, Amachi Knoxville
Herb Slatery
Community Resource Coor.
Director, New Home Const.
Administrative Assistant
Administration Support
Director, Leadership Dev. Operation Backyard Intern
Russell Catron
Contact Information:
Phone: (865) 524-2774
Email: [email protected]
Homeownership Coor.
Mike Springer takes Iron Man
title in golf tournament.
Todd Rechenbach raised the most
money for this year’s tournament.
Donations
now
on-line at www.klf.org
check
out accepted
oNLINE at www.klf.org