Project Title: “Bringing Smiles Back” Dental Program

Jefferson Rural Clinic will provide low-cost dental care for the citizens of Jefferson and Grainger Counties.  The service will be provided to those ages 19 and older whose household income is less than 200% of the federal poverty level (this income level qualifies 30% of the households in these counties).  With household incomes in the poverty level, familes are less likely to spend scare funds on dental care-the dental care that affects their overall health.  A full-time dentist, a registered dental assistant and a dental hygenist will be hired.  The dental clinic will provide over 4,000 appointments treating approximately 2,500 patients.

Left to Right: Danny Pressley, Trinity Board Chair; Gail and Ken Avent, Chris Ridyard, Jefferson Rural Clinic; Kay Clayton, Trinity Board Member

Project Title: Children’s Health Law Partnership

Legal Aid of East Tennessee will establish a “Children’s Health Law Partnership” in collaboration with East Tennessee Children’s Hospital.  A lawyer will be hired and trained to work with the Children’s Hospital patients and families identified with income at the poverty level and who have non-criminal legal problems that negatively impact the child’s health.  When assistance is identified, the Legal Aid of East Tennessee lawyer will work with a medical team to identify and represent clients in need of assistance.  Their goal is to provide healthier and safer outcomes for children and their families when released from the hospital.

Left to Right: Danny Pressley, Trinity Board Chair; Debra House, Legal Aid of East Tennessee; Cathy Shuck, East Tennessee Children’s Hospital; Kay Clayton, Trinity Board Member

Project Title: Healthy Smiles for Adults

The Agency’s “Healthy Smiles for Adults” mission is to provide affordable dental care for residents who have do not have dental insurance in Roane and Loudon Counties.  A collaboration with local organizations and private dental practices is planned to ensure the dental health in these communities.  In addition to dental care, educating the parents and guardians of Head Start children on good oral hygiene and preventive care will provide a two generation approach.

Left to Right: Danny Pressley, Trinity Board Chair; Tonya Williams and Amber Jacks, Mid-East Community Action Agency; Kay Clayton, Trinity Board Member

Project Title:  Mom’s Sevier County R.E.A.C.H. Initiative 

Sevier County R.E.A.C.H. Intiative (Recovery, Empowerment, Activism, Children & Health) will operate a recovery support program in Sevier County for pregnant women struggling with opioid abuse disorder.  Physicians in Sevier County will provide the referrals to Susannah’s House in Knoxville for the holistic treatment and recovery.  Transportation from Sevier County will be provided for the women to attend the minimum nine-month program.  Aftercare and follow-up will be ongoing.  Dedicated graduates with at least one-year sobriety will be trained as “Certified Peer Recover Specialist”.  They will serve as guides for others trying to find their way through recovery.

Left to Right: Danny Pressley, Trinity Board Chair; Rebekah Fetzer and Cara Jordan, Susannah’s House; Kay Clayton, Trinity Board Member

Project Title: Empowering At-Risk Women and Reducing NAS

A Step Ahead Foundation’s grant is “Empowering At-Risk Women and Reducing NAS (Neonatal  Abstinence Syndrome).” This program provides the opportunity for women in East Tennessee who are working through addiction recovery to focus on their health and plan for their babies.  The goal is to decrease NAS through education and immediate access to voluntary, long-acting reversible contraception.  The results will increase positive pregnancy outcomes and education in the number of babies born with NAS in our region.

Left to Right: Danny Pressley, Trinity Board Chair; Wendi Mullins, A Step Ahead Foundation; Dr. Martha Buchanan, Knox County Health Department ; Kay Clayton, Trinity Board Member

Project Title: Building Cultural Foundations in the Lives of Refugee Families

The Center of Light grant will offer a program building cultural foundations in the lives of refugees and their families.  Center of Light seeks to connect refugees to resources, society and God and to culturally integrate them into society through a construction apprentice program.  These efforts will offer refugees the opportunity for honorable employment (at a living wage) and housing while participating in the construction training program.  Additionally, they (and their families) will be involved in an education effort to teach them English, how to better understand cultural barriers and to improve their life skills.

Left to Right: Danny Pressley, Trinity Board Chair; Isaac Pannell, Center of Light; Kay Clayton, Trinity Board Member

Project Title: Healthy Bodies, Healthy Brains

Currently, the CADES program at Concord United Methodist Church offers daytime care, companionship, assistance and structured activities to older adults who are unable to stay at home alone because of physical and mental impairments.  Research shows that physical exercise is an important intervention in dementia related illness.  Adaptive exercise equipment will be purchased to promote better health outcomes for these clients.  Staff training about the exercise element of the program will also be initiated.  Concord United Methodist Church will provide the space needed for the program.  The benefit of increased physical strength will promote better mental acuity for their clients.

Left to Right: Danny Pressley, Trinity Board Chair; Caroline Webb and Celia Gruzalski, Concord Adult Day Enrichment Services; Kay Clayton, Trinity Board Member

Project Title: New Beginnings Transition Program 

FOCUS Ministries will initiate the “New Beginnings Transition Program” as part of a multi-faceted residential re-entry program for men preparing to be released from incarceration.  This one-year program aims to prevent recidivsm and have men ready for full-time jobs.  The educational topics of the program are budgeting, savings, time management, addiction recovery strategies, parenting, continuing education and work placement.  Christ-centered mentoring through a residential living coordinator will provide quality supervision, support and counsel.

Left to Right: Danny Pressley, Trinity Board Chair; Steve Humphreys and Ken Sparks, FOCUS Ministries; Kay Clayton, Trinity Board Member

Project Title: Lonsdale Fellows Program 

SOAR Youth Ministries will create a “Lonsdale Fellows Program” – an intentional Christian community that aims to train future ministry and non-profit leaders to be the leaders in cross cultural situations.  The Londsale community encompasses large immigrant populations as well as the lingering impact from segregation and poverty.  The unique opportunities presented by this community provide an ideal setting to train these future leaders, enlisted from across the country, to work to bring about transformation.  A house in the Lonsdale community has been remodeled and is being privately furnished to house the participants.

Left to Right: Danny Pressley, Trinity Board Chair; Clayton Wood, SOAR Youth Ministries; Kay Clayton, Trinity Board Member

Project Title: Residential Program for Pregnant Women with Substance Abuse Disorders

True Purpose Ministries will establish a “Residential Program for Pregnant Women with Substance Abuse Disorders” in Blount County for Blount and surrounding counties.  The residential program will not only house women, but will include their children.  The 12-month program will provide the medical treatment and psychological training for addiction.  Included in the training are life skills, job training, transition assistance, controlling emotions, handling stress, parenting, fitness and exercise, and GED and college prep classes.  The services provided will equip women to thrive and succeed in society.

Left to Right: Danny Pressley, Trinity Board Chair; Jeremy and Lynsey Graham, True Purpose Ministries; Kay Clayton, Trinity Board Member

Project Title: West Lonsdale Free Medical Clinic

West Lonsdale Baptist Church will open the “West Lonsdale Free Medical Clinic.” The clinic will be located in a property currently owned by the church.  The Medical Clinic will provide medical, dental and vision services under the direction of Dr. David Rankin and a team of volunteers.  Consistent availability for primary medical care will be provided.  The West Lonsdale Baptist Church will be responsible for maintaining the property, the insurance and the utility expenses.  In this medically undeserved community, they will engage in building relationships and supportive spiritual guidance with their patients.

Left to Right: Danny Pressley, Trinity Board Chair; Dr. David Rankin and Jeff Johnson, West Lonsdale Free Medical Clinic; Kay Clayton, Trinity Board Chair

Project Title: Addressing Childhood Trauma 

Many young people served at the Boys and Girls Clubs have or will likely experience “Adverse Childhood Experiences”, stressful and traumatic events that disrupt the safe and nurturing environment needed for them to thrive.  This program will provide the following four tiers or service to youth ages 5 to 18.

• Connecting all youth at Clubs to a Caring adult mentor
• small group support and delivering the “Ready, Set, Go” curriculum
• Individual mentoring/counseling for targeted youth experiencing adverse childhood experiences and
• Referring these youth to partnering mental health agencies for those who need more intensive intervention – all done with targeted curriculum and training.

Left to Right: Danny Pressley, Trinity Vice Chair; Stacey Braund, Bart McFadden and Lorene Jackson, Boys and Girls Clubs of the TN Valley; Dena Mashburn, Trinity Grants Committee Chair

Project Title: “Grow With Me” NAS Care Coordination service and Outpatient Clinic 

Children’s Hospital will establish the “Grow With Me” care coordination and clinic for children born with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome.  Approximately one third of the NAS infants born in Tennessee are treated at Children’s Hospital.  This service and clinic will provide continuity of care and resources through outpatient visits to these patients and their caregivers to age five to monitor their physical and emotional health, assess their ongoing development and help them understand the extent of their needs.

Left to Right: Danny Pressley, Trinity Vice Chair; Tracy Bock and Hella Ewing, East TN Children’s Hospital; Dena Mashburn, Trinity Grants Committee Chair

Project Title: A Shot at Life:  Medication Assisted Treatment  

Helen Ross McNabb Center will pilot a Vivitrol medication assisted treatment program for repeat, non-violent offenders to provide substance abuse treatment for opioid substance use disorders.   This drug reduces cravings and blocks the effects or opioids and will be administered for up to one year, giving the offenders time to get their lives back on track and reduce recidivism.  The program will demonstrate the potential cost savings and community benefit to help local government and law enforcement determine future program funding.  

Left to Right: Danny Pressley, Trinity Vice Chair; Emily Scheuneman and Houston Smelcer, Helen Ross McNabb Center; Dena Mashburn, Trinity Grants Committee Chair

Project Title: FocusFirst – A High-Tech Vision Care Initiative 

Many vision problems go undiagnosed in preschoolers, particularly in low-income neighborhoods.  Impact America- Tennessee will implement vision screenings by trained volunteer college interns in preschools and child care centers in nine counties in East Tennessee using a Spot digital screening camera to test vision in pre-literate children.  Children with vision problems will be referred to Sight Savers America for comprehensive follow-up care, as needed.

Left to Right: Danny Pressley, Trinity Vice Chair; Stirling Hutchins and Lowery McNeal, Impact America – Tennessee; Dena Mashburn, Trinity Grants Committee Chair

Project Title: Baker Creek Preserve Adventure Park 

To combat obesity and inactivity, the Baker Creek Preserve Adventure Park adjacent to South Doyle Middle School will be built to have features that are specific to middle school students, the age at which the greatest decline in physical activity occurs.  Large natural structures, areas to bike, climb, jump, explore and socialize will all be incorporated in the area.  After completion, the park will be maintained by the City of Knoxville.

Left to Right: Danny Pressley, Trinity Vice Chair; Carol Evans and David Collins, Legacy Parks Foundation; Dena Mashburn, Trinity Grants Committee Chair

Project Title: Safer and Stronger:  Anderson County Domestic Violence Initiative

The YWCA will provide victims of domestic violence with advocacy by providing direct services including safety, assistance through the justice system and crisis intervention to victims of violence.  This will be accomplished by providing direct services, education to professionals and community volunteers, building the capacity to fully serve victims and laying the groundwork for options to ensure safe, permanent housing that meet the needs of this rural community.

Left to Right: Danny Pressley, Trinity Vice Chair; Marigail Mullin and Alle Lilly, YWCA Knoxville; Dena Mashburn, Grants Committee Chair

Project Title: Grandparents as Parents 

In Knox County, approximately 260,000 adults, many over the age of 65, are raising their grandchildren.  CAC will enhance its current support group programs for grandparents to include night groups which will offer additional features not available in the daytime.  Training curriculum will include legal, financial, behavioral health, safety and educational issues. Additionally, a resource guide and training module, Guide for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren will be published, marketed and distributed.

Left to Right: Danny Pressley, Trinity Vice Chair; Susan Long and Janet Cockrum, Knoxville-Knox County CAC; Dena Mashurn, Trinity Grants Committee Chair

Project Title: Hands of Hope:  Mentoring At-Risk Moms 

Due to the unfortunate rise in the number of drug dependent babies born experiencing Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, there is a gap in resources to help guide mothers and babies through the first year of life.  MDC will provide a comprehensive one-on-one mentoring program for first-time mothers in addiction treatment and recovery. Trained mentors will commit to a minimum monthly contact with the mentee to help them maintain sobriety, be an engaged mother and create a healthy home environment.

Left to Right: Danny Pressley, Trinity Vice Chair; Courtney Neimann and Holly Fuquay, Metro Drug Coalition; Dena Mashburn, Trinity Grants Committee Chair

Project Title: Medical Respite Care for the Homeless

Cherokee will set up a respite care center for the homeless population at Knox Area Rescue Ministries to provide care for clients who have been discharged from the hospital but who are too sick to go back out on the street.  Cherokee will provide necessary medical, mental health and other services in house at KARM.  Funding will provide for space and equipment as well as training for establishing admissions/discharge procedure/policies, care criteria and protocols with hospitals to produce better outcomes and reduce costs of scarce community services.

Left to Right: John Worden, Trinity Grants Committee Chair; Matt Tillery and Jewel Birdwell, Cherokee Health Systems; Kelly Headden, Trinity Chair

Project Title: Rapid Mental Health and A&D Services for Our Most Vulnerable and Forgotten

A sustainable model has been developed to provide rapid services to the homeless who arrive at KARM needing treatment, counseling and training for reentry back into the community.  A new counseling center, start-up provision of counseling services, care coordination and new software will be established to provide these services.  Existing counseling centers will partner to provide on-site access to care.   These services will create stability and dignity to this population and give them greater opportunities to leave homelessness.

Left to Right: John Worden, Trinity Grants Committee Chair; Greg Greer and Burt Rosen, KARM; Kelly Headden, Trinity Chair

Project Title: Habitat for Heroes

Approximately 1,200 veterans live in Knox County.  Many of them face difficulties securing gainful employment when returning to civilian life and are in need of safe, decent and affordable housing for themselves and their families.  Knoxville’s Habitat for Humanity will seek to identify working veterans whose income falls below the 80% average median income.  Through its homeowner education program qualified participants will be given the opportunity to move into rehabbed Habitat homes on a rent-to-own basis.   Rent will be applied to purchase while they complete their sweat equity hours eliminating their immediate housing needs and providing the opportunity for permanent home ownership.

Left to Right: John Worden, Trinity Grants Committee Chair; Angie Sledge and Anna Engelstad, Habitat for Humanity; Kelly Headden, Trinity Chair

Project Title: Alzheimer’s and Dementia Wellness Program

The Y will implement a program, now being piloted, at all five of their branches which will focus on improving the health of those with Alzheimer’s (particularly early onset), dementia and other neurological diseases.  Exercise has a direct, measurable benefit both in prevention as well as slowing the progression of these diseases. Specialized equipment and training will be offered.   An exercise program has been developed where participants work out four times per week, emphasizing balance, agility, cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength and cognitive exercise to help a growing group of people improve their lives and quality of life.  Supporting classes and support groups for caregivers and families will also be offered.

Left to Right: John Worden, Trinity Grants Committee Chair; Jim Dickson and Kim Ballard, YMCA; Kelly Headden, Trinity Chair

Project Title: SMART Institute Healthy Living

A-1 SMART Institute serves 110 Austin East High and Vine Middle School students through activities that promote physical activity and healthy eating habits. Since the majority of students are African American living in the diabetes belt of America, they are 25% more likely to develop diabetes. This funding will provide a program where students will participate in 60 minutes per day of consistent, intentionally-scheduled cardiovascular, muscle and bone strengthening activities with an emphasis on healthy eating habits. Surveys have shown that healthier life choices will result in better grades/GPAs, staying in school, on-time graduation, increased lifetime health.

Left to Right: John Worden, Trinity Grants Committee Chair; Beverly Bonner and Laschinski Emerson, A-1 Learning Connections; Kelly Headden, Trinity Chair

Project Title: Autism Site Knoxville: A Community Center for Information, Education, Recreation & Support

With the rate of autism diagnosis continually on the rise, a growing local population of children and adults with autism and care givers need a home away from home where they can find autism specific resources, support, understanding, education and recreation.  While excellent autism providers are available in the Knoxville, many parents have difficulty finding them due to the lack of a local physical central hub for autism information distribution.  Autism Site Knoxville will launch a community resource center, utilizing its website and community partners to enhance parent networking and provide a community-managed directory of available resources.  By early 2016 a physical parent-driven center will be open to provide resource distribution, training, support groups and social opportunities.

Left to Right: John Worden, Trinity Grants Committee Chair; Lisa Ross and Veronica Cordell, Artistic Spectrum; Kelly Headden, Trinity Chair

Project Title: Mentor 2.0

A cohort of 60 to 70 low-income ninth grade students at South-Doyle High School will be recruited to participate in Mentor 2.0 to provide vulnerable children with the support and guidance they need to graduate from high school and achieve success in college and the workforce.  Mentor 2.0 represents a new strategy to engage students featuring weekly classroom instruction led by a BBBS facilitator along with weekly email reinforcement lessons.  Mentor 2.0 focuses on the non-cognitive skills related to motivation, integrity and interpersonal communication so important in the workplace.  At the completion of each skill group, students and mentors will meet for an in-person activity further emphasizing these newly acquired skills.  Ideally, the mentor/mentee match will continue through high school graduation and into college or technical school.  A new cohort will be selected each year to continue engaging students in this training.

Left to Right: John Worden, Trinity Grants Committee Chair; Doug Kose, Ann Bowman, Kara Finger, Big Brothers Big Sisters of East TN; Kelly Headden, Trinity Chair

Project Title: MAN UP at Zion

Man up at Zion will provide fatherless boys of the greater Knoxville area a multi-day outdoor adventure camp experience where these young men will be challenged to overcome the lack of father leadership and dared to allow God to rewrite their future.  Partnerships with community organizations, counselors and ministry leaders will establish mentorships that will last long after their time at camp.  The adventure camp, in addition to physical activity, will provide character-building skills and with mentor support, equip fatherless boys with a healthy view of manhood, create worthy life goals and reroute their futures.

Left to Right: John Worden, Trinity Grants Committee Chair; Sydney O’Leary, Righ O’Leary, Feeding the Orphans; Kelly Headden, Trinity Chair

Project Title: Expanding Our Voice – Expanding Our Impact

Girl Talk will create a partnership with Great Schools Partnership to provide after school programming in 10 Knox County Community Schools.  The program’s aim is to end the cycle of teenage pregnancy, drugs, underage drinking and poverty through education and mentorships.  Girls will be challenged to reach their full potential for economic self-sufficiency by completing high school and going on to college.  Deeply rooted needs will be addressed to prevent girls from making poor choices that can be life altering and instead create competent and prepared leaders for tomorrow.

Left to Right: John Worden, Trinity Grants Committee Chair; Jackie Clay, Girl Talk, Inc.; Kelly Headden, Trinity Chair

Project Title: Creating an Innovative Practice for Traumatized Children in East Tennessee

New Hope aims to expand their services and create a state-of-the-art comprehensive trauma center in East Tennessee for children and families who have experienced trauma.  Services and treatment to traumatized children will be offered through the most advanced, proven therapeutic approaches.  The comprehensive center will allow children to receive all-inclusive treatment in one location.  Partnerships with the Blount County Child Protective Investigative Team along with other donors, partners and volunteers will bring healthy child development and healing to the lives of hundreds of children each year.

Left to Right: John Worden, Trinity Grants Committee Chair; Tabitha Damron and Diane Darby, New Hope Blounty County Children’s Advocacy Center; Kelly Headden, Trinity Chair

Project Title: Providing True Purpose in Our Communities

True Purpose aims to build a Graduate House to provide a structured, positive environment for graduates who have successfully completed its comprehensive addiction treatment program.  Some graduates are able upon graduation to integrate back into their community.  Others find leaving the stability of a treatment program overwhelming amidst this newfound freedom. The Graduate House will provide a year of transitional living where participants will be provided additional counseling, job skills and training to equip them for an independent life.  The graduate house will help prevent relapses and wasted resources,  promote community involvement and continued growth and recovery which will result in empowered lives and independence.

Left to Right: John Worden, Trinity Grants Committee Chair; Jeremy Graham and Russ Owens, True Purpose Ministries; Kelly Headden, Trinity Chair

Project Title: Susannah’s House-Building a Place for Hope

Mothers and babies share many things. They share a special relationship that’s like no other. They share physical traits. They share a bloodline. And, in ever increasing numbers, they share an addiction. East Tennessee has the second largest number, nationally, of infants born dependent on the opioid drugs abused by their mothers, resulting in a condition called NAS – Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome. Susannah’s House is a faith-based organization sponsored by Cokesbury United Methodist Church that serves the spiritual, physical and emotional needs of mothers and their prenatally exposed infants who are recovering from substance abuse. Cokesbury Church is leasing the former Wesley House Community Center in Knoxville to be the home base for Susannah’s House programs. Renovations have begun on the house, sponsored by Cokesbury members. Event registration relies on first come, first serve – because of the small availability of spots available. Susannah’s House day programs will be available to assist mothers in maintaining sobriety following their initial treatment for drug abuse. Our program will include a holistic module designed for mothers recovering from opioid addiction. It will be run by professionals in the recovery and social services fields and will be supported by volunteers. Sustainability will be by grants, donations, fund-raisers and special offerings. A successful collaboration with and referrals from local hospitals, the Knox County Health Department, the Knox County Family Drug Court, the Metropolitan Drug Commission and Susannah’s House will lead to a reduction in substance-exposed infants. Mothers will maintain sobriety and children will be nurtured in healthier environments.

Left to Right: David Haynes, Trinity Chair; Kelly Headden, Trinity Vice-Chair; Connie Hutchins, Trinity Past-Chair; Denise Douglas, Susannah’s House; Rev. Rebekah Fetzer, Cokesbury United Methodist Church; Robin Gibson, Trinity Grants Committee Chair

Project Title: Telehealth: Improving access to Pediatric Sub-Specialists

When a primary care physician identifies a unique health problem in a child, early evaluation, diagnosis and treatment improve outcomes. A major barrier to early treatment for low-income families in rural areas is transportation. East Tennessee Children’s Hospital will establish a Telemedicine Service to increase access to Pediatric Specialists for patients who live in Grainger County and northeastern Jefferson County. In order to improve access to subspecialty pediatric physicians by families in both of these counties, and also to offer convenient testing, Children’s will establish a remote telemedicine site at Morristown Hamblen Hospital (MHH). By the end of the first year, seven pediatric subspecialists are to be practicing telemedicine through that site. The Trinity Grant will fund the purchase of equipment, promotion, connectivity, staff education and general operations for the program’s first year. Future sustainability is ensured by implementation of Tennessee law mandating physician reimbursement for telemedicine visits, continuing use of equipment, and support from Children’s and partnering facilities.

Left to Right: David Haynes, Trinity Chair; Kelly Headden, Trinity Vice-Chair; Connie Hutchins, Trinity Past-Chair; Pat Kelly and Keith Goodwin, East Tennessee Children’s Hospital; Robin Gibson, Trinity Grants Committee Chair

Project Title: Knoxville Collaborative Marriage Initiative

A stable, healthy marriage is strongly linked to physical and emotional health and is a fundamental building block of a healthy community.  However, Tennessee is one of ten states with highest divorce rates and broadly accessible programs for strengthening marriage are nonexistent in Knoxville.  This project will equip clergy and volunteers to effectively deliver research-based programming that provides couples with necessary tools to improve and preserve marital quality across time.  Delivered in churches and community settings, these programs will be accessible to all couples in the Knoxville area regardless of ability to pay. Project goals include: (1) to establish relationship programming that is effective and accessible to a diverse group of couples of all income levels; (2) to train clergy and volunteers to provide this programming; and (3) to create a strong, integrated network of clergy and community leaders in order to build a transformative and lasting system to strengthen marriages and families in Knoxville.

Eight church organizations and experts from the University of Tennessee and University of Denver are committed to this project.  A community partnership campaign will be led to link other foundations and organizations to this effort.

Visit their website for more information on the Knoxville Marriage Initiative:  https://www.knoxvillemarriageinitiative.org/

Left to Right: David Haynes, Trinity Chair; Kelly Headden, Trinity Vice-Chair; Connie Hutchins, Trinity Past-Chair; Dr. Clark Stephens, Pastor Rick Dunn, and Dr. Kevin Huggins, Fellowship Evangelical Free Church; Robin Gibson, Trinity Grants Committee Chair

Project Title: Access to Mental Health Care for East Tennessee Children and Adolescents

The Helen Ross McNabb Center’s telepsychiatry project will provide greater access to high quality psychiatric care for East Tennessee children, adolescents and adults affected by mental illness, particularly those in rural locations. With a national shortage of psychiatrists, it is rare and fiscally challenging to provide mental health services in rural areas. Telehealth has emerged as a cost-effective alternative to traditional face-to-face consultations between provider and patient.  The Center will allocate nurse practitioners and psychiatrists to provide telepsychiatry services in rural communities. The Center will purchase web conferencing   equipment for Anderson, Blount, Knox, Loudon, and Sevier counties. Clinical staff will be headquartered in two Knox County outpatient clinics. This option will allow the Center to provide children, adolescents and adults an additional 750 contacts with a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner. In 2014, the Tennessee General Assembly adopted Telehealth requiring insurance carriers to provide coverage under for health care services delivered through telehealth. This legislation is key to the project’s long-term sustainability. The project will ultimately improve the quality of life for thousands in East Tennessee communities and reduce the short-term and long-term costs associated with untreated mental illness.

Left to Right: David Haynes, Trinity Chair; Kelly Headden, Trinity Vice-Chair; Connie Hutchins, Trinity Past-Chair; Emily Scheuneman, Richard Maples, and Houston Smelcer, Helen Ross McNabb Center; Robin Gibson, Trinity Grants Committee Chair

Helen Ross McNabb Center in the news:

Helen Ross McNabb Center’s Telemedicine project was featured on WATE Channel 6 Covering Your Health.  Click the link below to watch the Covering Your Health clip to see how the Helen Ross McNabb Center is using telepsychiatry for its patients in the rural East Tennessee areas.

Helen Ross McNabb Channel 6 Covering Your Health

Check out Helen Ross McNabb Center’s Telemedicine project in the July 10, 2015 Knoxville News Sentinel.  To read the article, click the link below.

Knox News ‘Telehealth’ expands mental health provider’s reach

Project Title: Better Nonprofits – Better Individuals, Better Neighborhoods, Better Communities, Healthier East Tennessee

Public confidence in nonprofits is key to guaranteeing an exciting future for treating and solving our communities’ most important problems. Non-profits face many challenges in these times of economic downturn and often are not able to make the impact they might if they had more resources to draw from.  In 2014, a community dialogue revealed the need for a nonprofit resource center in our region. As an outcome, Knoxville Leadership Foundation spent the past year working with local leaders, experts and focus groups to assess the need for a center to serve East Tennessee. This work culminated in the concept for the Alliance for Better Nonprofits, a center offering critical support services to help nonprofits more effectively achieve their missions. The Alliance for Better Nonprofits will offer these organizations in 25 East Tennessee counties services that include training, consulting, certification and a resource center. Fees for these services will produce long-term sustainability. Trinity’s grant provides the springboard to launch this center to enhance and strengthen the many nonprofits that serve our community.

Visit the Alliance for Better Nonprofits website for more information or to become a member: http://www.betternonprofits.org/

Left to Right: David Haynes, Trinity Chair; Kelly Headden, Trinity Vice-Chair; Connie Hutchins, Trinity Past-Chair; Chris Martin, Kevin Bailey, and Alex Miller, Knoxville Leadership Foundation; Robin Gibson, Trinity Grants Committee Chair

Breakthrough Corporation will initiate Project SEARCH, a program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Knoxville area which will provide them with life enriching new opportunities for employment in well-paying, skilled jobs. Two sites of the nationally acclaimed Project SEARCH program will be established at leading Knoxville employers. Project SEARCH provides people with autism, cerebral palsy and intellectual disabilities with nine month internships that include coursework and training rotations through three jobs at an employer’s workplace. Upon completion, interns are hired by either the host employer or other collaborating employers. Each Knoxville site will serve nine interns annually.

Left to Right: David Haynes, Trinity Vice-Chair; Kelly Headden, Trinity Secretary; Beth Ritchie, Breakthrough Corporation; Connie Hutchins, Trinity Chair; Dr. Robert Nicholas, Breakthrough Corporation; Dr. Lee Martin, Trinity President; Anthony Ingram, Trinity Board Member; Suzanne Schriver, Trinity Treasurer

Project Title: The Future Story Project

Compassion Coalition will develop through Getting Ahead classes The Future Story Project which will serve Knox County residents who wish to escape from the economic environment of poverty and long to build a better future for themselves and their families.  Each Getting Ahead class composed of 10 – 12 individuals, known as Investigators who currently live in poverty, will perform extensive self-analysis of the impact that living in poverty has on their lives.  They will explore how their lives can change, situations can improve, and stability can be achieved for themselves and their families.  Each Getting Ahead graduate will have the opportunity to be matched with 2 or 3 allies, or volunteers from the community, who are committed to provide ongoing support in a long-term capacity.

Left to Right: David Haynes, Trinity Vice-Chair; Kelly Headden, Trinity Secretary; Jessica Bocangél, Compassion Coalition; Grant Standefer, Compassion Coalition; Connie Hutchins, Trinity Chair; Dr. Lee Martin, Trinity President; Anthony Ingram, Trinity Board Member

Project Title: Transformation Through Sports

Emerald Youth Foundation will provide a program for kids to be physically active and be transformed through sports. An urban soccer program is being developed and, at full capacity will grow to reach over 500 young athletes in Knoxville’s poorest communities. Emerald will run soccer programs, providing opportunities for urban kids and young adults to experience this sport, support and/or create school programs if they don’t exist, and expand its ministry opportunities among the players and their families.

Left to Right: Kelly Headden, Trinity Secretary; Dr. Lee Martin, Trinity President; Shara Shoup, Emerald Youth Foundation; Steve Diggs, Emerald Youth Foundation; Connie Hutchins, Trinity Chair; Anthony Ingram, Trinity Board Member; David Haynes, Trinity Vice-Chair

Project Title: InterFaith Living Well Program – Chronic Disease Management

Interfaith Health Clinic will hold training classes called The InterFaith Living Well initiative which aims to improve the health and overall quality of life of working uninsured individuals suffering from chronic disease. IF Living Well will lead participants through a six-week workshop aimed at educating and motivating chronic disease sufferers to make good health choices that will help them manage their disease.  IF Living Well aims to affect an improvement in participants’ knowledge about their condition, daily health choices that impact their disease, exercise habits, and communication with physicians.

Left to Right: David Haynes, Trinity Vice-Chair; Kelly Headden, Trinity Secretary; Amanda Armstrong, InterFaith Health Clinic; Melissa Knight, InterFaith Health Clinic; Anthony Ingram, Trinity Board Chair; Connie Hutchins, Trinity Chair; Dr. Lee Martin, Trinity President

Project Title: Continuing Education in Medical Pastoral Care for East Tennessee Spiritual Leaders

The University of Tennessee Medical Center’s Department of Pastoral Care will address the spiritual needs of the Knoxville area’s medical community by providing training in clinical pastoral care to community spiritual leaders and volunteers associated with area hospitals’ chaplaincy programs.   By engaging volunteers and the spiritual leaders which the community already trusts, they can help minister to the spiritual and emotional needs of all in medical crisis, independent of hospital, faith or the current or future availability of funds for hospital chaplaincy programs.  Three seminars a year with 50 attendees each on spiritual care in the medical setting will be held.

Left to Right: David Haynes, Trinity Vice-Chair; Kelly Headden, Trinity Secretary; Anne Sprouse, UT Medical Dept. of Pastoral Care; Rev. Steve Sexton, UT Medical Dept. of Pastoral Care; Connie Hutchins, Trinity Chair; Dr. Lee Martin, Trinity President; Anthony Ingram, Trinity Board Member