LOOKING BACK & LEADING FORWARD
“Looking Back and Leading Forward” is more than just a campaign slogan- it’s our history, our legacy and our continued commitment to tackling the tough issues. United Way of Greater Kingsport has been driving positive and sustainable change in our community by uniting people, businesses, and organizations since 1934. Today, as housing issues, inflation and the lingering effects of the pandemic continue to make life difficult, UWGK remains steadfast in our mission to improve lives. For over 90 years, United Way of Greater Kingsport has been fighting for the health, education, and financial stability of EVERY person who lives here. When others step back, We LEAD FORWARD.
• We LEAD FORWARD by helping Children and Youth Succeed.
• We LEAD FORWARD by ensuring Health, Safety and Stability.
• We LEAD FORWARD by promoting SelfSufficiency.
We harness the caring power of the community to make Kingsport a place everyone can thrive. But we can’t do it alone. Together, we can break the cycle of poverty. Together, we can promote early grade literacy. Together we can change lives. Together, we can Lead Forward!
Will you join us? You can give in one of three easy ways: 1) through a company workplace giving campaign; 2) donate online at www.uwaykpt.org/give; 3) complete the enclosed pledge card and return to UWGK, 301 Louis Street, Suite 201, Kingsport, TN 37660. Thank you in advance for your support!
Looking Back & Leading Forward!
Danelle Glasscock Rebecca Bek Executive Director 2024 Campaign Chair
Find volunteer opportunities at www.Volunteer-United.org.
ABOUT UNITED WAY OF GREATER KINGSPORT
United Way of Greater Kingsport brings people and organizations together from across our community to create long-term, lasting change that produces healthy, well-educated, and financially stable individuals and families. UWGK supports 27 agencies and 33 programs through financial funding, improving 1400 lives in our community every day. We Lead Forward by bridging the gaps between school and home, We Lead Forward by advocating for vulnerable populations and We Lead Forward by promoting self-sufficiency. We identify the problems. We find the answers. We take action. For ninety years, we have been leading the way to a better life for all. Join us as together, we LEAD FORWARD.
$2.8 MILLION
From the cover: Left: Sydney Brimmer, Middle: Courtney Williams, Right: Rebecca Ahlers volunteering during 2024 Week of Caring.
HEALTH
United Way of Greater Kingsport supplies funding to 14 programs that Lead Forward in Health-Advocating for vulnerable populations and ensuring safety and stability for everyone in our community.
Through the Small Miracles Horses Empower Heroes program, Veterans receive equine-assisted therapy to aid in physical and emotional healing. Utilizing both mounted and unmounted services, participants experiencing chronic stress and anxiety have a chance to bond with their horse partner. Horses provide teachable moments by communicating through body language in response to the participant’s actions and emotions. Through this interaction, participants learn to better cope with stress, ensuring safety and stability in their daily lives.
Horses Empower Heroes also facilitates work therapy, life and vocational skills, empathy, and responsibility. By helping Veterans reconnect with their families and re-integrate into the community, participants learn to self-regulate and better contribute their talents and skills to the local economy.
Small Miracles Horses Empower Heroes is just one of the ways We Lead Forward in Health.
Over 9,000 Students and Families served through community outreach. 800 Students participated in VIVE18 Prevention Program.
625 individuals experiencing homelessness were sheltered.
43 individuals achieved permanent housing.
54 individuals achieved permanent housing in 2023.
43
$273,865 in tax returns processed.
FINANCIAL STABILITY
United Way of Greater Kingsport supplies funding to 9 programs that Lead Forward in Financial StabilityPromoting self-sufficiency and providing opportunities for a better quality of life.
Oasis of Kingsport empowers women in our area by creating a safe space to find common ground and foster community through classes, Bible study, laundry, and conversation.
Over 3,500 books were distributed through partnerships and local events.
Over 1,600 local students participated in afterschool programming.
Over 3,500 books were distributed through partnerships and local events.
Over 1,600 local students participated in afterschool programming.
What began as a “shower and laundry ministry” has evolved into a full-service day center where women come together to receive case management and mentoring, participate in cooking, sewing, and parenting classes, and develop valuable life skills.
Through their PERKS Program, participants earn points by enrolling in classes, support groups, church services, job training, receiving their high school diploma, and more. By participating in the PERKS points, members not only save an average of $40 a month but also learn important skills to extend their household budget and promote self-sufficiency.
Oasis of Kingsport is just one of the ways We Lead Forward in Financial Stability.
EDUCATION
United Way of Greater Kingsport supplies funding to 10 programs that Lead Forward in EducationPromoting early childhood literacy and providing opportunities for every child and youth to reach their full potential.
Boys & Girls Club of Kingsport equips children in our area with the critical thinking and social-emotional skills to make healthy, safe choices and become contributing members of our community. Through after-school and summer programs, youth and teens in grades K-12 can explore new interests, participate in educational activities, attend field trips, and spend time with friends in a safe and fun environment.
Members receive mentorship from youth development professionals, emphasizing a sense of belonging and encouraging them to make good choices. By providing low-cost after-school and summer programs, the Boys & Girls Club of Kingsport is bridging the gap between school and home providing care and structure in those crucial hours when parents are still at work.
Boys & Girls Club of Kingsport is just one of the ways We Lead Forward in Education.
650 pounds of medications were collected at takeback events.
Over 310 students participated in drug prevention curriculums.
625 individuals experiencing homelessness were sheltered. 43 individuals achieved permanent housing.
Over 3,500 books were distributed through partnerships and local events.
Over 3,000 books distributed community wide. 1100 books donated through Week of Caring stocking 20 Little Free Libraries
Over 1,600 local students participated in afterschool programming.
2025 PROPOSED MEMBER AGENCY PROGRAMS & INITIATIVES
UNITED WAY OF GREATER KINGSPORT INITIATIVES
AveNew – Youth drug education and prevention coalition working to create a healthy and safe community that is free of substance misuse.
Community Ambassadors - a network of volunteers from across the Greater Kingsport area with the goal of welcoming newcomers of color and multicultural families.
Kingsport Homeless Coalition – To forge a united front for homelessness among public, private, non-profit, and faith-based agencies to foster collaborative solutions and comprehensive support for lasting community impact.
United WE READ – Initiative that aims to engage, empower, and equip all children, families, and the Greater Kingsport community with tools and strategies that build a literacy-rich culture, and a pathway to lifelong success.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) - An IRS initiative designed to support free tax preparation service for the underserved through various partner organizations.
HELPING CHILDREN AND YOUTH SUCCEED
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Tri-Cities –Community-Based & Site-Based Mentoring Program ($59,300) matches caring, consistent adult volunteers with children in our community who need a friend and mentor.
Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kingsport – Formula for Impact Program ($130,730) helps young people reach academic success, good character & leadership, and healthy lifestyles through targeted programs, learning activities, and regular attendance.
Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians, Inc. – Leadership Experience Program ($11,000) provides a leadership development program for girls grades K-12 by building skills that lead to future success.
Girls Inc. of Kingsport – Core Program ($151,800) provides facility-based and off-site outreach programs both afterschool, after hours, and during the summer for girls ages 4-19 that enhance their educational, occupational and physical development.
Holston Children & Youth Services (Frontier Health) – SchoolBased Prevention Program ($23,100) provides clinical services for at-risk students with academic, social, and/or behavioral problems; helps schools maintain safe, disciplined learning environments; and provides consultation for teachers and collaboration with counselors.
Kingsport Child Development Center – Sliding Fee Scale/ Income-Based Childcare Program ($112,667) provides quality childcare/preschool services implementing developmentallyappropriate programs meeting the social, emotional, and educational needs of all children served at affordable rates for parents/guardians.
Scouting America, Sequoyah Council – Youth Development Program ($13,000) prepares young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
Small Miracles Therapeutic Equestrian Center, Inc. – EquineAssisted Activities & Therapies Program ($20,000) enhances the physical, emotional, social, cognitive, and behavioral growth of individuals with special needs and disabilities through equine-assisted therapies.
Small Miracles Therapeutic Equestrian Center, Inc. – EquineAssisted Positive Youth Development Program ($15,500) teaches life skills and personal development of children and youth by providing leadership, and work/college-readiness skills through equine-assisted learning activities.
Sullivan County Imagination Library – Sullivan County Imagination Library Program ($20,000) promotes early childhood reading through monthly mailings of free, ageappropriate books to registered children in our county who are between birth and age five.
PROMOTING SELF-SUFFICIENCY
Family Promise of Greater Kingsport – Family Self-Sufficiency Program ($17,000) enhances the lives of those experiencing homelessness in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia by providing families with children temporary shelter and assistance so they may become self-sufficient.
Hope House – Fresh Start Program ($21,000) offers support services for pregnant women, new parents, and extended family members who are in crisis concerning pregnancy, parenting, and providing basic needs for themselves and their young children.
Hope House – Restart Program ($20,000) provides a residential program with a full range of support for pregnant mothers in crisis in our community to grow, succeed, and become self-sufficient.
Literacy Council of Kingsport – Tutoring Program for Adults ($35,953) helps improve the literacy and/or English language skills of adults who struggle to read, write, do math, or use technology above a third-grade level through one-on-one tutoring with trained volunteers.
Oasis of Kingsport – Core Program ($15,000) provides education, mentorship, support groups and training to at -risk women in the community through classes and case management.
Salvation Army – Social Services Program ($60,000) provides a wide variety of services including rent/mortgage/utility assistance, clothing assistance, food assistance, referrals, and case management.
Salvation Army – Emergency Shelter Program ($30,000) provides lodging, meals, personal hygiene items, clothing, counseling, job placement, and financial planning, to assist individuals/ families in becoming self-sufficient.
Small Miracles Therapeutic Equestrian Center, Inc. – Horses Empower Heroes Program ($9,500) promotes the recovery, stability, and self-sufficiency of veterans by assisting with the transition from mere survival mode into resiliency and hope through trauma-focused, relationship-rich, equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAAT).
Upper East Tennessee Human Development Agency –Community Service Neighborhood Assistance Program ($24,000) Provides rental and utility assistance, and employment needs for the prevention of homelessness through financial literacy and life coaching.
ENSURING HEALTH, SAFETY AND STABILITY
American Red Cross of Northeast Tennessee – Disaster Cycle Services ($105,000) serves people affected by disaster and prepares communities for disaster, response, and recovery, to create a more resilient community.
Appalachian Miles for Smiles – Appalachian Miles for Smiles Mobile Dental Unit ($24,000) provides quality dental care and eye examinations at no cost to uninsured residents of East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.
CASA for Kids, Inc. – Core Program ($47,000) supports and promotes professionally-trained community volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children’s best interest within the Juvenile Court and ensure safe and stable placements.
Children’s Advocacy Center of Sullivan County – Counseling Program ($38,000) provides trauma-focused treatment to the child victims of sexual abuse and severe physical abuse in a child-friendly environment that focuses on the well-being of the child.
Children’s Advocacy Center of Sullivan County – Victim Services Program ($10,000) provides counseling and
assistance to the non-offending parents or caregivers of victims from initial contact and throughout the investigation and intervention process.
Friends in Need – Dental Services Program ($58,200) provides affordable dental care to the uninsured and underinsured across Northeast Tennessee.
Friends in Need – Medical Services Program ($22,000) provides affordable medical care to the uninsured or underinsured across Northeast Tennessee.
Holston Counseling (Frontier Health) – Outpatient Services ($50,400) offers a wide variety of services, including various therapy types, case management, and medication management to those with mental, addiction, or co-occurring conditions.
Legal Aid of East Tennessee – Domestic Violence Legal Assistance Program ($16,500) provides family safety and stability for victims of domestic violence through court orders granting a divorce or order of protection.
Link House (Frontier Health) – Core Program ($41,900) provides food, shelter, crisis intervention, diagnostic and evaluation services as well as counseling to adolescent females who are neglected, abused, runaway, unruly, or delinquent.
Mountain Region Speech & Hearing Center – SpeechLanguage Scholarship Program ($57,000) provides infants, children, and adults with quality and cost-effective evaluation, treatment, and education for speech, language, and swallowing disorders regardless of their ability to pay.
SAFE House (Frontier Health) – Domestic Violence Shelter Program ($61,350) provides a safe, confidential, and temporary shelter for victims of domestic violence and their children. 24/7 services may include crisis services, transportation, advocacy, follow-up, and education.
SUPPORTING AGING WITH CHOICES
First Tennessee Human Resource Agency – Personal Support Services Program ($19,100) promotes self-sufficiency and prevents institutional placement by providing cost-effective in-home care for individuals in threat of harm due to abuse or neglect.
Meals on Wheels of Kingsport – Core Program ($110,000) provides hot, nutritious meals and human contact to isolated, incapacitated senior citizens and, if appropriate, other homebound, disabled persons to facilitate safe, independent living.
2024 Regional United Ways and Community Chests of Tennessee/Virginia
We appreciate your gift to the United Way of Greater Kingsport. Occasionally, donors may also choose to designate a portion of their gift to one of these participating area Community Chests or United Ways. Any donor needing
2024 BOARD MEMBERS
2024 AT-LARGE-MEMBERS
President ............................................................................................... Craig Schmidt, Eastman
Vice-President
........................................................... Brent Mullins, Powell Valley National Bank
Secretary ........................................................................................... Greg Perdue, First Horizon
Treasurer/Finance Chair
Donna Jones, Community Volunteer
Assistant Treasurer/Finance Vice-Chair Mike Watts, Community Volunteer
Administration Chair Kristi Bennett, Eastman
Administration Vice-Chair Austin Greene, Intellithought
Audit Committee Chair
Jonathan Bailey, Community Volunteer
Audit Committee Vice-Chair ................................................
Beth Barnett, Mitch Cox Companies
Communications Chair ............................................................. Jenny Kontos, Hillhouse Creative
Communications Vice-Chair ....................................................................... Brad Lifford, Eastman
Community Assessment/Planning Chair ........................... Mike Upshaw, Community Volunteer
Community Assessment/Planning V-Chair
Community Investment Chair
Community Investment Vice-Chair
Lisa Jones, Community Volunteer
Brian Alderson, Thompson & Litton
Chad Austin, City of Kingsport
Human Resources Chair Kevin Smith, Ballad Health
Human Resources Vice-Chair
Leadership Development Chair ..............................................
Leadership Development Vice-Chair ...............................
Nina Nabors, Eastman
Cecile Wimberley, Second Harvest
Desteny Clemons, Kingsport Chamber
Quality Chair ........................................................................
Edd Baldock, Community Volunteer
Quality Vice-Chair ....................................................................... Justin Hutchison, Ballad Health
Resource Development Chair Rebecca Beck, Ballad Health
Resource Development Vice Chair
Strategic Planning Chair
Strategic Planning Vice-Chai
Ramona Jackson, MeadowView
Brett Sago, Eastman
Cari Parker, Community Volunteer
Ellie Southern ........................................................................................................ PEAK / Domtar
Paul Montgomery ................................................................................................................ CMDA
Marty Boykin ................................................................................................................... Eastman
Dwight Owens Ballad Health
Michael Borders .City of Kingsport
Chris Hampton Kingsport City Schools
