Knoxville Chapter

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Welcome to the East Tennessee ChapterĀ 

In July 2011, the first Safe Families for Children hosting happened in Knoxville. There were eleven children hosted that year. That movement of compassion laid the foundation for churches and volunteers to open their hearts and homes to start meeting the needs of families in East Tennessee. Under the leadership of Safe Families for Children and through a strong collaboration of churches and local agencies, a new Circle of Support was established to support vulnerable families in East Tennessee who were navigating a crisis and needed a little help. Since its inception, an army of volunteers, church leadership, faithful donors, and the East TN Safe Families Council have expanded the capacity and extended the reach of this vital ministry. Over 2,600 children have been hosted, and over 18,000 nights of respite have been provided to keep kids safe and loved in East Tennessee.

The East TN ministry has been a leader in innovative programs, such as a weekly Bible Study with mothers in a residential rehabilitation center. The team is also constantly seeking creative partnerships that not only benefit the families they serve but also support the work of other local agencies and ministries. Their extensive collaboration with DCS, schools, mental health agencies, and over 100 local agencies in the East Tennessee region has served as a model for other programs nationwide.