Mr. Christopher Martin, President
The Regas Building
318 North Gay Street, Suite 210
Knoxville, TN 37917
865-524-2774
http://www.klf.org
Amachi Knoxville
Started in 2004, Amachi Knoxville provides critically needed support to children of prisoners by connecting them with caring adult mentors who provide consistent relationships, which have proven effective in helping these children reach their fullest potential. Children of incarcerated parents are the fastest growing and most vulnerable population in the US, with more than five million children now impacted by a parent’s incarceration – a 500% increase in the past 25 years. Amachi Knoxville’s mentoring program works with more than 30 community partners to identify and recruit 105 (annual 1:1 goal) safe, committed mentors each year to work with 105 (annual 1:1 goal) of the more than 4,500 youth in Knox County who have a parent in prison (Tennessee Department of Correction Annual Report, 2016) while sustaining 183 ongoing matches.
Compassion Coalition
Compassion Coalition’s (CC) Connection Point (CP) is a call center that bridges gaps in community resources to fully address the emergency needs of Knox County low-income individuals and families in crisis. For over 15 years, CP case managers have addressed clients’ needs through KLF collaborative partnerships with area churches, other nonprofits, committed individuals, and government agencies to provide financial, material, and service resources that lead clients to longer-term financial stability beyond the emergency support needed. This year, the Compassion Coalition was chosen by the City of Knoxville as one of only three organizations tasked to distribute targeted Knoxville funds for utilities and rent support to those facing emergency needs or the risk of homelessness due to COVID-19.
KnoxWorx
KnoxWorx is a highly successful workforce development program that helps unemployed individuals impacted by living in poverty obtain training and credentials in high-demand industries that will lead to full-time employment. Whether individuals are seeking high school equivalency certificates, wanting to improve life skills, or wish to pursue training in a specific area of interest, KnoxWorx helps people who feel stuck find a clear path and a successful future. KnoxWorx combines meeting goals for education, training, and employability skills with gaining industry certifications and making connections to employment opportunities.
“We have been existing to find the greatest needs of our city and help develop resources and tools to get after those needs.”