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"A Better Life for All. A Better Life for You."
This month's feature article is excerpted from a note from Brian K. Miller, UWGK supporter, Eastman Superintendent - Utilities Division, and past Campaign Coordinator, sent to the Utilities department during our campaign. We thank Brian for his advocacy, continued support of United Way, and for allowing us to share this letter.
Why do I support the United Way of Greater Kingsport?
We all get more requests from worthy organizations for financial assistance than we can support. My wife and I have been long-term supporters of the United Way for many reasons, but I want to highlight the primary reason. I believe Kingsport and the surrounding communities have the best volunteers in the world! Local volunteers read to children, feed the hungry, care for the elderly, help abused children and spouses, provide opportunities for individuals to learn, mentor teenagers at risk, provide free medical care, provide emergency services, and many more. Supporting the United Way really helps maximize the impact of the agencies, programs, AND the world-class army of volunteers.
The United Way of Greater Kingsport efficiently distributes our contributions to 29 agencies and 44 programs to maximize every dollar. The Citizens Review Committee works hard to make sure the funding is being distributed appropriately and ensure individual agencies are making a positive impact. I believe it is the best way to make sure my contributions are fully utilized here locally and leveraged to support the thousands of volunteers willing to donate their time and talents to LIVE UNITED.
Superintendent, Utilities Division, Eastman Chemical Company
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Thank YOU! UWGK Exceeds Goal
Volunteers display $4,057554.52 raised
Thanks to your generosity, the United Way of Greater Kingsport exceeded its 2015 Campaign Goal of $4 million through generous community contributions.
The 2015 campaign theme was "A Better Life For All. A Better Life For You." When the Kingsport community was asked, "Could It Be Better?," the answer was a resounding YES. That enthusiasm was honored on Wednesday, November 18, when UWGK convened volunteers, board members, agencies, and members of the community to celebrate exceeding the campaign goal of $4 million. "We are pleased to announce today that through the tremendous generosity of our Greater Kingsport community that we have raised $4,057,554.52 to date," said Craig Denison, UWGK Campaign Cabinet Chairperson and market president of Bank of Tennessee. "I continue to be amazed by the generous One Kingsport Spirit," added Mayor John Clark before presenting a mayor's commendation to Craig Denison for his leadership of this year's campaign.
At the celebration, attendees heard stories of direct impact from agency representatives. Sherri Russell, Executive Director for Small Miracles Therapeutic Equestrian Center, Inc. introduced Tammy and Callie Moore. Callie is served by Small Miracles. Her mother, Tammy, spoke poignantly about the difference Small Miracles has made in her daughter's life, giving Callie a sense of confidence and achievement. They were followed by Missy Sturgill, Assistant Director of CASA for Kids, and CASA volunteer, Jo Gragg. Jo shared her story of how CASA impacted her life, helping her navigate the court system and deliver a young family member from an abusive household. These stories served to underscore the effect of community donations on everyday lives.
"The contributions made by community members enable our 29 UWGK Member Agencies through their 44 programs and our Community Impact Initiatives, such as United WE READ, Life BRIDGE, Appalachian Miles for Smiles and SeniorConnectKpt.org, to positively impact not just select individuals and families, but our entire community," said Danelle Glasscock, executive director, UWGK. "We know our entire community benefits from productive individuals and stable families. When you give to United Way, our children perform better in school, our neighborhoods are safer, and our communities are healthier."
To the United Way, making it better means that everyone in the community has an opportunity for a quality education, financial stability, and good health. We are proud to be in a community that shares that vision, and works vigilantly toward a better life for all.
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Melissa Davis, RN screening FIN medical patient
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The mission of Friends In Need (FIN) is to provide quality affordable care to the working uninsured residents of Sullivan, Hawkins and Scott Counties and assist in the overall effort to develop a healthier region.
FIN works with patients to make sure they see their physicians regularly, an effort that leands itself to much improved patient treatment. This emphasis on individual health also leads to remedying root-cause health issues that affect the region, according to Bruce Sites, Executive Director of FIN.
Dr. Nathan Ridgeway, FIN Medical Director, states that the overall health of the patient can be maintained with less chronic patient downtime and the overall improvement in health will be significant over time.
FIN currently has approximately 1000 active medical and dental patients and delivers care through more than 3,500 patient encounters each year. Since its inception in 1995, FIN has delivered care through more than 95,000 patient encounters.
Friends in Need is located at 1105 West Stone Dr., Kingsport, TN 37660. For more information, please contact Bruce Sites, Executive Director, at (423) 224-5697 or visit their
website.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Save the Date:
United Way of Greater Kingsport Leadership Giving Event
Tuesday, January 19
Toy F. Reid Employee Center
United Way of Greater Kingsport Annual Meeting
Wednesday, February 17
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
V.O. Dobbins Complex Douglass Room
Be on the lookout for more information coming soon! Please RSVP to Brenda Overbey for these events.
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We raised over $4 million
because of you!
Thank you for helping to create a better life for all!
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Happy Holidays from UWGK!
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Visit 2-1-1 Contact Concern of Northeast TN's
new website for free information about health and human services!
Visit
KATS website for information pm curb-to-curb transportation
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