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February 2025

When Support Comes Full Circle


We experienced a profound moment last week when we received a donation from a former resident.


We will call this resident Octavia to maintain confidentiality Octavia was pregnant when she arrived with her sister early last year after being homeless for some time. Octavia was devastated, as anyone would be, when she lost the baby a short time after arriving.


We saw her through it and supported her where we could as she picked up the pieces. After the grief subsided a bit, Octavia began working so hard, alongside her sister, to rebuild their lives and both ladies found fantastic jobs at telecommunications and auto companies.


Well, flash forward to last month when we saw this very same person who needed help last year was now giving us a donation...on a monthly basis at that! What a truly inspiring story of support coming full circle when we know where Octavia and her sister started, and now she's in a place to be able to give back and help the women and children currently at CRITI. It really does bring tears to your eyes when you think that because we were there for her in the way she needed, she's now willing to pay forward that same support. How incredible!

We're gearing up for 2025 ChattaDerby, our annual fundraiser, so we're looking for sponsors and silent auction donors!


Whether you own a business, work for a company that can sponsor, or want to sponsor as an individual or group, we have sponsorship levels that fit your budget!


And every year, the week before ChattaDerby, we host an online silent auction that's stocked with experiences, event tickets, artwork, gift cards, travel, and a ton more donated by businesses, individuals, groups, and clubs.


In return, your business or you are emblazoned on our sponsor or silent auction pages that we advertise on social media, newsletters, and press releases. It's a win-win! Don’t miss out on your chance to donate to this one-of-a-kind event! Items can be a value of $50 or more.



If your business or one you know will donate to this exciting element of ChattaDerby, please reach out to our Director of Development at akoon@chattanoogaroomintheinn.com or 423.713.7059.

Sponsor ChattaDerby
Sponsorship Benefits
Donate a Silent Auction Item

Thank You to Our Current ChattaDerby Sponsors

Triple Crown

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Gold Trophy

Off to the Races

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Encouraging Improvement


Zach, a resident 7th grader, came to us with his mom, brother, and sister several months ago after being evicted from their apartment. After mom's job loss and weeks of struggling to find employment, they came to be homeless and needed refuge. Seeking us out through the social services referral program, we had space at the right time for them.


Zach was failing in all school subjects; understandably so because becoming homeless is devastating and it upends your entire world. Through our child advocacy program, Zach started weekly tutoring in October. We're happy to report as of today on his most recent report card, he is passing all his classes with C's!


We're so proud of this young man and wanted to express it with a card signed by staff and a gift card to get a treat. Join us in celebrating his improvement and encouraging further growth!

Valentine's Day is the perfect time to send a meaningful gift. Crayola Flowers is partnering with us to give back! For every handcrafted bouquet purchased, 10% of gross sales will support Chattanooga Room in the Inn. Show love to someone special and help us make an impact this season of giving.

Send Flowers to a Loved One

Board Spotlight: Kimberly Race

Kimberly Race, married to local Meteorologist Bill Race of News Channel 9, is a passionate leader currently serving as the president of George Communications. Her journey in the field of communications and fundraising began with a degree from Asbury University, which laid the foundation for her life and career. She has taken on various roles over the years, each contributing to her understanding of fundraising, branding, media, and corporate strategy.


What truly drives Kimberly is her desire to be an advocate of the underserved. She has spent most of her career in nonprofit management with Christian ministries to only then create a company to serve multiple kingdom-building nonprofits to make an even greater impact. That is why she agreed to serve on the board of The Chattanooga Room in the Inn to continue to lead and be an advocate for those in need.


Beyond her professional commitments, Kimberly is deeply passionate about being a mother, raising 3 amazing children who have become leaders themselves. Two of her children are now married and both couples are expecting their first children. Kimberly can not wait to be a “yiayia” to two grandbabies to come in 2025! As a daughter of both a Greek immigrant and a Salvation Army Officer’s child, she has always used her role as a mother to teach her children her belief in giving back, blessing others, and supporting those who are in need just as she was taught. She is looking forward to passing this along to her grandchildren as well.


Executive Director, Taylor Hixson, says, "Kim is passionate about our mission, and it shows through her dedication to serving on CRITI's board. She generously shares her talents with our organization, making a significant difference in helping us achieve our goals."


Please join us in thanking Kim for all her contributions!


Apply

We're Hiring!


We are looking for a case manager to join the CRITI team and support our programming team's work with the women and children we serve.



This position is a full-time role working approximately 9a-5p Monday- Friday. Occasional after hours work may be required based on organizational needs.

St. Tikhon Orthodox Church

Walmart Academy

Missionary Baptist Church

Receive Store Updates and/or Volunteer

Join the Chattanooga Room in the Inn Shelter to Stability Donor Society


Join the Shelter to Stability Donor Society and make a meaningful impact in the lives of women and children in our program. Your dedication can transform into essential resources like clean clothes, mental health counseling, and life skills classes, all of which contribute to a path toward stable living. Together, we can create a brighter future for those in need.


Thank you to our current donor society members!

  • Karen Scott
  • Deborah Hulse
  • Pamala and Robert Thompson
  • Jordan Farmer
  • Clear Creek Church of Christ
  • Jack Mckee Family
  • ARTS Build (Community Cultural Connections Grant)
  • Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga
  • Anonymous (x8)
Benefits of the Donor Society
Donate
Planned Giving
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