VMC Endowment Fund: Be A Game Changer

MAY 2024 ISSUE

$2Million Opportunity to Help Prevent/End Homelessness

A VMC GAME CHANGER

Game Changer (noun): A newly introduced element or factor that changes an existing situation or activity in a significant way!

A neighbor experiencing homelessness getting dentures is a game changer! A neighbor reuniting with family is a game changer! A neighbor achieving housing is a game changer!

VMC HAS EXCITING NEWS THAT WILL BE A GAME CHANGER

A long-time supporter, a foundation, is sunsetting and will be dispersing its remaining assets. Because the foundation believes strongly in our mission, it's principals have pledged to give $1 million to the VMC Endowment, with the provision that we raise $1 million in matching funds. We have until the end of this year to accomplish this, and we are up to the challenge!

HOW WILL WE GET THERE?

We have faith that many of our supporters will be willing to make a one-time contribution over and above their current annual giving. The VMC board is committed to having 100% participation from its members. We are already off to a good start with $370,000 in hand.

WHAT WILL BE THE IMPACT?

A $2 million endowment would add a level of financial strength that VMC has never before enjoyed. It would generate close to $100,000 annually, providing a cushion for the ebbs and flows of government grants. Imagine if this were already in place - perhaps we might have been able to keep The Foyer open while searching for other permanent funding. Imagine adding another street outreach team so that we could extend our reach deeper into Knox County. Imagine the beginning of our next affordable housing project.

WILL YOU BE A GAME CHANGER?

Contribute to the VMC Endowment campaign and see what great things happen! Please consider making a donation over and above your regular annual giving to propel us to that $1 million goal. It could be cash, the transfer of stock, or possibly other assets. Donations can also be made online at VMC Endowment Fund.

Thank you so much for your continuing support of VMC's mission to prevent and end homelessness. I am happy to have a conversation or meet with you to answer any questions. Please feel free to contact me at sconway3839@comcast.net.

Susan

Susan Conway,

VMC Board Member & Chair of the Endowment Committee

HOUSING SUCCESS WITH COMPASSION FOR ALL

Nanette found herself experiencing homelessness living in her truck with her cat, Katie. New to Knoxville, she was uncertain where to turn for help. Staying at a shelter was not an option due to her caring for Katie. Nanette came to the VMC Bush Family Refuge in search of resources and guidance. We are happy to share that Nannette successfully achieved housing recently with the help from the combined efforts of VMC programs: The Bush Family Refuge, Street Outreach, and Rapid Rehousing.

The unconditional love and support provided by a pet is invaluable. Because Nannette was working with case management at VMC, Young Williams Animal Center partnered with her to provide temporary housing for Katie while Nanette worked towards housing. This way Nanette did not have to choose between housing and her beloved companion and she was able to focus on her goal of housing knowing that Katie was being well taken care of and that they would be reunited.

Thank you to Young-Williams for helping Nanette make sure that Katie

was taken care of so she could find an permanent home for them both!

JULY WINE & SHINE EVENT

Please join us for the 12th Annual Don Sproles Memorial Evening “WINE AND SHINE” on July 26th at the Crowne Plaza.

This event features a tasting and presentation of several premium moonshines through Sugarland’s Distillery as well as a collection of spectacular wines. The evening will include delicious gourmet food, a live band, and a live and silent auction led by no other than Auctioneer Bear Stephenson!

VMC is honored once again to have storyteller extraordinaire Sam Venable as the Event Emcee!

Proceeds from the ticket sales go directly to support the programs of the Volunteer Ministry Center.

BUY TICKETS NOW

BECOME A SPONSOR

REMOVING BARRIERS Andrue receiving his new work boots from long-time Bush Family Refuge Volunteer Linda Van Beke.

Often, the only barrier for an individual starting a new job is a simple pair of shoes. Being able to provide steel toe work boots and non-slip food service shoes can mean the difference between homelessness and staying housed. Andrue can now start his new job with what he needs to be successful!

CHURCHES COME TOGETHER TO "FILL" NEED

Six local churches came together on a cooperative project, "Fill-A-Bag", to help make an unhoused neighbor's day a little better. The bags were filled with hygiene products and other items for delivery by our Street Outreach Team. Many thanks to Solway UMC, Concord UMC, Westminster Presbyterian, Cokesbury UMC, Martin Chapel UMC, and Beaver Ridge UMC for coming together to identify a need in our community and most importantly, for meeting that need.

VOLUNTEER BRINGS COMFORT & LOVE

Meet Tate, our newest volunteer! Tate is in training to be a therapy dog. He spent a day with us in the Resource Center honing his skills while giving and getting a lot of love in the process. A case manager related that one of our neighbors, who had been quiet and had difficulty opening up with her, immediately began smiling and became more relaxed when Tate entered the room and approached him. We look forward to Tate providing extra comfort and love to those working hard to change their lives.

FEELING "HUMAN" AGAIN WITH DENTURES

Rebecca is showing off her vibrant smile with one of our awesome Dental Clinic staff who helped to make her new dentures possible!

Getting new dentures was a two-year process as she had to have her teeth pulled before she could start with the dentures. Rebecca shared that she experienced homelessness for three years, but achieved housing 8 months ago. She is so thankful to be in housing and to have a place of her own.

When asked how it felt to have her smile back, Rebecca responded, “I feel human again.”

THOUSANDS OF MEALS PROVIDED AT VMC

Last year meal groups provided and served over 10,000 meals to our unhoused neighbors working towards housing in the VMC Resource Center.

This month, we would like to give a special thanks to St. James Episcopal Church of Knoxville, for providing lunch every month for many years.

From left to right are Linda Dunlap, Duane Dunlap, James Scott and Phillip Szuromi. Not pictured are: Bea Emory, and Patty and Harry Chase.

WE NEED YOU

The word VOLUNTEER has a very special meaning to us here at VMC, from day one volunteers have been integral to our programs and services! VMC has many volunteer opportunities for people of all faiths, interests and talents. We have needs for groups and individuals to do a variety of things around our facilities.

Check Out VMC's Volunteer Opportunities

NEEDED: MENS JEAN SIZES 32-36

Attention VMC Friends and supporters, our Street Outreach Team urgently is in need of men's jeans in sizes 32-36 (used or new). We currently have larger sizes in stock, but do not have any smaller sizes, leading to turning away individuals in need. Your support in donating these specific sizes and spreading the word would greatly assist us in meeting this need.

Donations can be dropped off at our main building during operating hours from Monday to Thursday (8am-5pm) and Friday (8am-3pm).