Ministry Spotlight: January 2026
MAKING WINTER MEMORIES
The cold weather brings with it many meaningful (indoor!) opportunities to gather with young people across the city.
The energy is already high in Emerald Youth’s afterschool program, as children and youth are jumping back into routines, reconnecting with caring adults, and settling into afternoons filled with learning, laughter, and leadership-building. We can’t wait to see how the semester unfolds and the ways children continue to grow in their faith, learning, and health.
Thanks to the Knoxville Ice Bears Foundation, children from our church partner Laurel Church of Christ enjoyed an afternoon on the rink at the Ice Chalet. Who knows, maybe there was a future Winter Olympian on the ice!
Emerald Youth’s wrestling season is well underway, with young athletes participating in wrestling meets across the area, and through the generosity of Coach Rick Barnes and Tennessee Basketball, elementary children have the opportunity to serve as Kid Captain at Vol Hoops games.
At our January All Staff gathering, we reflected on what the Lord did in 2025 in the lives of young people, and we celebrated 10 years of partnership with Second United Methodist Church. Check out the videos below.
2025 Emerald Youth Recap Video
Celebrating 10 Years with Second United Methodist Church
HONORING DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.
In honor and recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Emerald Youth staff, volunteers and partners came together across Knoxville to celebrate the legacy of Dr. King through service, reflection, and community.
Emerald Youth Foundation and Emerald Academy are pleased to support work locally of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Commission. What a blessing it was to participate in the annual Thomas “Tank” Strickland Leadership Awards Luncheon on January 15 with hundreds of community leaders to remember Dr. King, as well as Tank Strickland, a longtime friend of Emerald.
Speakers challenged attendees to think deeply about service, unity, and justice. It was a meaningful opportunity to listen, learn, and be reminded that lasting change happens through consistent, faithful work. We’re grateful to be part of a city that continues to come together around these values and to play a role in shaping the next generation of leaders committed to them.
We also welcomed a special group of “volunteers” as Tennessee Football players spent time with young people doing a creative service project for East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, hearing a message on the life of Dr. King and enjoying some friendly competition through games and exercise. See the pictures below, and check out this Instagram Reel for more highlights.
Seeing student-athletes invest their time in this way sent a powerful message about leadership, character and giving back. Representation matters, and moments like these help young people envision what’s possible for their own futures. We’re thankful for partners like UT Athletics who understand the impact of investing time in our city’s young people.
CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers are at the heart of our mission, including the dedicated ladies pictured above who faithfully serve at our ministry partner, Life Church, in North Knoxville. There are many opportunities to get involved! From tutoring and mentoring to coaching and meal support, volunteers help create safe, encouraging environments where young people can thrive.
Whether you can serve weekly or seasonally, there’s a place for you to make a difference. Here are some ways to connect with us right now.
Calling & Career Ministry
Tutors & homework helpers
Mentors
Emerald Youth Sports
Track & Field coaches
Performance training volunteers
AAU basketball coaches
Middle School soccer coaches
JustLead Ministry
Serve or provide Wednesday night meals (great opportunity for small businesses or groups)
Lead small groups for elementary–high school students
Tutoring & homework help
Worship Arts Ministry
Support for choir rehearsals
Wednesday night worship leaders
STRENGTH TO STAND
More than 80 high schoolers kicked off 2026 by attending the Strength to Stand conference, an experience designed to encourage young people in their faith and equip them to live with courage and purpose. Through worship, teaching, and connection, they were challenged to think deeply about what it means to stand firm in their beliefs.
This year’s theme was “Leading a Generation to Jesus,” and the experience challenged young people to go beyond the surface of casual Christianity and foster them into a lifetime commitment to Jesus Christ. Teaching and worship was led by Scott Dawson, CeCe Winans, and Chandler Moore, among others.
Many youth returned energized and reflective, sharing takeaways from speakers, meaningful conversations with peers, and moments of personal growth. For some, it was their first experience at a large faith-based conference, making the impact even more significant.
Opportunities like this help young people step outside their normal routines, encounter new perspectives, and strengthen the foundation they’re building for their lives.
PLANNED GIVING IN 2026
Later this year we will celebrate our 35th anniversary, and we’re already looking ahead with hope and intention at what the coming decades will bring. In doing so, planned giving offers a meaningful way for supporters to invest in the future of Knoxville’s young people while honoring the legacy they want to leave behind.
Through our partnership with 25 Giving, individuals and families can help ensure that faith formation, academic support, mentoring, and sports programs continue to thrive for generations to come. These gifts provide stability and sustainability, allowing Emerald Youth to plan boldly and serve faithfully.
Are you thinking about selling anything in 2026? Whether it’s a business, lake or mountain house, family farm, or other appreciated asset, you may benefit by converting tax dollars into giving dollars, and support organizations like Emerald Youth Foundation.
Watch this video to learn more about taking advantage of liquidity events. You can also find more details here.
Ready to go ahead and connect with us? Reach out and email David Olive, Director of Major & Planned Gifts, or call him at 865.637.3227 ext. 254.