Ministry Spotlight: October 2026
CELEBRATING A LEGACY
Join us November 9 for our 18th Annual Legacy Dinner. We are thrilled to honor Rick Kuhlman as the 2026 Legacy Award recipient. Make sure to get your seat for a great night as we come together to celebrate our community and honor Rick.
VOLS PARK HERE
Park with us. Cheer on the Vols. Beat Bama. Support Knoxville youth. That’s what we call a game-day win!
If you’re heading to a University of Tennessee football game this fall, make your game-day parking count!
Emerald Youth Foundation opens parking at our fenced-in lot across the street from Sansom Sports Complex (near 234 Dale Avenue) for just $30 per vehicle.
Proceeds from parking support Emerald Youth Foundation and the young people we serve across Knoxville — so before you head to Neyland to sing Rocky Top, you can start the day by making an impact right here in our community.
Grab your orange, park your car, and Go Vols!
MAKING WAVES, BUILDING LEADERS
During fall break, 29 high school students traveled to Gulf Shores, Alabama, for Emerald Youth’s Beach Leadership Week.
Centered on Ephesians 2:10, young people explored what it means to be disciples of Jesus: to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what Jesus does.
Through leadership workshops, high schoolers discovered their God-given strengths, explored how they are uniquely designed, and learned how to use those gifts to lead and serve others.
And of course, no beach retreat would be complete without a little joking! High schoolers had plenty of harmless pranks along the way, including reminding some of us that we're apparently considered the "older generation" now. Don't believe us? Just watch the video below.
The week concluded with a powerful time of worship and communion on the beach, where a student made the decision to be baptized, surrounded by his peers celebrating this special moment!
What began as young people from different ministry locations across the city ended with a deeper sense of unity as one body of Christ.
Want to learn more about how you can get involved in helping students discover their Calling & Career? Check out our Calling & Career Ministry.
GET INVOLVED TODAY
Young people across the city are showing up at Emerald Youth ready to learn, play and grow, and we need caring adults ready to show up alongside them.
Whether you help a young person finally solve a tricky math problem, lead from the sidelines in a game, help serve meals or volunteer in other meaningful ways, we want to connect with you!
A few volunteer areas we could use your help in right now:
Meal teams
Small group leaders
Tutors/homework help
Club Volleyball Coaches (start in December)
Worship Arts - Vocal Coaches & Music Instructors
We’re also seeking dedicated men and women to join our team in full- and part-time roles. Learn more about career opportunities with Emerald.
A CHAMPION FOR EMERALD ACADEMY
Michael Kelley, a longtime friend of Emerald Youth Foundation and Emerald Academy, was recently honored by the Tennessee Charter School Center as the 2025-2026 Charter Champion Advocate of the Year.
We're so grateful for Michael and his commitment to Emerald Academy scholars and faculty.
He has provided legal counsel to Emerald Academy since its inception while becoming deeply involved in the life of the school.
Beyond his work as an attorney in Knoxville, he volunteers daily with a 4th grade book club and stepped in as head coach of the varsity basketball team, never missing a practice or game.
He models Emerald Academy’s core values, demonstrates exceptional leadership, and loves scholars well.
We appreciate the many ways Michael advocates for and invests in Emerald Academy’s scholars, families and school community.
Congrats, Michael!
SAVE MONEY AND AVOID TAXES WITH GIFTS OF STOCK
Rather than sell your stock, consider giving some of it to Emerald Youth Foundation, especially highly appreciated stock. You won't pay any taxes, and you receive an income tax deduction for your gift.
Benefits of Giving Stock
Here are some of the benefits you can experience by making a gift of stock this year:
AVOID capital gains taxes up to 23.8%
RECEIVE an income tax deduction for the full amount of your gift
MAKE a meaningful gift with no cash out-of-pocket
CAPTURE the value of your stock and end the worrying about market ups and downs
PUT your gift to work right away on behalf of Knoxville's youth
If you would like to receive Emerald Youth's stock transfer information or learn about other ways to benefit, ask us about how your stock can be used to support Emerald's mission.
Reach out to our team at Emerald directly: Email David Olive, Director of Major & Planned Gifts, or call 865.637.3227 ext. 254.
FREE FLU VACCINATION CLINIC
Help protect yourself and your family this flu season!
The Knox County Health Department is hosting free flu vaccination clinics throughout the community on Tuesday, October 20, with walk-ins welcome, including at our Emerald Youth East Area Ministry Complex, 2410 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue.
Thanks to a partnership with New Direction Health Care Solutions and Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee, free food will also be available!
No appointment is needed. Bring your family and get your flu shot at a location convenient to you.