There’s a concept of the Matthew Effect which uses math to illustrate what folks have lamented about for thousands of years – the rich get richer while the poor get poorer. Take tech for example – the rich and poor often have different problems, but because it’s more profitable to solve problems for the wealthy a disproportionate share of tech innovation focuses on solving problems for the affluent. However, it doesn’t have to be this way – and we have been blown away by the thousands of members of our community who have devoted their lives through their businesses, organizations and art to serve the underserved.

Robert Ennis

At Ennis Center we provide an array of services to abused and neglected youth. From foster care and adoption services to art therapy and counseling, it is our mission to preserve families when possible and create new ones when necessary. Read more>>

Arminta McKinney

I am not only a photographer, but I’m photographer who’s a single mom who believes in the capability of blended families. I know that all single mom’s and dad’s may not be able to afford the cost of hiring a professional photographer to take photos of their families, so I like to have specials to serve them. Read more>>

John Michael Stagliano

In 2016, I learned that the Lowcountry Home of Hope, a men’s homeless shelter, required financial help to keep the doors to the only homeless shelter in Summerville open. I was friendly with many shelter residents through his volunteer efforts with Katie’s Krops. Read more>>

Etta Young

Act of service comes to mind when I think of serving the underserved, and I do this by living a life of service, being responsive to the needs of others, and being a voice for the underserved youth and women in my community. Read more>>

Monserrat Macias

I am extremely passionate about serving and advocating for the underserved latino community. I am a first-generation immigrant from Mexico who grew up in Colorado. I experienced first-hand the lack of resources in Spanish / for the Latino community. Read more>>

Kara Finger

I have had the honor of working as Wesley House Community Center’s executive director for 3 1/2 years. We serve one of the most under resourced communities in Knoxville. We are able to provide affordable, quality, and accessible childcare, fight food insecurity, and provide social support for senior citizens experiencing social isolation. Read more>>