Community Partnership Groups

"AKIN is a network of people in the Knoxville area who work to encourage dialogue about issues related to immigrants and refugees; to build better understanding among immigrants, refugees and members of local receiving communities; to support and learn from immigrant and refugee communities as they engage in civic and political life; to promote more just and reasonable policies toward immigration and asylum; and to foster a welcoming atmosphere in which all people are treated with dignity and respect and recognized for their positive contributions to the community."  AKIN

Purpose:  Family Promise is dedicated to supporting families facing homelessness and housing instability, helping them regain their independence through a community-oriented approach. In Knoxville, Family Promise mobilizes local resources, donations, congregational venues, and the efforts of volunteers to provide essential assistance to those grappling with the challenges of homelessness. Through its key shelter initiative, the Interfaith Hospitality Network, Family Promise of Knoxville has positively impacted the lives of hundreds of families. As part of this vital network, TVUUC generously opens its doors to provide temporary housing. Volunteers from TVUUC contribute their time and talents by sharing meals, staying overnight, playing with children, and offering their skills and dedication to help families on their journey to stability.

TVUUC FISH volunteers support the FISH Hospitality Pantries in their mission to prevent hunger in Knoxville and build community. As the largest food relief provider in East Tennessee, FISH serves over 7,000 families each month. Our goal is to help FISH ensure that everyone has access to nutritious food while fostering genuine relationships among diverse backgrounds. Each month, we deliver a 3-4 day supply of food along with essential items like soap, toilet paper, and pet food to the homes of those in need.

Purpose:  Justice Knox organizes diverse people to build and use their people power to solve community problems, like the affordable housing crisis, needs in our mental health care system, problems facing our schools, inadequate public transportation, and community gun violence. By belonging to Justice Knox, we TVUUCers work alongside people from 23 other congregations to work for justice with our City leaders to create policies and to push for action to identify and help solve problems.  By organizing people in our congregation, we help build Justice Knox to possess the power to successfully hold our community leaders accountable to justice and fairness. 

Purpose:  The Lonsdale Elementary School Library Volunteers play a vital role in supporting Lonsdale Elementary School, located in a community that often lacks resources. Our efforts aim to enhance the educational experiences of both students and staff. Every week during the school year, we assist the librarian by organizing and re-shelving books returned by students, helping to ensure the library remains a welcoming and accessible environment for learning.

Purpose:  The TVUUC Volunteer Ministry Meal Program supports the Volunteer Ministry Center in its efforts to find housing and provide assistance to Knoxville's homeless community. Our three teams purchase, prepare and serve a noon meal at the center on Broadway in Knoxville once a month.