The Knoxville chapter of Freedom for Youth continues to seek financial support as they are expanding into their own entity due to continued program growth.

The Knoxville Freedom for Youth’s goal since they first came to Knoxville under their parent company based out of Des Moines, was to eventually expand to their own organization. The free K-12 after school programming is now serving 80 kids in the community five days a week on a weekly basis. The ministry that has four core values of faith, leadership, education, and employment also holds several other programs and activities on top of their normal week-to-week programs. Freedom for Youth also provides a free meal available each night of programming.

With the continued growth of the program and a waiting list for a couple of their programs, the  ministry knew it was time to break off and become their own entity. The current Freedom for Youth building located on the Knoxville square is no longer big enough to be able to hold their program as the program is constantly growing. The ministry is looking to secure enough funding to make sure they meet financial requirements to become their own entity. The process  is completed in three phases, and they are in phase one now, which consists of securing enough recurring monthly donations and the group is currently 65% to their goal, but still need help. Freedom for Youth Community Development Coordinator Angie Gentry says the growth is a testament to what the program brings to the youth in the community.

“The growth that God has provided is what brought us to the realization that we were at this point that is exciting and ready to branch out on our own for the purpose of being able to in phase three be able to fundraise to purchase property to continue expanding. In the last five years we’ve went from 20 kids to 80 kids and we continue to accept new students almost every week.”

Phase three will consist of looking for a new building to hold their programming. Those who would like to partner with Freedom for Youth financially can email Angie at agentry@freedomforyouth.org. Hear more about the expansion from Gentry on today’s Let’s Talk Knoxville.