FAQs

Aid to Distressed Families of Appalachian Counties (ADFAC) began in the mid 1980’s as a local ecumenical effort to provide assistance to impoverished families. As the broad needs of the low-income community became evident, the faith-based collaborative moved to become a 501(c)(3) public charity in January, 1987. Over the years, ADFAC has honored its roots by developing a broad variety of programs designed to meet unfilled needs in the community and currently answers over 6,000 requests for assistance each year.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee has been transforming the lives of children since 1970. A member agency of the oldest and largest youth mentoring organization in the United States, consisting of more than 350 agencies nationwide, Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee has a mission to create and professionally support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and potential of youth in our area.

CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates, who are trained to represent the best interests of children in juvenile abuse and neglect court cases. CASA is a local, nonprofit organization in communities all across the nation. The core purpose of CASA of the Tennessee Heartland is to provide a voice for abused and neglected children in our community. As a non-profit, volunteer-based agency, our mission is to empower CASA volunteers to advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children in juvenile court.

The Free Medical Clinic provides no-charge primary and medical care for low-income and uninsured residents of Anderson, Morgan, and Roane Counties of Tennessee and for partners enrolled in their medical service program including Telehealth options, access to free or discounted medications, special medical programs, treatments, imaging, tests, lab work, and preventative care with annual physicals.

Girls Inc. of Tennessee Valley is a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring and empowering girls aged 6-18 in the Tennessee Valley region. We provide evidence-based programs that focus on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), financial literacy, healthy living, and violence prevention. Our mission is to ensure that all girls have the opportunity to grow and learn in a supportive environment that helps them understand their value, potential, and rights.

Our research-based programs are delivered in a dynamic and engaging manner that makes learning fun and effective. We are also committed to advocacy work, striving for policy and culture change that can support equal opportunities for girls and women. The overall goal of Girls Inc. of Tennessee Valley is to build strong, smart, and bold girls who can positively contribute to society.

Since 1979, Roane State Foundation has been on a mission to strengthen communities and eliminate barriers to student success. With help from donors and other community partners, the Foundation provides financial support to students and programs on nine Roane State campuses across ten counties of East Tennessee. Foundation initiatives to support Roane State students and communities include annual student scholarships; professional development opportunities for RSCC faculty and staff; institutional facilities and equipment for Roane State Community College; funding for RSCC academic programs, athletics, and more; and community programs that fuel student growth.

TORCH opened its doors in January 2013 as the only comprehensive homeless service in Anderson County, TN.

Because there is no shelter in the county, TORCH operates the Housing First model. Efforts are made to find affordable, sustainable housing as quickly as possible. If extra financial assistance is needed after an address is established and a client qualifies an agreement may be made to assist for a predesigned amount and/or time. We call that plan “Shelter in the Future Home” and find it a much more cost-effective way to assist those we house in reaching self-sufficiency. The first step in future success is establishing a permanent address.

United Way of Anderson County improves lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community to advance the common good by focusing on Youth Development, Self-Sufficiency, and Senior & Health Services—the building blocks for a good life and strong community.