About the Nonprofit
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Emerald Youth Foundation is an urban youth and community development ministry. Since incorporation in 1991, EYF's mission has been to raise up urban youth to love Jesus Christ and become effective leaders who help to renew their communities. We intentionally focus on the core of our city, serving in areas with significant economic and social needs and engage with more than 3,000 children and youth annually across 14 economically disadvantaged communities.
EYF's research and experience has shown that there are significant service gaps in inner-city neighborhoods in faith, learning, health, and relationships. Therefore, we endeavor to engage the 15,000+ young people living in Knoxville's city core in three key areas of programming - faith, health, and learning - while always seeking to grow supportive relationships between youth, their families, and our trained staff. Our programming is structured geographically allowing us to build our programming around the key institutions that make up each neighborhood including churches, schools, community centers, and other nonrofit organizations. This allows us to duplicate effective programs across neighborhoods while also tailoring our programs to reflect the unique personalities and resource needs of each area.
Our after-school program, JustLead, provides elementary and middle school children with homework support; one-on-one tutoring; individualized learning paths in reading and math literacy; safe placces to learn, snack, and play; discipliship curricullum; health instruction; educational field trips; and community service opportunities.
For young adults, we offer our Calling & Career program. C&C seeks to help students successfully transition from middle school to high school and beyond, equipping young people with the skills and resources needed to thrive in their classes and pursue postsecondary learing or training. High school students receive access to technology and tutoring assistance. Additionally, youth hae opportunities to participate in workshops, job-shadowing prgrams, and college visits.
Our largest program area is Emerald Youth Sports. This program is integral for engaging Knoxville youth. Our sports program collaborates with FCA, local schools, and community sports leagues to connect students with recreational and competitive sports teams while also teaching them about the importance of caring for their bodies, making healthy choices, and learning valuable life skills.
