Latest News
Black Tie and Blue Jeans Goes Virtual with an Online Silent Auction
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Bacon at the Bear is Shaking Things Up for 2020
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Pinwheels for Prevention Promotes Child Abuse Awareness
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New Hope’s Heroes For Hope Virtual 5K To Take Place This Weekend
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Help Protect our Children from Sexual Abuse
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Human Trafficking Exists in East TN
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Olympia Child Development Center Becomes Partner in Prevention
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Young at Heart earns Partner in Prevention Through Staff Training
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New Hope moves forward: Center holds groundbreaking for new home
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Seeds of Change: Garden pinwheels bring attention to Child Abuse Prevention Month
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New Hope’s new building plans grow
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Enjoy Bacon at the Bear
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European Car Show Benefits New Hope
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Tennessee Winter Beer Fest raises $20,000 for New Hope
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10th Anniversary Hops for Hope
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Hops for Hope set for May 6th
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Pints for a Purpose 2016
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Child Abuse Prevention Month 2016.
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Tennessee Winter Beer Fest
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Stewards of Children community seminars
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Union Grove UMW plans Outreach kickoff for January 16th
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Black Tie/Blue Jeans benefit raises more than $100,000 for New Hope
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Faith, Hope, and Charity at New Hope
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New Hope gives hope, but kids need more
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Surviving and Thriving
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New Hope adds three rooms at child advocacy center
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Pinwheels for Prevention Fair set for Thursday
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Big hearts, big talents: Students design cards for the child advocacy center
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Clayton-Bradley Singers top at April Foolies
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Backseat Delilahs, Sarah Pirkle to headline April Foolies
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Heritage High adds theatrical flair to April Foolies
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Alcoa High Band adds funk to April Foolies line up
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The Gate Crashers sing to ‘Express Joy’ at April Foolies
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William Blount students offer pop musical parody for April Foolies
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Roger Murphy to bring charisma, personality to April Foolies
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Public invited to child abuse prevention seminar
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United Way discretionary funding selected
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New Hope sets goal of 4,900 trained in child abuse prevention
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Beer Fest set for Saturday
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World Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse
November 19th was World Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse. New Hope honored this day by hosting a Stewards of Children community training at the Blount County Library. To learn more about this training please click on this link for the Daily Times article.
Collaboration Key: Partnership behind Blount’s child advocacy climate
Read this article by the Daily Times to learn how partnership in Blount County impacts the child advocacy climate in our community. Click here to learn more.
Collaboration is key to advocating for Blount Children
Read this follow-up discussion concerning collaboration efforts in Blount County between New Hope and other Child Protective Investigative Team members. Click here to learn more.
New Hope receives donation from AT&T
Please view the following media clip from the Daily Times, which shares that “Alan Hill, regional director of external affairs with AT&T Tennessee, present(ed) a $1,000 donation from the company to New Hope in support of the Center’s Mission.” Click the following link to view the clip: AT&T Donation.
Leadership Blount announces class of 2015
Tabitha Damron Executive Director has been named as a member of the Leadership Blount class of 2015. Click here to read the Daily Times article to learn about the Leadership Blount Class of 2015.
Trinity Health Foundation Awards grants for Health Initiatives
Trinity Health Foundation of East Tennessee has identified 17 community organizations that will receive more than 200,000 dollars in grant funding for health care initiatives. New Hope was named one of the lucky recipients for 2014. To learn more about the Trinity Health Foundation and to learn about all other recipients click here.
Carol Woodward receives New Hope Nediva Award
Carol Woodward, former board member and long-time volunteer, has received the 2014 Nediva Award from New Hope–Blount County Children’s Advocacy Center.The award is given to a volunteer who makes an invaluable contribution to New Hope and who is dedicated to serving the center’s mission of supporting child victims of physical and sexual abuse. Click here to read the Daily Times article and learn more about Carol.
Hops for Hope Event in its sixth year
Hops for Hope was held this year at the Lily Barn in Townsend, TN. The event featured local brewers and food from Ms. Lily’s catering. Musical Guests also included the “Back Seat Delilah’s” and “Cats Away.” Fun was had by all. To read more about the event click here.
Damron named New Hope- Blount County Children’s Advocacy Center Executive Director
New Hope-Blount County Children’s Advocacy Center has selected its new executive director.Tabitha Damron, interim executive director and clinical director, has accepted the permanent position which was vacated by Trudy Hughes, who is now with the East Tennessee Foundation in Knoxville. Damron had served as interim executive director since July 2013. To read more from the Daily Times article please click here.
Advocacy Center Raises Awareness for child abuse prevention
New Hope had a busy April of spreading awareness throughout the community. Some community awareness includes pinwheel gardens, Stewards of Children Seminars, and open house opportunities. Click here to read the Daily Times article to learn more about Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Winter Beer Fest proceeds go to benefit New Hope
The Tennessee Winter Beer Fest Board of Directors has donated $8,000 to New Hope-Blount County Children’s Advocacy Center. This represents revenues from the third annual Tennessee Winter Beer Fest held in Townsend on Feb. 8, said Todd White, TWBF board member and director of the South College Professional Brewing Science certificate program. “We just decided that would be our charity, thinking it should focus on New Hope, the work they do, and the support that is necessary for them to accomplish their goals.” To read more about Winter Beer Fest and South College Brewing Science program, please click here.
Haven House, New Hope Blount County Children’s Advocacy Center Eye Family Justice Center
Haven House and New Hope-Blount County Children’s Advocacy Center have halted efforts to merge their agencies. The two agencies are now exploring other options. Click here to read the full Daily Times article discussing further arrangements regarding Haven House and New Hope.
Protecting the Future: Community Organization offers safe place for children.
New Hope was names Blount County’s Champion of Children of 2013 by the Richard Williams Jr. Leadership Development Academy. Richard Williams Jr. Leadership Development Academy’s Co-Founder shares that,”New Hope like most of our Champions, has a unique place in our community. They help families in emergency transition. They provide access to other service agencies, including emergency medical services and law enforcement. New Hope is always there for the community even in the off hours.” Click here to read the Daily Times article about protecting the future.
World Day: New Hope Recognizes Local Stewards of Children
Every year, November 19 acts as an international rallying point around the issue of child abuse prevention. At New Hope, the staff and board of directors took this opportunity to bring attention not only to this important day but also to the many stewards of children in Blount County who step up to fight child abuse. Click here to read The Daily Times article about these local mavericks.
Support New Hope with the Kroger Plus Card
New Hope is now a participating organization in the Kroger Community Rewards Program.® Through this program, Kroger shoppers can easily raise money for New Hope using their Kroger Plus Card with every purchase. New Hope supporters who have a Kroger Plus Card must simply register their card online at www.krogercommunityrewards.com fees follow the directions, and enter the center’s NPO number 107356 to ensure a percentage of their purchases are passed along to New Hope. Kroger will reward participating organizations up to $8,000 per quarter. If supporters of New Hope do not have a Kroger Plus Card, a card can be obtained at the customer service desk at any Kroger.
New Hope Receives $18,862 from Victims Assistance Fees
New Hope and Haven House recently received a check for $37,724 from Blount County Circuit Court Clerk Tom Hatcher. The two agencies will divide the funds, which represent fees collected per Tennessee Code Annotated (40-24-109). The victims assistance assessment fee was designated and approved by Blount County Commission to fund programs that assist victims of crimes. Click here to read the full article in The Daily Times.
Hughes Leaving, Damron Named Interim Executive Director
New Hope Executive Director Trudy Hughes has accepted a new position with the East Tennessee Foundation in Knoxville and will start her new position as Director of Regional Advancement at the East Tennessee Foundation in August.
“As the executive director of New Hope for the past 10 years, Trudy has been a strong, courageous, and diligent steward of children. Her passion and hard work has established New Hope as an exemplary Child Advocacy Center at the local, state and national level. Blount County owes her a debt of gratitude for what she has accomplished, and we wish her well. Because of her stellar leadership, she leaves a committed and capable staff, who have helped establish the strong foundation that positions New Hope to continue to serve victims of child abuse in our community,” said Ned Willard, New Hope Board President.
Tabitha Damron, LCSW, Clinical Director at New Hope, has accepted the position of Interim Executive Director while the Center completes its search for a new Executive Director. Damron, a native of Blount County, has been with New Hope in various clinical capacities since 2004 and leads a team of therapists specializing in Trauma-Focused services. Damron holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Maryville College and a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Tennessee. Damron is also a member of the Child Protective Investigative Team and provides consultation on cases reviewed by the team.
A community-wide farewell celebration for Hughes is set for Wednesday, August 7, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Barleys in downtown Maryville. The event is an opportunity for New Hope staff, board members, volunteers, supporters, and all others to thank Hughes for her 10 years of service to the Center, to Blount County, and to the children of this community.
Whaley, Ford and Longhurst Among Ones with Courage
Debra Whaley, Jim Ford, and Emily Longhurst are the latest stewards of children who New Hope pointed the finger at for being “One with Courage.” New Hope started pointing blue foam fingers at local businesses and individuals in June 2012 to recognize the valuable support they provide to the Center and its efforts to prevent child abuse in Blount County. Other people and organizations who have been pointed out are Anderson Lumber, Best Drivers, Cherokee Millwright, Ed’s Odds-N-Ends, McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home, The Daily Times, The Market in Maryville, Vienna Coffee, and Williams Cleaners. Click here to see photos of all the courageous advocates.
Leighton Receives Nediva Award, Foam Fingers Pointed Again
On April 18, Aryn Leighton of Maryville received the 2013 Nediva Award from New Hope. The Nediva Award is given to a volunteer who makes an invaluable contribution to New Hope and who is dedicated to serving the Center’s mission of supporting child victims of physical and sexual abuse.
“Aryn is a generous volunteer who has wholeheartedly adopted what it means to be a child advocate,” said Raeann Bray, New Hope Volunteer Coordinator.
Aryn is so dedicated to New Hope’s mission, she became a facilitator for Stewards of Children, an evidenced-based program proven to increase knowledge, improve attitudes, and change child protective behaviors. As a program facilitator, Aryn volunteers her time to educate the community about ways to identify and prevent child abuse.
The Center’s staff and board members took this opportunity to also recognize two other Stewards of Children – Ed Kremplewski with Ed’s Odd-n-Ends and McCammon-Ammons-Click Funderal Home, represented by Sanders Whaley. Each received the “One with Courage” blue foam finger to point out their business’ continuous support of New Hope. Click here to see pictures of these and other couregeous businesses in Blount County.
Executive Director Recognized by State, YWCA Knoxville
On February 6, 2013, Trudy Hughes, executive director of New Hope, was presented with a resolution form the State of Tennessee for her receipt of the YWCA’s Tribute to Women Award and for her tireless commitment to the well-being of children, families and their communities. Trudy was one of six honorees recognized on August 16, 2012 by the YWCA Knoxville for her work to empower others. Every year, the YWCA Knoxville honors outstanding women in the community through Tribute to Women. This annual event is East Tennessee’s foremost acknowledgment and appreciation of the contributions of local women.
Two Board Members Receive Starlight Awards
New Hope Board Member Sharon Phillips Earley along with former board member, Steve Garner, were among the distinguished recipients honored with a 2013 Starlight Award for their support of the Maryville City School System. Sharon and her family received the Family Partnership Award for exemplifying a spirit of giving and dedication to education. Steve, the president of Blount Excavating Inc., received the Community Partnership Award for the company’s financial support of Maryville City Schools as well as youth programs in the community. For more information about the Starlight Awards, click here.
Williams Dry Cleaners Receives Spirit of New Hope Award
Chris and Jackie Bonds, owners of Williams Dry Cleaners in Maryville, received the 2012 Spirit of New Hope Award during the World Day for Prevention of Child Abuse Presentation on November 19, 2012 at Maryville College. Chris and Jackie exemplify the heart and spirit of New Hope by constantly promoting events and fundraisers for New Hope, selflessly generating awareness for the Center, and tirelessly supporting the mission to support abused children of Blount County.
Executive Director Outlines Community’s Next Steps to Protect Blount County Children
With the guilty verdict of Jerry Sandusky on 45 counts of child sexual abuse, we must now consider what we have learned and what are our next responsibilities.
Now more than ever, our Blount County community must come together and remain committed to supporting healthy, happy childhoods and the prevention of child sexual abuse before it ever occurs. And we have learned that the impact of child sexual abuse remains far more reaching than most of us knew or understood, before Sandusky and beyond.
All adults must play an active role in the lives of the children in our neighborhoods and communities if we are to ensure that child sexual abuse is prevented. Click here to find out the next steps to protect the children of Blount County.
He asked the administration to focus on how to engage women and young men in preventing dating violence and sexual assault.
Letter to The Daily Times: Need for More Child Abuse Awareness, Prevention
Trudy Hughes, executive director of New Hope, sent a letter to The Daily Times recently in hopes of bringing attention to the need for more child abuse prevention and awareness. Communities and individuals need to be more educated about ways toprevent, identify, respond to, and report child abuse. To help New Hope offers Stewards of Children, an evidence-based educational program for adults. For more information about Stewards of Children and how to fight child abuse in Blount County, contact the advocacy center at 981-2000.
New Hope Is One with Courage
New Hope – Blount County Children’s Advocacy Center is the local center for One with Courage, a national initiative centered around the courage it takes to talk about child sexual abuse and the unique role children’s advocacy centers play in providing comprehensive, coordinated and compassionate services to child victims of abuse.
Letter to Editor Focuses on Child Abuse Prevention
The Daily Times recently published a letter to the editor written by Becky Rials, president of New Hope’s board of directors. In the letter, Becky brings attention to the reports of child abuse allegations at Penn State and encourages the adults in Blount County to step up and protect the children in the community.
The first step, according to Becky and other board members, is prevention with Stewards of Children, an evidence-based program offered by New Hope. For more information about Stewards of Children and how to fight child abuse in Blount County, contact the advocacy center at 981-2000.
Click here to read more news from New Hope.
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