Knox Area Rescue Ministries

You may become disheartened when you drive down Broadway and see the desperate lives of men and women who struggle with homelessness, addiction and mental illness. And, this intense summer heat and humidity only makes their days harder and more dangerous. So, we want to let you know what KARM’s Outreach Team has been doing this summer to lessen their misery; to build trusting relationships; and, hopefully, to convince them to walk through our doors for help, hope and restoration. OUTREACH By The Numbers: • 14 entered recovery programs • 679 meals provided to men and women in camps • 251 received clothing • 78 received bus passes for urgent needs • 54 received KARM Stores gift cards • 12 received bike vouchers for KARM Stores bicycle program • 310 prayed with • 9 professed faith in Jesus • 18 treated by the doctor who partners with Outreach Here’s what Olivia, an Outreach Team member, had to say: "Outreach has had a wonderful two months, reaching more people than ever! With the addition of our new team member, Ben, we’ve been able to reach out further into the community we serve." Of course, all this good work is possible only because of God’s blessing and your faithful prayers & giving. Thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus to those who walk through our doors…and to those we search for in “the highways and byways” (Matt. 22:9). If you'd like to help meet a few of Outreach Team's URGENT NEEDS this summer, they could use the following items for the Blessing Bags they take to camps: Bottled water Protein bars Protein shakes Peanut butter crackers Beef jerky Peel-top cans of main course foods (e.g., soup, Chef Boyardee, etc.) You can deliver these items to 418 North Broadway, Knoxville, 37917, every day from 9am to 5pm, or have them shipped to the attention of Mychal Spence at that address.

Meet Susan. She’s a U.S. veteran’s widow who came to KARM when her apartment burned, and is the first person to sign up for our AfterCare program. What is AfterCare? Well, we're glad you asked. You see, at KARM, we’ve learned the transition from being a guest to living in housing can be jarring. Too often, former guests go from being surrounded by people, support and services to being alone. Sadly, this transition can have devastating consequences, even resulting in relapsing into homelessness. AfterCare seeks to ease this transition and help men and women continue their journey toward a fully restored, abundant life and to thrive outside of KARM. Our staff and volunteers accomplish this goal by making home visits and helping former guests connect to a thriving church; community resources; and social & service opportunities in their community. When @Katie Hicks, AfterCare Coordinator, asked Susan, “If money weren’t an issue, what would you do?”, Susan answered, “I’d go to the zoo.” So, imagine our delight when Zoo Knoxville said "yes" to our request for two tickets for Susan and her KARM volunteer, as part of their free ticket program for 501c3 organizations. When Susan was at KARM, she came to learn about and trust in Jesus as her Lord and Savior! Katie has this to say about Suan: "She radiates positivity, brightens every room she enters, and you can't help but smile when you walk with her." We look forward to seeing how the Lord continues to use AfterCare for His purposes and glory.

April is Volunteer Appreciation Month! At KARM, we're grateful for and celebrate our AMAZING VOLUNTEERS 365 days a year. And, during April, we make it a point to show them some extra appreciation and love. Here's a note that our Director of Volunteer Relations, Celia Grace Lively, sent to volunteers earlier today: "I say it to anyone who will listen--KARM has the best volunteers in the entire world. Our lives, this ministry, and our days are so much better, deeper and richer because of you. The eternal impact you've made on guests at KARM by serving a meal, teaching a class, listening to guests during LaunchPoint classes, helping paddlers get into their Dragon Boats, and so much more... Well, thank you simply doesn't cover it. It's a joy and a privilege to celebrate you this month, and every month after that. We are so grateful for y'all!"

April is Volunteer Appreciation Month! At KARM, we're grateful for and celebrate our AMAZING VOLUNTEERS 365 days a year. And, during April, we make it a point to show them some extra appreciation and love. Here's a note that our Director of Volunteer Relations, Celia Grace Lively, sent to volunteers earlier today: "I say it to anyone who will listen--KARM has the best volunteers in the entire world. Our lives, this ministry, and our days are so much better, deeper and richer because of you. The eternal impact you've made on guests at KARM by serving a meal, teaching a class, listening to guests during LaunchPoint classes, helping paddlers get into their Dragon Boats, and so much more... Well, thank you simply doesn't cover it. It's a joy and a privilege to celebrate you this month, and every month after that. We are so grateful for y'all!"

We're #hiring a new Director of Support Services in Knoxville Metropolitan Area. Apply today at karm.org/careers to find other job opportunities as well.

Spread the word, come see us, and maybe do a little shopping as we partner with our very own KARM Thrift Store in a job fair event April 3rd at the Forest Park location!!

I’m #hiring. Know anyone who might be interested?