Chattanooga Nonprofits and Charities

Austin Hatcher is such an amazing place ! I have absolutely loved volunteering here, they have made the volunteer work is so much fun! I have loved getting the experience to help families from behind the scenes, there is so much fun and greatness that has come from here and I’m glad to be apart of it!

My husband and I fostered a preteen young lady from this organization from May 2023 to August 2024. We grew to love this child and worked hard to help her with her extensive trauma. We even wrote DCS in Nashville, Tennessee to advocate to get this precious child in therapy. She finally began therapy eight months after arriving to our house. My husband and I spent hours working with her to help her progress in her education, making calls to try to get her in therapy, and showing her a different way of life.<br><br>Toward the end of May 2024, after much prayer and conversation, we decided to not adopt this child. We have three grown children and thought this child would benefit from having someone that could focus solely on her and her trauma.<br><br>Our case manager, Jen Davis, began the foster journey with us regularly praising our efforts and thanking us for being so involved in helping this child. She told us she personally knew a perspective, adoptive family, and believed they would allow us to remain in the child’s life and even suggested us being called “aunt” and “uncle”.<br><br>Over the next two months, my husband and I reached out to try to meet the adoptive parents for dinner to let them know they had our full support. Over the last 14 months, we had developed such a close relationship with this child and knew her personality extremely well.<br><br>Jen kept leading us on to believe that the family would appreciate our support. Two weeks before our precious foster daughter left our home, Jen tells us that the new family, being pre-adoptive foster parents did not want to meet us and wanted to start with a brand new slate getting to know the child. You cannot take a child that is almost a teenager and want a new slate. This child has an established personality, likes/dislikes, and many other character traits.<br><br>Of course we were shocked, disappointed, and sad. The pre-adoptive family consists of a school principal and a guidance counselor. We concluded that they felt they did not need any additional information about the child. My husband and I, both being career professionals, did not want to tell the new family what to do. We simply wanted to help them make the process easier for the child.<br><br>It has been over three months since we’ve seen or heard anything about the child. We understand that we have no rights. Jen Davis should have never strongly indicated that we would be able to remain in the child’s life as a support system. We trusted her because she knew the family personally. She even said she told the family we should remain in the child’s life, but they chose otherwise.<br><br>We continue to pray for the child and hope that one day she will reach out to us. We have made the decision to transfer agencies. Once trust is broken, it is very difficult to continue to work with an agency. Especially one that has told us from the beginning and throughout the last year, that we were the child’s biggest advocates. Do your research before using this agency.

This ministry saved my life and led me to permanent healing in Christ

I don`t know whether you donate to [The Chattanooga Rescue Mission] located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, but if you do then those charitable donations are not properly being used. Their sleeping quarters are infested with bed bugs, they claim to be a Christian organization however they have a night employee who will kick you out for days, or even longer if your bed isn`t made military style, and I don`t know how others feel about that, but in my own opinion a Christian doesn`t throw a homeless person out on the street for having not made their bed perfectly, there`s black mold growing in many high traffic areas which includes the bathroom facilities, often times you can`t even recognize what they feed the occupants nor is it considered daily nutritional value, they have room temperature water including the water fountain which doesn`t actually chill the water which means when they send the homeless occupants out everyday in literally one hundred degrees Fahrenheit these homeless hot occupants some who are over 60 years old, or more in age are at health risks when they arrive back in the shelter after a whole day in the in these extreme temps in the evening hours because they do not provide cold drinking water to properly cool these individuals instead theirs undesirable faucet, or fountain water which nobody will drink because it`s not cool, or hot coffee, the upper floors I understand aren`t even habitable.

My husband and I have been working with Youth at our church for over 40 years. In the mid 1980's I felt convicted about listening to my beloved Rock n Roll because of the lyrics. One of my teens called me out for telling them not to use bad language and I was singing whatever came on the radio. So, I gave up my music. Someone sent our church a music video with Mylon and Brokenheart, Petra and other Christian Music artists. I praised God and started looking for this music on the radio so I could turn my Youth on to it. Sadly, no one was playing it. At some event we met a gentleman named Bob Lubell who had a dream of starting a Christian Radio Station right here in Chattanooga and we wrote him a check. That's how much we wanted/needed this ministry through music! We have supported Bob (as partners) and his dream (J-103) since before the beginning. We are so blessed to be a part of the Ministry of J-103 as it reaches the lost and encourages believers! God has blessed this ministry so much that Bob and other's dreams have grown into JFest, Come on Let's Go and JRadio. JFEST is an outdoor Christian Music Festival where you can come listen to various Christian artist play their music, talk about a relationship with Jesus and even meet Him there! Come on Let's go is video testimonies of people who have "Been there done that" and how Jesus delivered them. It shows struggling people that they are not alone and what can happen if they want encouragement. And last, JRadio is a streaming music media that people can listen to various genre's of Christian music and pick their favorite to listen. Because of the various media methods of reaching around the world, the name is now PCM or Partners for Christian Media! And we feel so very blessed to be a part of reaching the world for Jesus through this organization!!! Thank you Bob for following your dream that God gave you and taking us along with you! <br>Jackie and Alan Wolfe

Several years ago I was connected with the Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers (FCPO) after starting as a chaplain for the Chattanooga Police Department. <br>FCPO and its mission have been a great encouragement to me and several close friends in law enforcement. It is a wonderful ministry that ministers to those who serve and protect our communities across the country. <br>I have had the opportunity to share about FCPO with officers, chaplains, and civilians not only in Chattanooga but a number of states. I highly recommend FCPO and would encourage you to visit their website to see how you can get involved.

CHCRS goes above and beyond to provide valuable and professional services to the outdoor community. There are few rescue services that can perform the types of rescues this organization can do, especially when it comes to remote cave and wilderness rescues.

I first learned about Southern Comfort Maltese Rescue seven years ago while looking at all of the beautiful doggie faces on PetFinder. That's when I read some of the saddest stories. I thought this has to be a loving rescue group when looking at the before and after pictures. That's when I met Olivia, an adult Westie/Maltese mix that was abandoned on the streets of Miami with the worse case of uterine infection their vet had ever seen. SCMR spared no expense in her care. After healing from her surgery she returned to their vet for a dental cleaning (with extractions) and a through exam. SCMR would not adopt her out until she received a clean bill of health. Olivia was by my side for five wonderful years. <br>I was so impressed with Southern Comfort Maltese Rescue that I am now a volunteer and foster mom. I am still impressed with the groups management and to the extent they go to rescue, heal, rehabilitate and find the perfect home for each dog. SCMR is truly a rescue that can be trusted not only with your donations but with your best friend.

First time ever contacting this establishment and it's simply amazing how sweet Rev Sanders is. Very nice . <br><br>Alexus Brown

I met FACES almost 20 years ago, while creating a brochure for them. During the process of designing the brochure, I researched people with facial disfigurement and read their stories. My heart connected instantly. <br> <br>I ride a motorcycle and have ridden in a lot of charity rides. At the same time I was learning about FACES I was also searching for "my" charity that I would feel good about supporting. A non-profit who didn't have a fancy office so that I knew that what I was giving was going to really help someone and not line someone's pockets. <br> <br>When I walked into the FACES office the very first time, I knew I had found "My" charity. The office was itty bitty and in an old brick building that had seen its better days. The furniture was scarred and worn, but two bright shiny faces welcomed me. Just two people to help children and adults across the United States and around the world... They needed me! <br> <br>Soon after the visit to the office, I was asked to help FACES start a motorcycle ride in Chattanooga, TN. We did - FACES Ride 4 Smiles, which was a huge success in not only helping to raise funds for FACES, but bringing awareness to facial differences whether it's from birth, disease, or accident and the challenges they face. After the first Ride 4 Smiles, I was invited onto the FACES Board and served over 7 years which I loved. When the communications director position came open in 2012 I was thrilled to officially join the FACES Team! <br> <br>Fast forward to 2020, I am now president of FACES and feel like FACES is my family . FACES is still small with only two full-time staff, one part-time assistant, and one FACES Camp Counselor, but we’re changing lives and making a difference! <br>

Fourteen years ago my son was in 1st grade, newly diagnosis with Asperger's and Sensory Integration Disorder, as a parent I was lost. I didn't know how to advocate for him educationally or medically. Lifeline helped me learn the lingo, determine which websites would help get me up to speed the fastest and were always just a phone call or email away. They introduced me to a parent mentor that went to IEP meetings with me in the early days to help me navigate the education system. Lifeline provided a very long list of educational opportunities for me to increase my understanding and knowledge of my son and his diagnosis. Fourteen years and I am still learning as we enter into the season where my son becomes an independent adult who will leave soon for college. Lifeline has also helped me to become a mentor to other parents. I could never thank them enough for what they have meant to my family through the years.

Very bad experience. Broken equipment (fixed with packing tape) , unable to get medicine in a timely manner and difficult to get a nurse to come when needed. We decided to change to another hospice company, Hospice of Chatt would not coordinate with new company...took equipment before new equipment arrived. They actually took the wheelchair right out from under my terminally ill mother. Very upsetting, they should be ashamed.

They refuse to hire people of color to work or volunteer. Recently, I called on behalf of my daughter, and the conversation went well. She asked pertinent questions that made me believe she was very interested. Then, I relaxed, and my African American vernacular must have come through. This Executive Director couldn’t get off the phone fast enough. Initially, she asked that I send a copy of my daughter’s resume... So I did. She neither replied, (giving the dignity of a response), nor acknowledgement of receipt.

The food bank employees are fantastic people. I operate are food bank at Calvary chapel hixson and have always been greeted with smiling friendly folks every time i pick up food there. Thank you!!!

Im reaching out for help. My daughter has been relocated to crossville tn. We have not seen each other for over 5 months now. I've spent almost 100,000 dollars and pray daily. I've filled many many police reports. She wants to come home an i feel she's been kidnapped from her family. The system is badly broke please help us.

This is a wonderful non-profit with staff living and working on a daily basis in Leogane, Haiti (only office staff is in Chattanooga, TN). This program supports among many things the HEARTH method of training and educating monitrices, local women, who will then educate other Haitian women about the nutritional benefits of breastfeeding and other nutritional interventions for at-risk Haitian infants and children. CNP is making a difference in children's lives, has a method grounded in science and public health, and is a long established non-profit working in Haiti for over 15 years, even remaining active following the earthquake. I am an annual donor and members of my family have previously worked with CNP.

Thanks to Frontier Health I know how to keep it simple today, and I have the opportunity to give back what was freely given to me! I sought treatment for alcoholism and my co-occurring Bi-Polar disorder with Frontier Health in Johnson City, TN during the summer of 2012. There I was given the compassion I desperately needed, the education I could use to build a foundation, and the tools to create a life for myself I never thought possible. I was inspired by their program to get involved in the community and was hired a year later as a Residential Technician in the same women's program that saved my life. I regularly share my experience, strength, and hope with hundreds of women each year. I enjoy learning about the disease of addiction, researching and making 12-step literature available, as well as arranging community support for the clients in my facility. Today, I humbly serve as living proof that miracles do happen! It's extremely important that I do my part by helping to create an atmosphere of recovery and positive change in my work environment for our clients, as well as the community we serve. I think the most meaningful way that I give back is by continuing the fight to erase the addiction and mental illness stigma from people who suffer from a treatable disease. Setting a positive example, and helping people achieve their full potential by offering compassion, resources, and opportunities brings light and purpose to my own life. There is nothing more meaningful than giving, in whatever form that may be. I routinely share my personal recovery story whenever asked, because I believe that I can only keep what I have when I give it away. While I haven't been able to give money, for the last 3 years I have given my heart, time, experience, and love to a program that did the same for me. I look forward to many more years touching the lives of women seeking help in my area regardless of age, race, sexual identity/orientation, religion, financial status, criminal record, mental or physical disabilities, or any other barrier they might face elsewhere. Thanks for letting me share my story! To conclude, I feel this Mark Twain quote is very appropriate - &ldquo;The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.&rdquo; I'm grateful that I found out why. Clean, sober, and in recovery since July 4, 2012. <br><br>*Founded in 1957, Frontier Health is the region&rsquo;s leading provider of behavioral health services, offering treatment for mental health, co-occurring, and substance abuse problems, recovery and vocational rehabilitation, and developmental and intellectual disabilities services.* - from the website frontierhealth.org

The Pet Placement Center is a true no-kill shelter on Dayton Blvd in Chattanooga. Animals remain there until they are adopted out. The center is clean, the cats and dogs are well cared for, and volunteers give the animals lots of attention. Because the PPC receives no government funding, I enjoy helping them with fundraising events. The added bonus for me, sitting in the various cat rooms and having the cats sit in my lap and purr.

I been apart of the beth since Elementray. The beth has helped me with leadership skills and math skills. I like coming to the beth because it helps me get involved. I would reccommend this to anybody.

Faith Fellowship World outreach Ministries, has been a constant and consistent source of Hope, Prayer, Help and Encouragement to myself and my wife. Throughout the years they have always come through with the Love of God to help so many in the community. Outreach programs such as the Youth programs, Seniors Outreach, Food Pantry, Back Pack School Program, Single Mom's Day and so much more. We need more places of God's Love and Compassion like Faith Fellowship.

When I was five months pregnant, I was told that my son had a cleft lip, palate, hole in his heart and facial abnormality. His stomach was not visualized during the scan, and a diaphragmatic hernia was suspected. I was told the best medical option was an abortion, and this occurred 13 years ago. Through prayer, God did a miracle, and what was initially not see on the ultrasound, was seen in the follow up study. He was born alive. <br> <br>Though he has been through 22 surgeries, his strength is in knowing the Lord, and believing for miracles. Our hope is to help more children and adults with craniofacial defects in underdeveloped countries by providing them free surgery, therapy, counseling and other services. We have reached over 800 rural villages in India so far, and close to 50 surgeries. Keep us in prayer. <br> <br>it's 'because every child matters'!! God bless you ! <br>Susan Mathews <br>

If you live in Tennessee and are passionate about environmental education, you need to be a member of TEEA to keep up to date with the latest information on EE in Tennessee. And what a great group of people! Our annual Fall Conference provides lots of opportunities to network and get new ideas.

SCORE does a tremendous job of partnering with those with a heart to serve using their gifts, talents and abilities to share the life changing message of Jesus Christ through short term mission trips.

My contributing membership to the Tennessee Aquarium is incredibly valuable to me. I know that my membership helps to sustain this organization's strong future. The Aquarium has already done so much for the Southeast, I'm glad to support future endeavors and provide funding for current programs. The Aquarium's work to restore streams and reintroduce imperiled species are both very important programs to me. But what truly inspires a gift from me, is the inspiration that the Aquarium gives to its students and guests. The only way the public will want to work harder to keep our earth clean, healthy and biologically diverse is if they can see these animals/habitats up-close and learn about them in a unique and engaging setting. The Aquarium does an amazing job of doing this.

My family has been involved with donating to AMG for sponsering children on and off for many years. My father was the relief director of this organization for most of his adult life, and volunteered until his death. I have seen first hand the impact AMG has had, especially in Greece, and I am especially impressed with their healthcare ministry (for example, St. Luke's hospital in Greece). Because of my father's direct involvement, from when I was born, I know that AMG allocates the monies to the causes that they promote. For this reason I feel comfortable donating to AMG, in a day and age where we are bombarded with solicitation by non-profit organizations through the Internet and other mass media.