Staff Anniversaries - May 2024
It would be impossible to overstate how valuable our staff is in pursuing our mission to serve Knoxville’s urban youth. Whether staff members are directly involved with youth through discipleship, coaching, tutoring, etc. or are a part of the support staff that equips them, each member has God-given talents and passion that make our organization fruitful. It is our desire to celebrate them and, in the process, let you get to know them a little better. So, stop by our blog each month to see the latest anniversaries and get to know the folks who are the hands and feet of our work in knoxville’s city neighborhoods!
Matt Deen - 10 years
Matt Deen
Matt loves serving in his neighborhood and enjoys talking about the miraculous way God connected Emerald Youth and its JustLead Ministry with Laurel Church of Christ. Eleven years ago, Laurel was looking for an after-school program as an outreach to the Marble City community, but the funds weren’t available. “We told our congregation that if they believed in and could support the vision, we were ready to roll. In a great move of God, we raised $100,000 in two weeks!” Since then, the program has grown from 15 kids to 119 last year, and Matt has made wonderful memories watching young people grow, graduate, be baptized, and lead impactful lives for Christ. He has played soccer with Columbian refugees in the gym and celebrated a perfect rec league soccer season with youth from Laurel. His sweetest memory though is Ronnie’s baptism. Nine years ago, Ronnie and his brother, Brandon, came to live with Matt’s family to help the boys and their grandmother. “I baptized Ronnie at 12; we still have his hand-written letter as to why he wanted to be baptized hanging up at his grandmother’s house.”
Victoria Griffin - 2 years
Victoria Griffin
Victoria is our Sports & Recreation Ministry Director - East Area. She was raised in Knoxville, graduated from Fulton High School and knows first-hand the impact sports can have on a young person. “I have learned many lessons through sports that have carried over in life, like how to be disciplined, be part of a team, and how to work for something greater than myself.” She believes the Lord brought her to Emerald because of her love of sports and her passion for serving youth. Some of Victoria’s favorite memories have been our staff basketball games – where we can get a little competitive – and our annual Fall Break trip where high schoolers and members of our Calling & Career staff get to enjoy the warm sun and sand while growing in biblical knowledge and leadership skills.