Staff Anniversaries - November 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!
Margaret Fuson - 25 years
Margaret Fuson
As Margaret Fuson hits her 25-year milestone, she remembers why the Lord brought her to work at Emerald Youth Foundation more than two decades ago. When Margaret was in her 20s, the Lord called her to work with children. As she was spending her years with children, Emerald Youth was beginning. In the early years of Emerald, the Lord led Maragaret to join staff as one of EYF’s earliest staff members. Her role was the perfect job to combine all her talents into one. “God blessed me to serve the kingdom.”
In 25 years, Margaret says, “Almost everything has been fun or memorable, or both!” There is not one single moment that has been memorable for her, but all the moments God has given her here. However, looking back, she recalls the early days of Emerald as it was just beginning and the size of the staff devotional meetings compared to the present day. “I have been in awe at how God has grown Emerald, but I have also enjoyed the times when the entire staff could fit around a single conference room table for times of devotion and prayer.”
Margaret has been with Emerald since just a few sat around one table, to now, as this month, 98 staff sat at one of the largest Thanksgiving tables!
Gracie Blair – 2 Years
Gracie Blair
If you were to ask Gracie, “Why did the Lord bring you to Emerald Youth Foundation?” she would respond, “There are years that ask questions and years that answer.”
Gracie reflects on how she can never answer nor will never know the full extent of that question. She started almost four years ago with Emerald as an AmeriCorps member, serving and engaging in Lonsdale. She now is full-time and dedicated to cultivating and building up Emerald’s volunteers. Gracie believes that through working with Emerald, the Lord has taught her how to love more deeply. She has been able to see the outworking of the gospel as well as a self-sacrificial love for those made in the image of God, both she attributes to the ultimate “why” in every season of our lives.
Gracie holds many memorable moments during her time with Emerald. However, any time she gets to spend with young people is memorable. One of her favorite times would be going to Oakes Farm with the youth and their families each year. Gracie reflects, “It’s great to see the families we serve enjoy themselves with their children.”
Jamaal Hundley
Jamaal Hundley – 1 Year
Jamaal believes the Lord brought him to Emerald Youth Foundation to express his love for a community that shaped who he is today. Jamaal grew up walking the very streets in Lonsdale, where many of the youth walk today. “As a young adolescent, I dreamed of something different—a path of growth and transformation through Christ. I was one who had to leave my community to play soccer with friends from different areas, coming back to a place where soccer wasn’t even an option. Now, God has blessed the same community with the opportunity I once wished for.” Jamaal is humbled and grateful to be in a position where he can. Not only help the youth see the value in playing soccer, but also intertwine soccer with faith-based teachings that will shape their lives. “This is my purpose, to give back to the community that raised me and to be a part of the dream that is now a reality for the next generation.”
One of Jamaal’s most memorable moments while at Emerald has been becoming a voice to teach the gospel to elementary, middle and high school students. As he builds personal relationships, he also shares the love that God provides, ultimately praying they begin their spiritual relationship with the Lord. Whether during events like Technical Tuesdays, Bundes Wednesdays, or Emerald’s summer camp, the spiritual engagement has made these moments unforgettable to Jamaal. “It is humbling to be seen as a mentor or even another brother they can trust, someone who believes in them and wants to see them grow.”