Staff Anniversaries - October 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!
Brittany Peppers - 5 years
Brittany Peppers
The Lord was looking out for Brittany when he brought her to Emerald Youth Foundation.
She reflects that the timing of her hire could not have been more perfect. As soon as she was hired, Covid hit the world. This could have beaten Brittany’s spirits; however, it lifted them. Helping families involved in Emerald in such a desperate time grew her relationship more than regular pre-Covid day to day involvement would have.
Shortly after, Brittany personally faced adversity. She trusts that God brought her to Emerald, not only for her to come alongside families she served in ministry, but also for those families to come alongside her when she needed it the most. Brittany said, “The children and families we serve, in combination with Laurel Church of Christ and Emerald Youth Foundation as a whole, have made me a better person. It's brought such beauty and joy to my life. I pray every day that my service to our program has made a positive impact on the children, their families and our congregation. But one thing I can full heartedly say is that the Lord brought me to Emerald Youth Foundation because He knew I needed it!”
Brittany’s time with Emerald has brought endless memorable moments. However, one stands out the most. Within her first few weeks on the job, there was one young person that Brittany and the staff had to pray for, work diligently with and even rely on the help and cooperation of their guardian. After what Brittany would call, “much blood, sweat and tears,” the young person finally was on the right track. When asked, “Buddy, what made you decide you want to do the right thing and make better choices?” His answer? “Because I have Jesus in my heart!” Brittany often remembers this moment because she could not have said it better herself.
Lou Ellen Campbell – 4 Years
Lou Ellen Campbell
Amid the COVID pandemic, Lou Ellen found herself being laid off. However, even in a tough time, Lou Ellen stayed faithful and kept her eyes on the Lord. With her eyes steadfast on God, He pointed her in the direction of Emerald. “It has been a perfect fit for my skills,” said Lou Ellen.
The most memorable thing for her is seeing the impact Emerald Youth Foundation has on the lives of young people and their families. In accounting, Lou Ellen does not regularly interact with youth, but she is consistently informed of stories through weekly emails and monthly gatherings. Lou Ellen still has her green bracelet from our August All Staff gathering, where each team member was given a bracelet with a young person’s name on it to pray for as the new school year began. “I continue to pray for, Wesley, whose name is on my bracelet,” she said.
Stan Allen
Stan Allen – 3 Years
For Stan, his “why” on coming to Emerald Youth Foundation was a combination of many paths the Lord had put him on before. With the gifts the Lord gave him with the experience he acquired during his time serving the local church in full-time ministry, along with his time in the business world, Stan was prepared for his role at Emerald. Having a testimony of business combined with ministry, the Lord is using Stan to serve and engage with staff and young people in the city.
Stan’s memorable Emerald moments come from other staff members’ first Emerald moment! He gets the chance to meet new team members on their very first day. Stan enjoys getting to hear their stories on how the Lord brought them to Emerald. Another moment that holds a special place in his heart is one that most staff love: All Staff gatherings. “It is not lost on me the incredible privilege it is to work at a place where we get to come together once a month and worship and learn together,” said Stan.
Susan Brown
Susan Brown – 3 Years
Susan has no doubts that the Lord brought her to Emerald three years ago. After being in the school system for ten years, she was ready to find a different way that would allow her to use her background, gifts and passions the Lord had given her to make an impact on students and families. To Susan, it is an honor to do the work she does alongside her colleagues helping students and young adults identify who God has created them to be and the pathway that leads them to a thriving life.
“From the very beginning this was not only a place I knew He could use me to bring honor and glory to his name in the Knoxville community, but it was also going to be a place that extended my understanding of service, community impact and youth development,” she said.
While there have been so many great memories while at Emerald Youth Foundation, without a doubt one of Susan’s favorite events is the Senior Celebration each May. For her, this is one of the moments when she gets to see the impact Emerald has had on so many students as they celebrate where they’ve come from and where they are heading. Susan loves seeing staff celebrate alongside students and recognize hours of time, support, love and prayers that have gone into helping the young people develop into Godly young adults.
Abigail Crispin - 3 Years
Abigail Crispin
Abigail believes the Lord brought her to Emerald Youth Foundation to show her that in every season He is faithful to provide and that He can use all things for His glory. She reflects on how the Lord has been so kind to her, allowing her to be a part of the work He is doing at Emerald. Abigail loves getting to be a testimony of His goodness to the students and watching them form their own faith as He draws them into Himself through the many conversations and engagement that Emerald provides.
There have been many memorable moments of shared laughter and shared moments of grief in her time at Emerald Youth Calling and Career. However, the moments of life change stand out to her the most. She had one student get baptized and join the local church. Another student, after many conversations, surrendered her life to the Lord. Abigail reflects, “Nothing compares to the joy of knowing that they are stuck with me forever in heaven. I always say that Calling and Career starts with asking about their grades but the through building relationships, ends in talking about eternity.” To her, it is a privilege to be a part of the work that God is doing in the lives of kids and families through serving at Emerald Youth.
Eric Adams
Eric Adams – 1 Year
Eric gives all the credit to the Lord for why he is at Emerald Youth Foundation. Luke 6:38 speaks to him each day, “Give and you will receive.” He spends his days joyfully serving the youth that Emerald engages with. Eric trusts Luke 6:38 and is confident that the Lord will provide all he needs. “Serving others is a big part of why I feel the Lord has led me to Emerald,” Eric said.
Looking back on his time here, Eric’s fun and memorable moments come from driving the bus. As he travels from Lonsdale and Emerald Academy, the smiles and jokes from the youth make Eric’s whole day! He said, “It can make a bad day good!”