Financial freedom is at the core of every thriving community. At United Way of Greater Knoxville (UWGK), our East Tennessee Collaborative (ETC) initiative is uniting ten partner organizations to support families on their journey to economic mobility.
Through ETC, we’re working alongside families to break down barriers to financial stability. By providing personalized, one-on-one coaching and financial assistance, ETC helps parents navigate challenges, achieve their goals, and build brighter futures.
In the past year, we have reached significant milestones. We have expanded our reach, developed partnerships, and delivered life-changing support to hundreds of families across the region.
Expanding Our Reach, Strengthening Our Impact
In 2024, ETC nearly tripled its enrollment, serving over 600 families—747 adults and 1,324 children. We expanded our service area to seven new East Tennessee counties and partnered with four new organizations, expanding our reach to even more communities. With every new family we support, we’re reinforcing the idea that economic mobility isn’t just possible—it’s within reach.
“Our work this past year is a testament to the power of collaboration and community-driven solutions. We have seen firsthand how dedicated mentorship, financial assistance, and strategic partnerships can transform lives.” Kaki Reynolds, Director of Economic Mobility UWGK, said, “Every milestone achieved brings us closer to a future where financial stability is accessible to all.”
Support That Creates a Tangible Difference
ETC is more than a program—it’s a strategy rooted in empowerment, unity, and collective impact. In 2024, ETC:
- Provided $2.9 million in financial assistance, helping families afford housing, transportation, childcare, and food.
- Improved overall well-being of our participants with 78% of participants reporting improved mental health.
- Achieved measurable success, with 96% of families reporting that their lives have improved since joining ETC.
- Increased financial stability, with 74% of families strengthening their long-term financial outlook and 62% of participants increasing their earnings by 20% or more after 18 months in the program.
Mobility Mentors: The Heart of ETC
This year, ETC’s Mobility Mentors dedicated over 40,000 hours to guiding participants toward their goals. Through coaching, families have taken control of their futures. Stories like Darrisha, LaShae, Erika, and Megan highlight the real-life impact of these relationships. Today, 91% of families feel hopeful about their future because of the support they receive.
Breaking Barriers to Economic Mobility
Financial stability goes beyond covering today’s expenses—it’s about building a sustainable future. Through coaching, education, and advocacy, ETC helps families access the resources and support they need, removing obstacles along the way:
- 89 participants earned certifications or degrees, opening doors to better jobs and higher wages.
- 45% of participants increased their earnings by 20% or more within a year.
- ETC secured a critical bill extension through 2026, ensuring continued support for thousands of families statewide.
As we celebrate our achievements, we remain focused on building a more sustainable future.
Looking Ahead: ALICE@Work
For many working families, even small pay increases can trigger the “benefits cliff” where they lose essential support faster than their wages rise. This gap creates financial uncertainty for workers and makes it more difficult for businesses to retain talent.
In 2024, we launched ALICE@Work, a program that helps employers understand and address this challenge. By working with businesses to create pathways to financial stability, we are ensuring wage growth leads to real progress and stability for both workers and employers.
Join Us in Creating Change
At UWGK, we know that lasting change happens when we unite as a community. Whether you are a business leader, nonprofit partner, or community member, we invite you to be part of this movement.
Get involved today! Email ETC@unitedwayknox.org to learn more about how you can support families on their path to economic mobility.
Partnerships Fuel ETC
Thank you to our ten partners that make this work possible: Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley, Catholic Charities of East Tennessee, Centro Hispano de East Tennessee, Girls Inc. of Tennessee Valley, Good Neighbors of Blount County, Knoxville Area Urban League, Tennessee Department of Human Services, United Way of Anderson County, the YMCA of East Tennessee, and YWCA Knoxville & the Tennessee Valley
