Logan Hill (L) founder of HOPE Summer Garden & STEM Instruction Program in Blount County was awarded a social action grant by BTB member Lonnie Jones. (Photo by P.Williams Sept. 2020)
Hallerin Hill was the featured speaker. Hill put the students on notice. He let them know that the book scholarships were more than money, “it’s a down payment on what’s possible for your life, and what we believe is possible in you. We believe in you, are for you and with you.” Hill also encouraged them to reach out to members of the Boule’ as an ally and a resource and encouraged them to benefit from their wisdom, experience, and life lessons.
Asst. Professor of Education at UT-Knoxville and recently appointed UT diversity equity, and inclusion, Dr. Dorian McCoy urged the students to come to him if they needed guidance or anything in any way, his door is always open. McCoy addressed students individually on how he will be helping them, including connecting them with mentors of color in their chosen field of study.
The civic grants acknowledged two non-profit organizations that have demonstrated sustained educational services to youth and the elderly within inner-city communities. They were; Covenant Counseling Services, LLC owners Donna and Charles Mitchell. They offer a multi-cultural staff of counselors specific to children, which includes in-home therapy and family group counseling. It has served the Department of Child and Family Services and has expanded services to clients with private and Tenncare insurance coverage. Among their goals is to interrupt the mental cycle of poverty, systemic racism, and economic oppression.
HOPE Summer Garden & STEM Instruction Program in Blount County was established by Logan Hill. Students earn a stipend spending the summer gardening. The harvest is shared with senior citizens in the Blount County community.
The Beta Theta Boule’ chapter and Foundation is a philanthropic 501(c)3 non-profit. It was a recipient of the East Tennessee Foundation 2020 Youth Endowment Grant. Donations are tax-deductible. For more information email Dennis Upton, President; at [email protected].
Charles and Donna Mitchell of Convenant Counseling Services, LLC. were social grant recipients. (Photo submitted)
