This feature is a question-and-answer session with a new Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 226th installment visiting with Gail Van Hoozier, board member for Special Opps, Inc. – Special Growers, Special Services & The Art Studio at Special Growers. Its mission is to empower individuals with disabilities through inclusive job training and employment, fostering confidence, independence, and success beyond high school.
Explain more about what Special Opps does. Special Growers harvest, prep and volunteers deliver herbs and flowers grown at the Garden. Special Services offer different job opportunities outside the garden such as laundry service for Blackberry Farm, landscape maintenance at Tyson McGee Airport, and other venues. The Art Studio at Special Growers creates original pieces that are sold in area specialty shops in Maryville and Knoxville.
How did all this begin? In 2010, a few parents of young adults with disabilities were hit with a question, “What’s next for my child after high school graduation?” Unfortunately, the answer was, “there really isn’t much.”
Special Growers was launched to provide a work opportunity for their children and other adults with disabilities. With the support of many community partners and individuals, a safe and inclusive work environment has been developed for our staff with disabilities to learn job skills, gain confidence, and prepare for their future careers.
Today, Special Growers employs 45 year-round staff with disabilities, 2 garden managers, 1 art director, and 14 dedicated volunteers. With these talented team members, we work hard to harvest, prep, and deliver fresh herbs and fresh cut flowers to local restaurants in Maryville and Knoxville.
In a significant move to support housing security and community well-being, Home Federal Bank announces a $200,000 donation to local nonprofit organizations that provide safe, affordable housing solutions throughout the East Tennessee region. The funding will be distributed among trusted nonprofit partners dedicated to housing stability, homelessness prevention, and neighborhood revitalization.
“At Home Federal, we believe that everyone deserves a safe and stable place to call home,” said David Reynolds, CEO of Home Federal Bank. “Affordable housing is foundational to financial well-being, public health, and vibrant communities. We’re honored to support the dedicated nonprofits in our region who are making a lasting difference every day.”
The funds will support a range of programs, including emergency housing assistance, transitional living facilities, the construction and renovation of affordable housing units, housing counseling, and wraparound services that help families achieve long-term housing stability. Various recipient organizations include Knox Area Rescue Ministries (KARM), Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation (KCDC), Knoxville Habitat for Humanity, Helen Ross McNabb Foundation, Neighborhood Housing Inc., The Restoration House, Volunteer Ministry Center, and YWCA Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley, among several others.
“Housing is more than just shelter. It is the foundation for opportunity. It creates the stability needed to address other barriers through our wraparound services. Home Federal’s investment reflects their belief that stable housing is essential to the long-term health and prosperity of our communities,” said Natalie Stair, Interim Chief Executive Officer of YWCA Knoxville & the Tennessee Valley.
“Home Federal Bank’s investment in affordable housing underscores the vital role housing plays in the well-being of all families, especially those with limited incomes. Through their support of The Restoration House and many other community partners, they are helping create stable, dignified housing and a brighter future for those who need it most,” stated Daniel Watson, Executive Director of The Restoration House.
“We are deeply grateful to Home Federal Bank for investing in the long-term stability and strength of our community,” said Anna Engelstad, CEO of Knoxville Habitat for Humanity. “This support helps us create affordable homeownership opportunities where families build their own futures and contribute to the vitality of Knox County. Affordable homeownership is more than a roof and walls, it’s a pathway to financial independence, better health, and educational outcomes,” Engelstad added. “Home Federal’s investment demonstrates their commitment to removing barriers and creating opportunities that help families and neighborhoods thrive.”
This donation is part of Home Federal Bank’s ongoing commitment to community reinvestment. The bank additionally supports initiatives in food assistance, healthcare, economic development, education, and financial literacy.
Home Federal Bank is the largest mutually owned community bank in Tennessee. Founded in 1924, it has 23 offices in Knox, Anderson, Blount, and Sevier counties.
Home Federal Bank provides mortgage and consumer loans, credit and debit card services, online and mobile banking, savings plans, personal and business trust services, commercial banking, and brokerage services through its subsidiary, Home Financial Services Inc.
Three local public schools received $2,500 each in classroom grants as part of a new initiative to support construction education and training, thanks to the newly established Foundation for Future Building Trades. In addition, six students were awarded scholarships totaling $6,000 to further their education or purchase tools and supplies for careers in the construction industry.
Classroom Grants Awarded:
Heritage High School – Instructor Jason Tipton will lead students in constructing a 10’ x 12’ storage shed, teaching framing techniques and foundational layout skills including flooring, walls, rafters, doors, and windows.
William Blount High School – Instructor Doug Blair will oversee two projects: flag-building in a fundamentals class and Adirondack chair construction for year one students. Both projects emphasize tool safety, measurement, and hands-on craftsmanship.
Maryville Junior High School – Instructor Jeremy Russell will utilize funding to enhance shop safety and efficiency by adding storage and dust collection systems, creating an environment conducive to learning and skill development.
Student Scholarships Awarded:
Colton Richardson, Heritage High School – $2,500
Christian Eggleton, William Blount High School – $1,500
Hunter Johnson, William Blount High School – $1,000
Brayden Sargent, William Blount High School – $500
Rafael Amos Sanchez, William Blount High School – $500
Students could apply for scholarships to support either continued education or the purchase of tools and equipment needed for employment in the construction field.
These awards were made possible through the consolidation of nearly $450,000 from the former Builders & Associates of Blount County chapter into the Foundation for Future Building Trades. The Foundation will fund classroom grants and scholarships with a focus on residential construction, aiming to grow the pipeline of skilled workers in the local construction industry.
The initiative is overseen by the Blount Partnership’s Construction Workforce Advisory Committee, which manages grant and scholarship disbursements.
“We are excited to provide these opportunities to local students and are committed to helping shape the future of the construction industry, particularly in residential building,” said Blount Partnership’s Director of Workforce Development Jessica Belitz. “These scholarships and grants will not only help students succeed but will also strengthen the local workforce, ensuring that our community has access to highly skilled professionals for years to come.”
The Foundation is actively seeking donations to sustain and grow this effort, which aligns with broader goals of workforce development and regional economic growth.
Photo 1 caption: Hunter Johnson, Braydon Sargent, Denver Hunt (Denver Hunt Construction), Rafael Sanchez, Christian Eggleton of William Blount High School each received a check. Photo 2 caption: Greg Newman (Roger Newman Heating & Air) presents a check to Colton Richardson of Heritage High School.
