As one local organization looks to give back, Carter County was able to find a way to give back.
During the holiday season, East Tennessee Christian Home & Academy (ETCHA), based in Elizabethton, is performing their “Give Thanks” campaign and the Carter County government was quick to follow through.
Ron Marvel, director of development for ETCHA, was presented with a check for $2,000 by Carter County Mayor Leon Humphrey to help the organization move forward.
“We have a goal of $40,000,” Marvel said. “This helps us span the deficit that we have and these donations help us keep our doors open to serve children. We’ve been serving the community for 70 years and the dollars are desperately needed.”
The partnership between the organization and the country government has been enjoyable over the years, the director added.
“We’ve had board members that served as Carter County commissioners,” Marvel said. “Our mayor is always real good about coming to any of our events or activities. He doesn’t miss very much. He’s been up at our campus and had lunch with us. It’s been a wonderful partnership.”
ETCHA was founded in 1946 by Fred Smith, preacher of First Christian Church in Elizabethton, after he witnessed a local judge placing children in jail due to the fact they did not have a family to provide for them. According to information provided from the program, Smith and a leadership board of 14 members opened ETCHA on an 18-acre property and continues to serve the region to this day.
Mayor Humphrey thanked the County Commission for the approval of the funds and added ETCHA plays a key role for the community.
“It’s wonderful,” Mayor Leon Humphrey said about ETCHA. “They provided countless opportunities for the youth of the area and have been an important part of the community.”
In a letter sent out by ETCHA Director of Services Melissa Marvel, the program is hoping the community is able to provide a little extra if possible.
“After 70 years of serving children and youth, we are in danger of closing if we do not increase our yearly income by at least $20,000,” the letter stated. “This is above the income received in regular donations and fundraising efforts.”
While not imminent, the letter added there is concern with the program for the future.
“Although financial failure is not imminent, heightened concern at this time is warranted for the future operation of ETCHA,” the statement read. “Since severing our state contract, we have benefitted from estate settlements and endowment restructure, but in years that we have not received these types of funds we have a shortfall of revenue.
“In addition to maintaining the rising costs of operation as well as capital improvements such as the expenses on two roofs and ongoing plumbing/electrical needs of our 70-year-old campus,” she continued. “These improvements have cost our ministry valuable resources and created a shortfall in our budget for several years.”
The “Give Thanks” campaign continues until the end of January, Ron added. For more information on ETCHA or to donate, visit them online at www.etcha.org or contact the organization by telephone at (423) 542-4423,
“We’re going to continue to serve and minister,” he added about the future. “We have an eye on potentially expanding if possible to help more children and serve families.”