What is the history of the Emerald Youth Foundation?

The Emerald Youth Foundation, a Christian nonprofit organization, has been promoting its values of faith, relationships, learning and health for over 30 years in Knoxville. Its next major expansion could be on Chilhowee Park land if a plan is approved by the city.

The foundation works with 3,300 children, teens and young adults each year through schools and sports programs, according to its website. The foundation also hosts community events at its facilities.

It all started in the 1980s when the Emerald Avenue United Methodist Church began an outreach ministry, according to the Emerald Youth Foundation’s website.

Fast forward to today, when Emerald Youth is active in offering resources, guidance and team sports to young people and underserved communities.

Who does Emerald Youth Foundation serve?

Since its conception, Emerald Youth Foundation has offered services specifically to young people in the Knoxville area, with a strong focus on underserved neighborhoods in the core of the city.

Emerald Youth programs, including sports

Emerald Youth is a Christian organization and bases its programs around faith. Its most visible community ventures center around sports.

Emerald Youth has team and individual sports, both through schools and recreationally.

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“Emerald Youth Sports has been developed to mobilize athletes to become Christian leaders in their sport and communities, including their school campus; give athletes fun, skills and competitive sport opportunities; and equip coaches to teach sport and life skills,” its website says.

It also offers JustLead afterschool leadership program and a Calling & Career Ministry for young adults.

Who leads Emerald Youth Foundation?

Steven Diggs is the president and CEO of the Emerald Youth Foundation.

The Emerald Youth Foundation has a Board of Advisors and a Board of Trustees, according to the Emerald Youth Foundation’s website, plus committees. Community leaders listed on the foundation’s website as supporters and advisors include Tennessee basketball coach Rick Barnes, former Gov. Bill Haslam, Dee Haslam, Dr. Keith Gray and others.

What is Emerald Academy?

Emerald Youth Foundation founded the separate Emerald Charter Schools organization and that group opened Emerald Academy charter school in 2015.

Emerald Academy was Knox County’s first public charter school when it launched in Mechanicsville. The school is operated independently from the foundation.

What is the Emerald Youth Foundation’s Chilhowee Park plan?

The nonprofit wrote that it hopes to build something akin to its Haslam-Sansom Ministry Complex in Lonsdale. The $20 million project would “contribute to whole child youth development in the heart of Knoxville,” a news release said.

The proposed complex would include indoor and outdoor sports facilities such as basketball courts, baseball cages and turf fields, a pavilion, meeting rooms, and a fitness and health center.

Myron Thompson reports on public safety for Knox News. Email: myron.thompson@knoxnews.com