Written by Taylor McKinley
A person’s facial appearance significantly influences their daily interactions, impacting everything from grocery store visits to the formation of friendships. FACES, a Chattanooga based craniofacial nonprofit, brings comfort and acceptance to those in this community.
“We help children and adults get desperately needed craniofacial surgeries,” said Kim Fox, President of FACES. “Not only do these people have to deal with numerous surgeries, but they also have to deal with peer pressure and people being mean to them, and calling them names.”
The work of FACES and Bud’s Creative Art Center go beyond Jewelry Making or Paint classes. Children and adults undergo life changing surgeries that will impact how they carry themselves for the rest of their lives. The community plays a significant role in getting those who suffer from craniofacial anomalies surgeries, while also benefiting their artistic abilities as well.
“Every time you take a class at Bud’s you are helping the children and adults of FACES,” Fox said. “So you’re doing a really good thing for yourself and you’re doing something really good for FACES.”
FACES distinguishes itself by actively raising awareness about laws that protect individuals with facial differences and advocating for face equality as an essential human right.
“Sadly so many people that have a facial difference actually do get discriminated against, “ Fox said. “Sometimes they either don’t get the job they want or they keep them back in the warehouse.”
Through FACES’ latest initiative, Bud’s Creative Art Center, their goals extend beyond fundraising for those impacted; they aspire to create a positive influence within their local community. Bud’s Creative Art Center hosts art classes that bring the community together to create for a good cause.
“The money that is generated from art classes will go primarily to support the mission of getting more kids the help that they need for surgeries,” said Cassandra Anderson, PR Director of Bud’s Creative Art Center. “That’s really the main reason Buds is here, and just making people aware of the space and having a community and creative outlet.”
After being fortunate enough to be granted the funds for a building, Fox knew she wanted to be an “asset to the community” and Bud’s Creative Art Center was born.
“I don’t like to say no to a deserving family,” Fox said. “So this is going to help us continue to say yes.”
For FACES it is about more than just the finances. Although the money being raised from Bud’s Creative Art Center and other donations are changing families’ lives, they also serve as an essential support system.
“Not only do we help with financial aid for travel, but we provide information and support. A lot of new moms or grandparents are just finding out that their baby or their grandchild that is about to be born has a facial difference and they are scared,” Fox said. “A lot of times we are their first phone call.”
The surgeries themselves are a high investment with an even higher impact on someone’s life. Whether individuals choose craniofacial surgery as their preferred path or seek a community of acceptance, FACES and Bud’s Creative Art Center stand as a safe place for those with facial differences.
Meet the Storyteller
Taylor McKinley is a visual storyteller majoring in communication and minoring in marketing at UTC. McKinley combines her creativity, love for storytelling and passion for social media to bring those in her community together. As the Social Media and Advertising Manager of The University Echo, McKinley is always excited to find new stories, meet new people and learn new things. Outside of storytelling, McKinley works as a Digital Marketing Intern where she dives into content creation, SEOs and web design. To connect with McKinley, email her at WZS675@mocs.utc.edu.