Tag: events

Chattanooga, Chattanooga outreach, community, Daily Life, Diversity, donate, Family, Sustainability

Truly Priceless

Written by Koleby Gilbert

Koleby Gilbert interviews Liz Hutcherson and Nena Beckham about the Chattanooga Free Store, their involvement in it, and the positive impact it has on the community.

On the corner of Dodson Ave. and Ocoee St. sits a quiet, unassuming building with little more than an open sign and organization logo on the storefront. Underneath reads a simple phrase: “Solidarity, not charity.” Take a closer look inside and you’ll be met with clothing racks, a variety of toys, shoes and hygiene products—all without a price tag.

The Chattanooga Free Store is a non-religious, completely volunteer-run organization that actively embraces mutual aid, serving a community of families and friends at least three times a week. Including items like toys, health products, sexual health items, and food from their community fridge, the Free Store is for everyone; no questions, judgment or payment.

Long-time manager and volunteer, Liz Hutcherson, has been a shining beacon of hope, collaboration and strength within the community fostered by the Free Store. 

Continue reading “Truly Priceless” →
art, Chattanooga, Chattanooga outreach, community, Daily Life, Diversity, Entertainment, Music, Philanthropy

Rising Culture

Written by Connor Spelta

Alex Newton spoke with Shateria Smith and Shane Morrow about Responsive Initiatives for Social Empowerment (RISE)—a black-led nonprofit organization that has been serving the community with free programming, concerts, and communal events since 2011. They hosted the Levitt BLOC Music Series during the month of September, which consists of free concerts for the public every Sunday.

For the most part, a drive down Taylor Street in East Chattanooga looks like any other street in the city’s poorer river-to-ridge region. The blur of closely packed industrial, commercial and residential lots aging into historic status is interrupted by a sprawling 14,000-square-foot complex adorned with stained glass windows and statues. 

The over 100-year-old building, formerly the Solid Anchor Church, hosts Chattanooga non-profit Responsive Initiatives for Social Empowerment (RISE). The black-led non-profit was started in 2011 by current CEO Shane Morrow and his partner.

Known originally as Jazzanooga, the organization began with a single-day Jazz festival as a part of the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga (CFGC). After the initial success of the festival, the organization spun off from CFGC into the independent non-profit it is today.

Continue reading “Rising Culture” →