Caroline Lamar to Lead Family Promise of Blount County
The Board of Directors of Family Promise of Blount County is pleased to share that Caroline Maynard Lamar is now the full-time Executive Director of the agency, effective January 1, 2020. Family Promise provides shelter and long-term assistance for families experiencing homelessness in Blount County.
Lamar has served as interim Executive Director since August 2019. Since that time, Lamar has also finalized her work with Maryville College, where she shepherded the Bicentennial Celebration. Lamar served previously as Director of Communications for Church Street United Methodist Church and as a producer with WBIR-TV. As a member of the Family Promise Board of Directors for three years, Lamar actively worked with fundraising, development, and church relations. She graduated from the University of Tennessee in 2001 with a degree in Communications.
While Lamar moves into her full-time position, Family Promise also welcomes Philip Hoffman, M.D., as the new Board president as Kevin Ross steps into the past president role. Hoffman previously served as Board vice-president during his multi-year board term. A retired cardiologist with Blount Memorial Hospital, Hoffman led the charge to establish warming shelters in Blount County for those experiencing homelessness, along with leading local and international medical mission endeavors.
“We are thankful for Board president Kevin Ross leading us through years of growth and positioning Family Promise for our next decade,” said Karen Hobby, veteran Board member and past Board president. “With Caroline’s vision and Dr. Hoffman’s commitment to our community, Family Promise will continue to grow and expand our reach so that every child does indeed have a home here in Blount County.”
Lamar’s positive impact has already been felt in the agency through her efforts to build and expand community and church partnerships. Clayton Homes and Regal Entertainment Group joined as financial supporters to provide for ongoing shelter related needs. Local faith congregations stepped up to provide daily support for those experiencing homelessness. The Second Chance Thrift Store, operated by Family Promise, opened in December 2019. Lamar intends to focus on expanding programs so that families in crisis will achieve permanent housing and be self-sufficient for the future.
Family Promise of Blount County provides shelter, transitional housing, transportation programs, and assistance for families with children who are experiencing homelessness. 25+ local faith-based congregations join together to provide rotating locations for families to sleep and eat. The Second Chance Thrift Store is operated by Family Promise to provide income for the programs. In operation for over 10 years, Family Promise has served over 300 families in the Blount County area. For more information on Family Promise, visit blountfamilypromise.org or contact director@blountfamilypromise.org or 865.233.4737.
