In our annual Philanthropy Issue, we recognize those individuals that are what we - and YOU as a community that nominated them - consider Charitable Heroes. They go above and beyond giving back daily to their community. They strive to make a difference every single day. And they deserve to be recognized, no matter how humble they all are in their endeavors. We thank them for exuding the definition of charitable hero.
Katie Creighton
Taking a Leap of Faith to Help Youth
Katie Creighton created the program for Erika’s Safe Place (ESP). “In October 2015, we opened the doors and became the only multi-focused/after-school program in Williamson County that offers a prevention/intervention curriculum to at-risk youth whom struggle with addiction, self-harm, anger, education, depression, peer-pressure and so forth,” explains Katie. “I founded Erika’s Safe Place after my best friend, Erika, died from suicide. At that time, I had been in social services for six years and I knew we lacked a prevention/intervention program in our county. I met with Juvenile Court, CASA, and local schools to determine what type of program would be most beneficial to our youth and, from there, I decided to take the leap of faith.”
Katie is also a member of the Spring Station General Federation of Women Clubs, Tennessee International Pageantry System as Miss Tennessee International 2018 and Ms Tennessee Ambassador 2019, Secretary of Tennessee Mid-Cumberland Council Children and Youth, a member of MTSU Social Work Advisory Board, Young Leaders Williamson County Inc. 2019 class, a member of Women in Charge-Spring Hill, a finalist for Woman of the Year, and President of 100 People Who Care South Williamson/Maury County.
“Each of these organizations are important to me, because they are directly involved with working with children, families and students in our community. They provide resources and services to those in need, in hopes of, bridging the gap of inequality and injustice. They also instill hope into our community and advocate for those, whom cannot advocate for themselves,” she says. “I believe giving back is important, because without the support of our neighbors, too many people will have to withstand hardships on their own and therefore, lack basic help/necessities- when they don’t have to. If we are able and capable of extending love, support, and resources to those in need, then we have the opportunity to be a blessing to others and ultimately, make our community a better place.”
Jennifer Morrison
Eliminating Barriers To Education
Jennifer Morrison the Director of Strategic Operations for Americas Indirect Tax at Ernst & Young and outside of her paid job, she is the Executive Director of the N.O.O.K (Needs of Our Kids). “Since 2017, the N.O.O.K has been partnering with our schools to eliminate barriers to education for kids in crisis. We empower school staff to immediately respond to a crisis with basic essentials so that the child can focus as much energy as possible on achieving in the classroom. Our intent is to mitigate the pressure that crisis places on both the child and the classroom by serving as a short-term bridge for kids and their families until they are able to connect with broader, longer-term social services.”
“Our volunteers on call, at the request of a school’s counselor, social worker or nurse, will deliver new essentials - coats, shoes, socks, underwear, shirts, pants, basic hygiene items and feminine hygiene - for the child, as well as gas money or food for the family. Our partner, One Generation Away provides us with warehouse space at no cost and all of the food we deliver,” she says. “Both One Generation Away and the N.O.O.K. show love to our community in a very practical way – food for anyone that is hungry and basic clothing and hygiene items to school children. We often say, shoes and socks may seem like little things, but to the child served, they give normalcy and stability. And they enable that child's teacher to help keep that child focused on learning. Both One Generation Away and the N.O.O.K. serve the community by meeting basic needs and both One Generation Away and the N.O.O.K. focus on connecting our community's needs with local resources - people helping people in their own community.”
“Working in our community along-side so many incredibly talented people that are focused on making sure that we meet the needs of everyone that lives here has brought me so much joy. Thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the servant spirit that is so strong here in Williamson County.”
Kevin Riggs
Leading By Example
Dr. Kevin Riggs has lived in Williamson County since 189 and has served as the Senior Pastor of Franklin Community Church for the past twenty-seven years. He is also the Founder and Director of Franklin Community Development and in addition to pastoring, taught Sociology at Nashville State Community College for fourteen years. He serves and has been involved with important community organizations such as the Community Housing Partnership of Williamson County, 21st Recovery Court, GraceWorks Ministries, Franklin Rotary at Breakfast, founder of the Williamson County Homeless Alliance, Unite Williamson, is a Volunteer Chaplain at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution, Christian Community Development Association and an alumnus of Leadership Franklin.
“I believe, as a pastor, a big part of my role is getting involved in the community,” explains Kevin. “I believe our church is called to be a conscience for the community. It’s not about programs. It’s about people. I feel strongly in giving people a voice who feel like they have no voice. I am especially passionate about housing issues. I feel strongly that the health and success of a city is that all of her citizens have a safe and secure place to live. I work closely with people experiencing homelessness and people struggling with addiction issues, as well as mental health issues. I am also passionate about prison ministry and am outspoken against capital punishment.
Simply put, we have been blessed to be a blessing and to those who have been given much, much is expected. I also feel that my faith compels me to love others as I love myself. I like to say ‘The way you serve a God you cannot see is by serving those you can see. The way you love a God you cannot see is by loving those you can see.’ To me, giving back is what it means to be human. Giving back gives my life meaning and purpose,” says Kevin. “I receive far more than I ever give. My life has been changed and enriched beyond measure because of what I do. It is not a program: It is a lifestyle. When you live in close proximity to those struggling it transforms who you are and who you would like to be.”
Kevin would love to help build a permanent homeless shelter in Williamson County with the goal of helping the county reach “functional zero” when it comes to homelessness. “I would also like to have more resources so I could house people experiencing homelessness quicker,” he says. “I believe encouraging others to get involved is part of discipleship. I encourage everyone to get more involved and to do more,” he says.
Laurie Kush
Building Bonds Between Humans & Animals
Laurie Kush serves as the Executive Director of Saddle Up!, a year-round Therapeutic Riding Facility serving over 200 children and youth, ages two through twenty-four. “Our children hail from eleven middle Tennessee counties and many of our 500-plus trained dedicated volunteers travel over an hour to serve our mission,” Laurie says. “We are a depth program, and our children attend for many years of progress.”
“Children with other abilities thrive in our unique environment, where we provide six Equine Animal Assisted Activities, including Adaptive Riding and Therapy Services (PT, OT, Speech Therapy), using the horse as a therapy tool,” explains Laurie. “Embedded in the horseback riding skills that build core strength, breath control and balance, are lesson goals that reinforce attention, sequencing of information, language development, behavior management, emotional control and socialization. Saddle Up! is a place of acceptance (human and horse) in a world that often discounts the whole human because of the label ‘learning difference’ or ‘diagnosed disability.’ The human/animal bond heals. Everyone belongs and has value.”
Laurie’s passion cannot only be seen when you meet her but can be felt as well. She truly exudes love, compassion and inclusion when you are with her. “My training is in organizational development and conflict mediation, and as a community we strive for diversity, inclusion and emotional intelligence to improve our organizations,” she says.
“The horse gets it best! I have personally and professionally observed the remarkable bond between humans and animals. Animals facilitate human connections across diverse populations. Animals propel inclusion,” Laurie says. “Horses, in particular, as prey animals, mirror our state of being and adjust and respond to provide instant feedback about how our body language, tone and speech patterns are affecting them. If we pay attention, horses can coach us to be better humans - all humans of all abilities benefit from equine emotional intelligence and the three-dimensional movement that they provide when we ride.”
When it comes to Laurie’s WHY… She says, “The pride, confidence, friendships and competence that our children achieve after years of Saddle Up! riding.”
Philip Peters
Restoring Hope to Those in Need
Philip Peters, his wife and their son now reside in Williamson County, after moving to the area to pursue a job in the music industry seventeen years ago. He works with True Artist Management, managing artists like Tobymac, Mandisa and DC Talk. Philip started the organization Restore Haiti in 2005, after a group of young adults from the area went to Haiti and felt the need to help the people there. “We have rented out a room at the Factory and hosted dance/formal gatherings to raise funds to help provide funds to dig a well, provide food for the communities and healthcare for those in need,” says Philip.
“It became important to me, as a trip to this Caribbean island opened up my eyes that there are people in great need,” he explains. “As I began to take members from the local young adult group and church from here in Franklin, it was amazing to see the lives of people around me begin to shift their focus. Sacrificing a meal, a coffee to help send an amount to sponsor a child per monthly. Take the time and vacation hours to go spend a week in Haiti. And when they weren’t in Haiti they would then work with youth, homeless and many have gotten involved in adoption and fostering children.” Philip understands the impact of the simple act of giving. “Giving back really does impact every aspect of your life. It is a good example and it really makes the world a better place to give a helping hand to someone in need.”
“Ten years ago, when we registered as an organization we officially named ourselves Hope Restored. Therefore, we are set up to take on projects that are able to help restore hope to those in need, even outside of Haiti. We are waiting for the right opportunity and team to start working on other projects. We recently held a small fundraiser at the Franklin Mercantile, we had many new faces to enjoy a great dinner and hear about our story and our work in Haiti,” says Philip. “Online is huge for us and word of mouth continues to be the strongest for our organization. These allow people to hear about and then can give, sponsor a child or take a trip with us.”
“The word hero is for sure a word I would never see my name next to. There are 1,000 kids in Haiti eating every week because of a lot of heroes, many of which are here in Williamson County.”
Savannah Kyleigh Clark
Changing the World at Only Twelve Years Old
Savannah Clark is our youngest Charitable Hero to date. She is a student at Heritage Middle School, a Girl Scout and an avid community volunteer involved in a number of organizations, including Meals on Wheels, Backpacks for America, Youth Villages and Room In The Inn. She also does work with her aunt Robbie Wilhoite, who was one of our featured 2018 Nonprofit Heroes, fostering and rescuing difficult cases from the local animal shelters. Her love for animals is undeniable. “One of my favorite places I have found, in my twelve years on this earth, is a wonderful place called Creekside,” says Savannah. “My aunt signed me up for a horseback riding camp over the summer. I loved being able to learn about the horse’s behavior, the care of their feet and mane, and learning how to ride them... Then I found I wanted more. Since then, every Saturday, I volunteer myself as an advocate for the horses. I help clean, feed and water them.”
Savannah has also organized her Girl Scout Troop (113) to volunteer at Creekside painting fences, trim back trails, clean stalls and more. “I spent a very incredible camping trip teaching my troop how to play the ukulele. I am a true believer in the power of music! How it can help bring people together. As a troop, we are writing our own songs too... Songs that speak up for animals and the planet that have no voice. Songs to sing to the elderly that may feel forgotten. And for the homeless, to remind them not to give up. I feel giving back is important because you never know whose life you’re going to save, whose day you might make brighter, whose belly you might feed, whose mind you may change for the better, or whose heart you might touch. In a world where so many are in need, animals and humans alike. If we all just did a little each day, together we could all make a difference. Seeing as I’m only twelve years old, I will get there one day... Because I do believe one person can be the change. It can even start from your home today. Take the extra few steps to recycle. If you own a business, set up recycling containers. If you live on a street, walk down it and pick up trash. Encourage family or friends to do the same. If I could do more, I would save the planet... Who wouldn’t?”
