Community House Cooperative
The mission of Community House Cooperative, Inc.:
To support the empowerment
of the people of Cocke County through establishing effective projects,
inclusive process, and sustainable programs that further social, economic
and environmental justice utilizing local, regional & national collaboration.
In 1986, a group of citizens in Cocke County came together to take a
stand for the Big Pigeon River. The Pigeon was, and had been for nearly
100 years, used as an industrial sewer for the unspeakably foul (and
soon to be proven carcinogenic) waste from the previously named Champion
International Paper Mill upstream. By the year 2000, with some marked
water quality improvement, but need for much more, it became apparent
that the relationships formed, tested, and strengthened by the fight
together for the river had become strong foundations for building community,
promoting peace, demanding equity and protecting children in the county.
These river advocates were ultimately instrumental in establishing six
separate 501(c)(3) organizations with varied missions addressing safety,
preservation, environmental, arts, economic and social justice goals.
Two of those organizations, Community House Cooperative & Tanner Community Action Initiative, are engaged in several collaborative efforts with Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention, the Cocke County Health Council, Newport Farmer’s Market, and many others. Grant-funded programs come and go, but the same faces show up, with many new ones and always younger ones too, to do the work for the poor, for children, for the mountains, and always for the river.
Community House Cooperative was incorporated in 1995 by a small group of women with a vision of a future Cocke County that would support its people through establishing effective projects, inclusive process, and sustainable programs that further social, economic and environmental justice. CHC embraced asset building and local, regional & national collaboration.
Tanner Community Action Initiative was formed in 1996 by former students of the Tanner School (center for local African American education from 1927 until racial integration of schools in the '60's) and their families and supporters. They desired the preservation and restoration of their old school building, which was in serious disrepair and where both organizations are headquartered: Tanner Cultural Center.
Also located in the Tanner Cultural Center on the hill above the Pigeon are offices maintained by agencies offering services for the poor, disabled, and elderly including emergency food & energy assistance, HeadStart administration, veterans' services, senior citizens & aging services, facilitated referrals, college financial aid application counseling, etc. Activities in addition to those outlined on the reverse include quilting, Tai Chi exercise, covered dish suppers, dance class, seasonal flea markets and annual block parties.
The existing multiple networks and relationships among people, families & groups make possible numerous programs & organizations. At the core of all this is a cultural process likened to the traditional sewing circle, where individuals gather to create and reflect together. We embrace this way and this symbology, liberation from titles and roles and restriction. Members are those who gather to share food and information and reflection - no officers, no money, no organizational charts nor timelines. Only the circle in the quiet room, and outside always the river flowing.
Community House Cooperative, Inc. Board members are:
- Mitchell Barnes, Chair
- Sabrina Kridler, Co- Chair
- E. Jane Smith, Secretary
- Terry Hickson, Treasurer
- Randy Bethea
- Keela Philips
- Linda Hampton-Parker
Staff:
- Terry Cutshaw - Associate Director
- Gretta Carr - Coalition Coordinator
- Derek Henry - Technology Coordinator
For any questions concerning the above subject matter please send e-mail to: info@chcinc.org