KARM’s Mission
To restore lives of our homeless neighbors through Christ-centered support.
Since 1960, KARM’s volunteers, donors and staff have answered the call to restore lives in Jesus’ name. We pursue this mission using the same ministry formula Jesus used:
Rescue + Relationships = Restoration
He rescued us. He longs for a relationship with us. He uses that rescue and growing relationship to restore us to God, to self, to family and to community.
KARM’s Core Values
- Biblically Grounded
- Steadfast Collaboration
- Inward & Outward Minded
- Dignity Always
KARM Leadership Team
PRESIDENT & CEO
I love serving at KARM because I have the opportunity to witness our formula of Rescue + Relationships = Restoration lived out every day and to see men and women reconciled with God, family and community.
VICE PRESIDENT OF DEVELOPMENT
We are all broken and in need of redemption. It’s my privilege to be the hands and feet of Jesus, furthering the gospel alongside KARM’s staff, volunteers, donors and guests.
VICE PRESIDENT OF PROGRAMS
I love KARM because every day our unsheltered neighbors are championed, celebrated, and given dignity to move forward. It’s the most beautiful place in Knoxville. “Here is what we seek: a compassion that can stand in awe at what the poor have to carry rather than stand in judgment at how they carry it.”
– Gregory Boyle
VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS
Almost 30 years ago, I was blessed to be a KARM board member. I received a much bigger blessing when I returned as a KARM team member. I think God has fulfilled His plans for me (Psalm 20:4) by allowing me to finish my career at KARM.
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
David Platt wrote, “We don’t follow a health and wealth savior. We follow a homeless and wounded Savior.” Jesus would serve at KARM. I want to be like Jesus.
VICE PRESIDENT FOR PEOPLE AND CULTURE
Every day at KARM, I have the opportunity to pray with and for our guests, employees, and volunteers. When you see the power of God daily changing lives in so many ways, how can you not want to be a part of that?”
VICE PRESIDENT OF SERENITY MINISTRIES
If Jesus was on the earth in the flesh today, I believe KARM and Serenity are exactly where He would be. Miracles happen here every day!
VICE PRESIDENT OF HEALTH SERVICES
Working at KARM combines the high privileges of serving those most in need, mirroring God’s grace, and demonstrating the joy of Christian service—all while helping take care of a wide range of practical needs with team members who are focused on eternity.
KARM Directors
DIRECTOR OF FACILITIES & SAFETY
I’m honored to be given the privilege and blessing to use my gifts and experience for a faith-based, ministry-focused, life-changing organization. God has shown me so much grace and mercy, and I’m doing my best to pour His love into others at a time when they are most vulnerable! (Colossians 1:9-12)
SR. DIRECTOR OF FOOD SERVICES
Working at KARM provides me with the blessing of making a positive impact in the lives of those we serve. It’s a great responsibility with great rewards.
DIRECTOR WOMEN’S CARE COORDINATION
From the moment I said “yes” to KARM, my life was changed. It’s a joy and an honor to witness lives being impacted for God’s glory. It’s looking someone in the eyes, smiling at them, and hearing them say “thank you” — because no one has done that in a long time. It’s creating space for dignity to take root in a neighbor’s heart. What an incredible honor. I thank God every day that he placed little ole me here, for a time such as this.
DIRECTOR OF SERENITY NORTH
The first time I walked through the doors of KARM to learn more about volunteer opportunities, I knew this was where I wanted to be. Scripture tells us the Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and that he saves the crushed in spirit. I not only get to witness this every day at KARM, but get to be a part of it. What an honor!
SR. DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
I have the privilege of connecting our community, partnering with incredible staff, and championing dedicated volunteers to serve our guests with compassion. Rallying Knoxville to serve + learn with purpose is pure joy—come be part of something meaningful with us!
DIRECTOR OF LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT
Being part of the KARM family is such an honor. I am allowed the privilege of using experiences and God-given abilities to serve Him and grow His Kingdom in a very special place whose focus is sharing the love and grace of God to others. (1 Peter 4:10-11)
DIRECTOR OF CHAPLAIN SERVICES
Through God’s overwhelming grace and mercy, He is “restoring my soul.” (Psalm 23:3) I’m blessed beyond measure to be able to share with others in word and deed about how He can restore their lives as well as their souls.
DIRECTOR OF CARE CENTER
Every person deserves access to quality healthcare. I love serving at KARM because I have the privilege of collaborating with our community partners to provide quality, holistic healthcare to those who desperately need it, but are so often overlooked and underserved.
DIRECTOR OF NEW LIFE
KARM amazes me. It’s nothing short of the graciousness of God that allows me to be part of what the Lord is doing here. Working in our New Life program for men gives me a front row seat every day to literally watching lives transform.
DIRECTOR OF VOLUNTEER RELATIONS
As a former volunteer at KARM and now an employee, I have the great pleasure of partnering with churches, companies, families and individuals in our community to experience firsthand God’s grace for the people we serve at KARM.
DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES
I love working at KARM because it gives me the ability to work towards a common goal to care for our homeless; to make an impact with an Eternal investment; to work at a place that has meaning.
DIRECTOR OF OUTREACH
In the face of an ocean of despair, my only response can be an ocean of love. Just love people where they are.
DIRECTOR OF MEN’S MINISTRIES
At KARM, I am able to tangibly demonstrate the Kingdom of God for our neighbors in need. Helping our guests discover and develop their God-given purpose and passion is rewarding work.
DIRECTOR OF MEN’S GUEST DEVELOPMENT
I am thrilled to wake up each day and serve at KARM. I’m often awestruck that God has called me to this incredible work, allowing me to share His love and the beauty of His kingdom with others. Witnessing God transform the lives of our homeless neighbors and having the privilege to serve them fills my heart with joy.
Tim Keller wrote, “We instinctively tend to limit for whom we exert ourselves. We do it for people like us, and for people whom we like. Jesus will have none of that. By depicting a Samaritan helping a Jew, Jesus could not have found a more forceful way to say that anyone at all in need – regardless of race, politics, class, and religion – is your neighbor. Not everyone is your brother or sister in faith, but everyone is your neighbor, and you must love your neighbor.”
SR. DIRECTOR OF WOMEN’S MINISTRY
Even after many years it still overwhelms me that God allows me the privilege to get to see people restored and be a small piece of their story. I get to be a part of an amazing team that wants to serve our God by serving His people. It’s not a job that I take lightly and there is nothing I would rather be doing.
DIRECTOR OF WOMEN’S GUEST DEVELOPMENT
I love KARM because here, grace meets grit and beauty rises from the ashes. Every day I watch women find their voice again—trading shame for strength, fear for faith. This is holy ground, where broken stories become testimonies and hope comes alive.
DIRECTOR OF GUEST HOSPITALITY
God always has a way to bring you where you can best serve Him, and that is why I believe I am at KARM. Daily I am blessed by those we serve, and it is so rewarding to see their growth and restoration to a life centered in Christ.
“To bear sins means to go where the sinner is…to devote oneself to his recovery and follow him with ceaseless ministry, knowing he cannot be recovered without his consent…and his consent may be indefinitely withheld.”.
William Maltby | British evangelist
Board of Directors
Trish Wilson – Chairman
Ray Kielarowski – Vice Chairman
Bobby Stogner – Finance Chairman
Dan Hurst – Secretary
George Brown
Dr. William Burkhart
Cathy Gonzalez
Dennis McClane
Wayman McLaughlin, Jr.
Taylor Ogle
W. Frank Smith III
Doug Yoakley
David Youngblood
Danita McCartney, President & CEO