2^nd Annual Faith in the Future Awards Presented

Johnson City, TN (November 3, 2011) – The winners of the 2011 CenturyLink Faith in the Future Awards were recognized at a luncheon event coordinated by CenturyLink and The Chamber of Commerce serving Johnson City-Jonesborough-Washington County.  Karen Puckett, COO for CenturyLink and featured keynote speaker, said, “We are certainly proud of the nominees and recipients of this year’s award.  We celebrate their commitment to the future development of our communities and the region.”  Recipients were evaluated based on Business Growth & Performance, Business Challenges, Employee Relations, Unique and Innovative Approaches, and Community Involvement & Contributions

Under the Non-Profit Category, Free Will Baptist Family Ministries receives award.

• Founded in 1939, Free Will Baptist Family Ministries provides essential services to families and individuals in three states—Tennessee, Virginia, and Arkansas.   The organization supports unborn and newborns through The Hope Center Crises Pregnancy Center located in Greene County, to teens and youth through residential group homes and foster homes; senior adults through The Laurels and Governor’s Bend Retirement and Assisted Living Facilities, and at The Oaks Retreat Center.   Family Ministries is the only service provider tapped by the State of Tennessee as a Level II Enhanced Alcohol & Drug program for young men.  The program is a 60-day complex alcohol & drug recovery program.  In April, 2011 the organization invested in a new 4,000 sq. feet building to meet the needs of mothers and babies in Greene County.  In spring of 2012, the second assisted living facility owned and operated by the organization will open in Erwin, TN, an eight million dollar investment.  The center will feature a 54-unit living facility for seniors and will create more than 50 jobs in the Erwin area.  A tremendous challenge in 2011 was the F3 tornado that touched down in April in the Camp Creek area, destroying the community.   Family Ministries became a designated relief center where community members could come and begin to rebuild their lives.  Over 3,000 meals were served from the center, and over 13,000 volunteer hours were logged over the months of rebuilding.  Organizational leaders said that the disaster resulted in the organization turning “its focus on the community and neighbors—no matter what the cost, no matter what the effort.”  www.fwbfm.com