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Daily Times Correspondent

Until recently, Good Neighbors, a ministry of the Blount County Ecumenical Council had a staff of one in the person of director Corita Swanson, who operated out of an office provided gratis by Highland Presbyterian Church.

"It's tremendous what Highland Church has done," said Swanson, who resigned as director in August 2004.

In recognition of Highland's donation of office space since the inception of Good Neighbors nine years ago, Ami Greene and Liz Kabalka, who are acting as temporary co-directors, came to present a plaque to the congregation during a recent Sunday service.

"They (Highland congregation) have been so nice and patient while we're looking for space," said Greene, who along with Kabalka, is a social worker.

Good Neighbors currently provides assistance to the people of Blount County in the form of support, referral, problem solving and emergency financial assistance. Typically about 50 individuals a month are served.

Good Neighbors is entirely funded by local area churches.

"Not only has Good Neighbors helped people help themselves, we've enabled the entire community to have services more successful and coordinated," said Swanson.

Greene and Kabalka were both drawn to Good Neighbors as a result of serving on a committee set up by the Blount County Ecumenical Council to determine how to better serve the poor.

"Good Neighbors is part of that," said Kabalka, who attends St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Maryville. "It's (also) unique to Blount County, and I realized what an important role it fills, so when they asked us to step in as temporary co-director, I said yes."

Like Kabalka, Greene is the mother of two children and attends New Providence Presbyterian Church in Maryville.

"We've really been able to rely on each other," said Kabalka.

"It's really exciting and neat being involved in a program that's already got a good history moving forward. There's so much potential to impact people's lives in Blount County. This is the only program in Blount County that has emergency cash funds for a wide variety of challenges people have. It's not a lot, but we're able to help people with things they couldn't get anywhere else."

Since Swanson's retirement, Good Neighbors is moving in a different direction. They are seeking volunteers to provide non-therapeutic counseling, information about community resources, and advocacy.

"We really need a permanent coordinator to work 18 hours a week," said Greene.

"The coordinator will manage the volunteer program as a day to day function of the office," said Kabalka.

After a permanent coordinator is found, Greene will serve on the board of directors. Kabalka will also work with the board of directors and do fundraising, grant writing and program management.

It is expected that the larger office and more volunteers will enable Good Neighbors to reach more needy people.

Those applying as coordinator should have a B.A. and social work related experience.

The new office is in the Compton Complex, 317 Ellis Avenue. The telephone number is 681.5420.

Extensive training and support are available.