Work Continues as Mountain Tough Executive Director Steps Down

Mountain Tough Recovery Team Executive Director Janice Hendrix has stepped down effective immediately from her role with the Gatlinburg-based program. The Board of Directors appointed Jeff Conyers to serve as the Interim Executive Director while the search for a replacement is underway. Conyers currently serves on the Mountain Tough Recovery Team Board of Directors.

Mountain Tough focuses on a three-pronged approach as it supports Sevier County residents through their rebuilding efforts. First, the program focuses on case management and financial assistance to renters and homeowners affected by the fires. The goal is to help remove obstacles that stand between the family and their goal of stability and recovery. Since July 1, nearly $30,000 in assistance has been disbursed to assist individuals with stable housing options, medical issues and transportation needs.

The second effort of the Mountain Tough Recovery Team is to conduct the vetting process for those who are candidates for home rebuilds. The project, led in conjunction with the Appalachia Service Project and other organizations, helps bridge prospective candidates and groups constructing new homes to replace ones that were lost. The Appalachia Service Project completes its first house later this month.

Finally, Mountain Tough Recovery Team is focused on clearing build sites and prepping land to make it ready for the rebuilding of homes. Mountain Tough will release more details about this initiative early next month.

Anyone seeking assistance should complete a pre-application at www.mountaintough.org. Anyone without internet access may call the Mountain Tough office at (865) 436-8112 to start their application. Once an appointment is scheduled, applicants will meet with case managers to review their circumstances, determine eligibility and set goals to advance their recovery process.

Mountain Tough Recovery Team is an independent, tax deductible, 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization incorporated in the State of Tennessee. It is governed by a Board of Directors. The list of current board members may be found at www.mountaintough.org

The Gatlinburg office of the Mountain Tough Recovery Team is located at 906 East Parkway, Suite 2, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. Funds from public and private sources cover the operational expenses thus allowing 100% of donations to directly benefit affected families.

Anyone who wants to help the Mountain Tough Recovery Team with their efforts should visit www.mountaintough.org for information on how to donate, how to volunteer and more. The website is the official source for all information regarding the recovery effort.

Photo: Mountain Tough/Facebook