ETF and ADFAC Make a Difference in Appalachia

For more than three decades, Aid for Distressed Families in Appalachian Counties (ADFAC) has been a vital resource for families in Morgan, Anderson, Roane, and Campbell Counties. Since its founding in 1987, ADFAC has worked tirelessly to provide essential support to local families in need through their Household Assistance Program, Appalachian Housing Partners Program, and School Supplies Program. The East Tennessee Foundation (ETF) is proud to partner with such a dedicated organization by providing grants to support the School Supply Program and managing ADFAC’s organizational endowment.

ADFAC’s School Supplies Program equips students from Pre-K through 12th grade with new backpacks and school supplies to provide them with the best opportunity for success during the school year. This wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of the community and three community funds of ETF. Over the years, the Morgan County Community Foundation (MCCF), the Norris Area Community Fund (NACF), and the Campbell Enhancement Fund (CEF) have cumulatively granted nearly $34,000 to ADFAC’s School Supply Program. In 2025, ADFAC coordinated the largest distribution in its 32-year history by partnering with 51 schools and impacting the futures of 5,824 students in the region. By investing in education and easing the financial burden on families, ETF has played a key role in fostering a brighter future for Appalachian communities.

Becky Hook, School Supplies Coordinator, says, “I know how important it is for students to walk into the classroom and have the same things that others have. Because of our partnership with the East Tennessee Foundation, we can provide needed resources so that our students can be successful from the start.”

In 2015, ADFAC partnered with ETF to establish the ADFAC Bow Tie Endowment.  By establishing this endowment, ADFAC created a stable financial resource that will strengthen their ability to serve local students and families for generations to come.

“The continued support of the East Tennessee Foundation, through grants and the management of the Bow Tie Endowment, provides ADFAC with funds to meet current needs in our community and long-term stability for our organization”, said Annie Cacheiro, ADFAC’s Executive Director. “Contributing half of the proceeds from our gala each year to the Bow Tie Endowment gives our donors the confidence that ADFAC isn’t just raising funds for now, but also for the future. I think of it similarly to your own personal long-term financial plan – every little bit helps grow that fund for your future needs. ADFAC is committed to helping our neighbors on their own path to stability. With the Bow Tie Endowment, we are working on our organizational long-term stability too, and the East Tennessee Foundation makes the process incredibly easy.”