Cocoa & Community: Food Truck and Farmers Market Fridays

Cocoa & Community: The Food-Filled Fridays South Chattanooga Deserves!

The Net Resource Foundation is brewing up something special in South Chattanooga with Cocoa & Community: Food Truck and Farmers Market Fridays! Thanks to a $2,870 boost from The UnFoundation, they’re turning an empty street into a hub of flavor, fellowship, and fresh produce.

Starting in April, on the second Friday of each month, this pop-up event will feature food trucks, local farmers, and community vendors, serving up delicious eats and farm-fresh finds from 5 to 7 PM. Think of it as your go-to spot for good food, good vibes, and even better connections.

So, where’s the money going? Right where it counts: permits to keep the streets clear and safe ($300), barricades for smooth traffic flow ($1,100), security to keep things family-friendly ($720), and portable toilets ($750) because, well, nature calls.

Beyond just a fun Friday night, this initiative is laying the groundwork for Cocoa Cafe, a future community-driven food hub that will serve as a business incubator, food truck commissary, and gathering space for local entrepreneurs. In other words, this isn’t just about food—it’s about fueling South Chattanooga’s economy, culture, and community spirit.

With the first event launching April 11, expect instant results: more fresh food access, more small businesses thriving, and more neighbors connecting. So bring your appetite, bring a friend, and get ready for a delicious transformation in the heart of South Chattanooga!

NCNA Green Spaces Initiative: Sylvan Bird Sanctuary Restoration | North Chattanooga Neighborhood Association

Let’s give a round of applause to NCNA Green Spaces Initiative—the proud winner of our $3,000 UNFoundation grant!

What’s the goal, you ask? Restoring Sylvan Park Bird Sanctuary and creating a safe, accessible trail that will connect two sections of North Chattanooga. Sylvan Park, a historic gem in our city, has been underutilized and, let’s be honest, a little neglected. But not for long!

With this grant, NCNA will use the funds to build a 400-foot trail, complete with weather-treated steps (no more sliding down muddy hills!) and educational signage that will tie together the park’s natural beauty and rich history. This is no ordinary park revitalization; it’s a community-focused effort that ties into Chattanooga’s National Park City vision.

The trail will be the key connector for local kids to safely reach the Wyatt Community Center, for nature lovers to explore and bird-watch, and for neighbors to enjoy a walk without worrying about getting lost in poison ivy. (Yeah, we’re done with that!)

And there’s more! The NCNA team has already secured a dream partner—a local construction company donating labor and equipment to clear the way. And they’re not stopping there; they’re also working with the Southeast Conservation Corps for additional trail building support. With the $3,000 grant, they’re set to kick things off this winter and spring.

This project isn’t just about restoring a park—it’s about creating a space where the neighborhood connects, wildlife thrives, and kids can get to the community center safely. It’s about turning Sylvan Park into a beloved green oasis for all.

For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf | Nooga Vision

We’re thrilled to announce Noogavision Theatre and Performing Arts as one of our UNFoundation grant winners! This dynamic local organization is empowering communities through theatre and mental health awareness, and their latest production is sure to make waves in Chattanooga.

For Colored Girls is the second installment of Noogavision’s “Arts in Mental Health” series, offering an experiential and deeply impactful performance about the struggles and triumphs of Black women. With 21 women of color in the cast, this production will not only showcase powerful theatre, but also provide a space for open dialogue about mental health in communities of color.

Thanks to the UNFoundation’s $3,000 grant, Noogavision can now guarantee artist stipends for the cast, which is essential for recognizing their dedication—48 hours of rehearsals and four performances! The funds will allow Noogavision to pay each artist $100, ensuring that the local talent who are bringing this story to life are compensated fairly.

The show will run for four Sundays in February and March 2025, and will be followed by post-show discussions facilitated by mental health professionals, giving the audience a chance to engage directly with the themes of the play.

This grant isn’t just about the performance; it’s about breaking cultural stigmas, empowering artists, and fostering healthy, open conversations on mental health. By compensating local artists and creating a platform for Black voices, Noogavision is making Chattanooga a more inclusive and supportive place for everyone.

We can’t wait to see the impact of For Colored Girls—and we’re excited to support Noogavision as they continue to make art that heals, challenges, and connects our community! 🎭✨

Cynophilist Led Fence Builds | Chain Free Chattanooga

Big paws up to ChainFree Chattanooga, the local heroes turning dogs' lives around one fence at a time! 🐾

With support from the UNFoundation grant, ChainFree Chattanooga is back in action, tackling the issue of chained dogs in our community. Their mission? To eliminate continuous tethering by building secure enclosures for dogs in need. The funds will cover the materials needed for three more fence builds, which will directly benefit dogs like Hank and Abraham, who are also scheduled for spaying and neutering.

Each fence build is a well-oiled, 2-2.5-hour operation involving panels, gates, t-posts, and shade canopies. These enclosures offer safety, comfort, and a chance for the dogs to finally enjoy their surroundings freely. The best part? The "permanently temporary" fences are flexible enough for families who rent their homes, providing an affordable, long-term solution.

The grant funds of $3,000 will cover the bulk of the cost per build, including all materials and spaying/neutering expenses. The remaining costs will be covered through volunteer contributions, so every penny is maximized for the cause.

This project does more than just help individual dogs—it also supports the wider community. By offering an alternative to chaining, ChainFree Chattanooga is helping families avoid fines or having to surrender their dogs to already overcrowded shelters. And with the positive ripple effect of responsible pet ownership, this initiative is truly a win-win.

Thanks to this grant, ChainFree Chattanooga will continue to create safer, happier lives for dogs and give families a solution to keep their pets in loving homes. We can’t wait to see the freedom they’re about to give these pups!

Training Wheels Preschool | Downside Up Inc.

We’re rolling out the red carpet for Training Wheels Preschool, a recipient of our $3,000 UNFoundation grant!

Training Wheels is on a mission to offer preschool programming for children with medical and behavioral needs—kids who require a little extra TLC and support to thrive. Think: therapeutic play, STEM, art, music, and more, all in a nurturing, inclusive environment. Because these kids deserve to get their hands dirty with learning, just like any other preschooler.

With this grant, Training Wheels will hire an additional teacher, making sure each child gets the individual attention they need (because, let’s be real, 1:1 care goes a long way). This helps them expand their reach, meaning more kiddos can join in on the fun—whether that’s exploring STEM projects, jamming out to music, or just enjoying some much-needed playtime. And let’s not forget: parents will get some well-deserved respite too. Win-win!

Why does this matter? Because there are limited options for children with unique needs in the Chattanooga area. The demand for programs like Training Wheels is real—and the need for smaller class sizes and specialized care is only growing. With this grant, they’re able to meet that need head-on, ensuring these children get the early education they deserve without breaking the bank for families.

So, what’s next? More students, more growth, and the ability to make an even bigger impact in the community. Here’s to more learning, more laughter, and yes, more teachers in the spring semester.

Training Wheels Preschool is rolling full speed ahead, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to support them.

Glass Street Community Block Party | Silas Luster

Let’s give a round of applause to the Glass Street Community Block Party, the ultimate neighborhood bash that’s ready to make a grand comeback! After a pandemic hiatus, this beloved annual event is gearing up for a 2024 return, and thanks to a $1,500 grant from the UNFoundation, the team is all set to bring the fun (and some serious community spirit) back to Glass Street. It’s been too long, and they’re ready to roll out the red carpet with food trucks, local vendors, music, games for the kiddos, and, of course, an unmissable good time.

What’s the plan, you ask? The funds will help cover the essentials needed to throw an unforgettable event, including renting a stage, sound equipment, tables and chairs, paying performers, and securing safety equipment. With a grand total of $2,925 for the event (hey, good times don’t come cheap), the team is using the UNFoundation grant to get the ball rolling, ensuring that all equipment is booked, and the performers are lined up.

This block party isn’t just about the fun and festivities. It’s an investment in the Glass Street community, shining a light on its vibrant local businesses, musicians, and vendors. It’s about fostering pride, building connections, and bringing in people from outside the neighborhood to see what makes Glass Street so special.

By supporting this event, the grant money isn’t just going toward a party—it’s helping spark economic growth, creating new opportunities for local talent and entrepreneurs, and bringing the community together like never before. If you haven’t marked your calendar for November 2nd, 2024, you should probably go ahead and do that. Glass Street is about to turn it up, and you’ll want to be there!

Fun Kid Stuff | Family Visitation Center of Chattanooga

Do you care about kids? We do. Enter our $1,500 grant to the Family Visitation Center of Chattanooga! This incredible organization is making a real difference in the lives of families in need.

The Family Visitation Center provides a safe and supervised space for families to connect, even in the most challenging circumstances. Their dedicated staff ensures that visits are conducted in a secure and supportive environment, promoting positive interactions and strengthening family bonds.

With the support of this grant, the Family Visitation Center will be able to furnish their new location with essential items like office furniture, toys, and supplies. This will create a welcoming and comfortable space for families to visit and reconnect.

By providing a safe and supervised visitation space, the Family Visitation Center is helping to protect families and promote healing. We're proud to support their important work and look forward to seeing the positive impact they will continue to make in the Chattanooga community.

5th Annual Dia de Muertos Community Ofrenda | Semillas TN

Get ready for a cultural feast! We are pumped to support Semillas TN's 5th Annual Dia de Muertos Community Ofrenda. This incredible event celebrates the rich traditions of Latinx culture and honors loved ones who have passed.

With our $1,900 grant, Semillas TN will be able to elevate its Ofrenda to new heights. Imagine educational workshops, a "U-pick" cempasúchil, commonly known as Mexican marigolds, flower day, and a captivating Catrina parade. The stunning Ofrenda centerpiece will be adorned with vibrant decorations, fragrant flowers, and delicious food.

Semillas TN is creating a space for connection, reflection, and joy by bringing the community together. This event honors tradition and fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of Latinx culture. We're excited to see how this year's Ofrenda will inspire and uplift the Chattanooga community.