PROJECT TLC BRINGS RESOURCES AND CONNECTION TO NEIGHBORHOODS


Community connection and collaboration were on full display as the Office of Community Safety and Empowerment hosted back-to-back Project TLC events in Montgomery Village and Western Heights in early May.

At the Montgomery Village event, more than 200 residents attended to connect with services, enjoy family-friendly activities, and receive support, including 100 food boxes distributed onsite.


Community Partners Who Made It Happen

Planned Parenthood

Second Harvest

BLOCC Ministries

Johnson University

Renounce Denounce

Knox Prep

My Daughter’s Journey

Metro Drug Coalition

KORE Truck

Muse Mobile Planetarium

Knoxville Fire Department

Knoxville Police Department

Office of Community Safety and Empowerment

These partners brought everything from wellness screenings and recovery support to hands-on STEM experiences, showing what real collaboration looks like.


Western Heights Event Reaches 300 Residents


Just a couple days later, Project TLC served nearly 300 people at Western Heights during a vibrant three-hour event filled with food, fun, and community connection.

One of the driving forces behind this event was Star Starks, MSSW, Partnerships & Programs Coordinator with the City’s Office of Community Safety & Empowerment. With a warm smile and magnetic energy, Star helped guide the event from setup to wrap-up—creating a joyful, welcoming space for families to connect and learn.

“Today is our Project TLC—Tender Love and Care—at Western Heights and we are out in the community trying to get community engaged before the summer months are upon us,” Star said. “So this is our end-of-school-year celebration. We have a host of partners who've come to talk to families and youth about how to be engaged over the summertime, whether that be in a summer camp, whether that be through employment. We've also coupled that with some amazing food vendors: Smokestack Barbecue, Hamburger Hill, Water Ice and things to feed people's bellies while we feed their souls and minds. We're just here for a good time to engage community.”

From coordinating logistics to curating resources and entertainment, Star’s leadership was instrumental in turning Project TLC into a true celebration of connection, opportunity, and joy.

Families had the chance to meet local partners, receive essential resources, and enjoy a safe, supportive environment designed to build trust and opportunity in our neighborhoods.