Stephen’s Table achieves its mission through a network of Chattanooga area volunteers. We refer to this network collectively as our Yellow Ribbon Committee. You probably know of the 1970s hit by Tony Orlando and Dawn, Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree. We named the Committee doing the work of Stephen’s Table after the same tradition that inspired that song – of placing a yellow ribbon on a tree in remembrance of a loved one in prison.
Yellow Ribbon Committee meetings are hosted by Chattanooga Endeavors and conducted online to support and assist its members. See below for our current schedule. From time to time, auxiliary groups may be established at organizations in the Chattanooga area where there are a minimum of seven Stephen’s Table volunteers. For more information about auxiliary groups, please contact us at
Eligibility
Because our Yellow Ribbon Committee meets online, volunteers don’t need to be based in Chattanooga. However, most are. To be eligible, you must be: (a) at least 23 years old, unless volunteering through an academic or community organization, (b) not currently on active supervision with parole, probation, or community corrections, (c) free of any outstanding warrants or pending misdemeanor or felony charges, and (d) willing to adhere to our policies for nondiscrimination, drug-free workplace, mandatory reporting, and confidentiality.
Application Steps
If you are eligible and would like to apply, please:
- Read the Frequently Asked Questions
- Choose a meeting schedule (below) and contact the person in charge
- Read the policies for confidentiality, non-discrimination, and drug-free environment (below)
- Submit a Volunteer Application
Meeting Schedule
The following Yellow Ribbon Committees are open to the participation of any eligible volunteer.
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| Day | Time | Location | Contact (click to email) |
| Second Tuesdays | 7:30 PM | Online | Tim Dempsey |
| Second Thursdays | 7:30 PM | Online | Tim Dempsey |
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Champions’ Meeting
Yellow Ribbon Committee Champions participate in an online meeting every firstThursday of the month at 7:30 PM to receive updates from Chattanooga Endeavors, share lessons learned from their efforts, and build Community. If you are responsible for an auxiliary Yellow Ribbon Committee at your organization you are expected to attend these meetings.
Confidentiality Policy
Volunteers, board members, and employees will not disclose personal or private information belonging to, or obtained through their affiliation with Chattanooga Endeavors to any person, including their relatives, friends, and professional associates, unless required to do so by law or specifically authorized in writing. Click for more information about our Confidentiality Policy.
Non-Discrimination Policy
Chattanooga Endeavors does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, or any other characteristic protected by law, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of employees, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our employees, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients. Click for more information about our Non-Discrimination Policy.
Drug Free Environment
The use of un-prescribed drugs or alcoholic beverages while in the service of Chattanooga Endeavors is inconsistent with the behavior expected of those entrusted with the organization’s mission of second chances because it trivializes the gravity of substance use disorders which are common among those served by the organization. It also subjects others to unacceptable safety risks and undermines the organization’s ability to operate effectively and efficiently in good stewardship of the charitable resources entrusted to it. Drug-Free Environment.
Mandated Reporting
Everyone in Tennessee is a mandated reporter under state law. Any person with reasonable cause to believe a child is being abused or neglected must immediately report to the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services or to local law enforcement. Volunteers are encouraged to participate in the free online training about mandated reporting provided by the University of Tennessee College of Social Work. For more information, including a link to the free training, please go to Tennessee Department of Children’s Services.
Volunteer Application
To join a Yellow Ribbon Committee, please submit a Volunteer Application
