Pictured left to right. Denita Strickland (Owner, Serenity Childcare I and II), awarded the 2022 Community Service and Senior Leadership Excellence Award, and Gary McClendon (President/CEO, People Staff, Inc.)
Saturday, August 17, 2019, People Staff Incorporated hosted its 3rd Annual All White Affair. The event was held at the Chattanooga Convention Center and celebrated small businesses serving the community. Gold sponsors for the event included ChattanoogaBlackPages.com, Pro Logo Depot, Lynn's Playpen, Uncle Larry’s Restaurant, Sports Profiles USA, Power 94 and People Staff, Inc.
Volunteering your time to support a cause you are passionate about is something you will never regret. Helping your community is an opportunity for you to grow as a person, and to better understand how you fit into the world around you. Giving back to the place you call home helps to unite the community and bridge some of the social, economic and political gaps. Contributing your time, talent and monetarily - impacts the quality of life for those in the community. As such, we are recognize two people who have had a significant impact on the lives of others - Denita Strickland and Willie Kitchens, Jr.
The first recipient for the Senior Excellence Award for community service - Denita Strickland (Serenity Childcare I and II).
Pictured left to right. Denita Strickland (Owner, Serenity Childcare I and II), awarded the 2022 Community Service and Senior Leadership Excellence Award, and Gary McClendon (President/CEO, People Staff, Inc.)
Ms. Denita Strickland passion for community outreach and helping people dates back well over 25 years. In 1993, Denita became heavily involved in the Brainerd Youth Football Association whereby she traveled with the youth football team and assisted with travel plans, concessions, tournaments, and schedules. She was involved with the organization for 29 years.
She is an active member of Olivet Baptist Church and has always exhibited her Christian beliefs and values by teaching the love of Christ. Continuing to incorporate Christ in all she does - she and her staff lead “praise & worship” daily at Serenity Child Care. Serenity Child Care has been thriving successfully for over 20 years and has been featured on the local news for promoting education, growth and safety for the children in our city.
Denita voluntarily provides food, clothes and basic essentials to those in the homeless community. She is involved in several local ministries including SKIRTS. “Sisters Keeping It Real Tight Spiritually”. SKIRTS assists single mothers who are experiencing homelessness, financial hardship and promotes a better quality of life. In addition, she helped develop the Chattanooga Area Child Care Support Group. This group assist owners and directors who are in the beginning stages of operating a childcare facility.
Denita has contributed to other businesses, served on many committees that require fundraising, and openly and privately supported growth in the community. She has provided resources to parents, collaborated with other agencies and local businesses to promote economic empowerment. In addition, she is a proud contributor to the Community Kitchen, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, United Way and Goodwill of Chattanooga.
In April 2022, she was a sponsor for the Walk/Run Pedal Jams Festival that was in collaboration with the Tennessee Aquarium’s 30th anniversary. It was on the Riverfront and was free to the public. The festival provided an opportunity for small businesses to generate revenue and allowed all families regardless of their financial situation to have a fun day with little to no cost to the family.
Denita’s giving spirit has made a positive impact on children, organizations, other businesses and the community. As such she is a recipient of the Community Service and Leadership Senior Excellence Award.
The second recipient for the Senior Excellence Award for community service.
Pictured left to right. Willie Kitchens, Jr. awarded the 2022 Community Service and Senior Leadership Excellence Award and also pictured is Gary McClendon (President/CEO, People Staff, Inc.).
Willie David Kitchens, Jr. is known primarily because of his amazing vocals. If you search the internet you will find the following:
Willie has been singing since the age of 7. He learned to play the guitar at the age of 10. Over the years he learned to play the harmonica, piano and electric keyboard.
Willie began singing gospel with his sisters and has never left his gospel roots. He has performed on Bobby Jones Gospel, at colleges and even prisons.
Most notably you will find that Willie was the lead vocalist for the Impressions from 1999 to 2001. He toured with the group and has even performed with Eric Clapton. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. Inducted into the Vocal Hall of Fame in 2006, the Beach Music Hall of Fame in 2006, the Library of Congress as a History Maker in 2011 and this year he was given the 2022 South Eastern Gospel Award.
Willie we celebrate you for your success as an artist.
Things you may not find if you search the internet. In 1995, Willie created a traveling youth choir for ages 2 to 18 at the Bethlehem Center and he opened up and operated the Bethlehem Recording Studio where the choir recorded 4 albums there. The choir performed at the Capital and for Bishop Desmond Tutu.
Willie gives of his time, talent and resources. He has performed free of charge for events that benefitted the American Cancer Society, Blood Assurance and the Red Cross.
Willie David Kitchens, Jr. is pastor of Bethlehem Wiley United Methodist Church and is the worship leader at United Christ Methodist Church. He has created activities at the church which gives him an opportunity to serve the community. He created Jazz Fridays and a Valentine Day concert and dinner.
Willie speaks at local high schools, churches and works with youth focused music programs. He is currently working with the Emerald Youth Foundation in Knoxville, TN with 80 kids in the 2nd to 10th grades. In addition to teaching them stage presence, how to control their voice, breathing techniques, and other tools that will help them perfect their craft - he shares life’s lessons and of course the word of God.
When we talked with Willie it was evident that his success did not come without challenges and some failures. He was grateful for the opportunities that gave him national recognition and tried to downplay its significance. But he was excited when he talked about the times when he mentored children who implemented some of the tools and tips he shared with them and he could see a difference in their confidence, commitment and work ethics. Those things that you don’t find on the internet.
When we think of everything Willie has done – both professionally and personally. We am reminded on a motto that he goes by. Work hard and be prepared for opportunities. Whether the opportunity is to help someone or to advance your career. That’s what he lives by and what he shares with all who will listen. Many of us may never have the opportunities that Willie has been given, but we too can look for opportunities to help someone. Mother Teresa once said, “Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.”
It is with appreciation and love we present a Community Service and Leadership Senior Excellence Award to Pastor Willie David Kitchens, Jr.