Take Care, Tobertha

Published: 1/12/2009 12:00:00 AM

This week I would like to take time to bid a fond farewell to Tobertha Jackson, a fine lady who has been an important part of KCDC for the past 20 years. Tobertha retired as customer relations coordinator, a post she held since 1999. Prior to that, she held various positions at most of our properties and remembers fondly her times at all of them. Tobertha – who came to KCDC from New York City - says that Western Heights is where she learned to love pinto beans, fried green tomatoes and corn bread. Glad we were able to teach her a thing or two about true southern cuisine!

Alvin Nance, Executive Director and CEO, Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation

Take Care, Tobertha

This week I would like to take time to bid a fond farewell to Tobertha Jackson, a fine lady who has been an important part of KCDC for the past 20 years.

Tobertha retired as customer relations coordinator, a post she held since 1999. Prior to that, she held various positions at most of our properties and remembers fondly her times at all of them.

Tobertha – who came to KCDC from New York City - says that Western Heights is where she learned to love pinto beans, fried green tomatoes and corn bread. Glad we were able to teach her a thing or two about true southern cuisine!

We are sad to see Tobertha go, but are so proud of what she will do in her retirement. She is returning to her ancestral home in N’Jabacca, Liberia, West Africa where she, her husband and an uncle will spearhead an effort to build a school for the community. They will be working through support from St. James Episcopal Church, the Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee and many friends.

In Tobertha’s words, “It is up to us to go back and make a difference.”

Tobertha made a difference here in Knoxville, and I’m sure she’ll make one in Liberia, as well. We wish you well, Tobertha.

KCDC’s mission is to improve and transform neighborhoods and communities by providing quality affordable housing, advancing development initiatives and fostering self-sufficiency. For more information, call (865) 403-1100 or visit http://www.kcdc.org.