United Way of Greater Chattanooga has partnered with Unum and Hamilton County Schools to add an enhanced "calming corner" to a classroom at East Brainerd Elementary. This is the third school renovation project this year through the Unum Healthier Communities grant to support more welcoming and functional spaces for students in Hamilton County. This partnership first kicked off with a brand-new calm room at Chattanooga School for the Liberal Arts in April of 2023, followed by a hallway and locker room renovation by artist Dannita Noble at Orchard Knob Middle in August of 2023.
For this project, United Way enlisted local artist Jerome Foster, who created a nature-inspired mural, transforming a beige concrete wall into a serene space for students.
"We are very proud to partner with the United Way of Greater Chattanooga and enhance school spaces that bolster student mental well-being,” said Rachel Hargis, corporate social responsibility manager, Unum Group. “A critical component of our giving focus is to provide equitable opportunities for students to thrive. We hope this mural will bring a calming sense of serenity to the students, faculty and staff at East Brainerd Elementary."
Officials said, "This partnership is excited to complete one more project as part of the Unum Healthier Communities grant. Each project has offered a unique opportunity to bring artwork and calm spaces to Hamilton County students, with the hope of providing supportive and welcoming environments."
"East Brainerd Elementary was so fortunate to have been presented with such a beautiful and unique mural that represents the calming nature we try to instill in our school community” says Jayna Schwartz, student support coach at East Brainerd Elementary. “United Way of Greater Chattanooga & Unum Group have been nothing but gracious and guiding through this process and we hope that these projects will continue to build our school's culture sense of belonging."