Teamwork in Action: Two Employees, One Shared Mission, Lasting Impact

Kathleen McLaughlin (left) and Tracy Buckles (right)

At First Tennessee Development District, teamwork is more than a workplace value—it's how meaningful change happens. That was on full display earlier this month when the First Tennessee Area Agency on Aging & Disability (FTAAAD) was awarded a $100,000 Meeting Unmet Need Acceleration Grant from Meals on Wheels America.

The grant will expand access to nutrition services for older adults who are newly in need while helping ensure that those already receiving home-delivered meals continue to have reliable access to this vital service. For many seniors across Northeast Tennessee, these meals provide much more than nourishment—they offer independence, wellness, and a reassuring connection to their community.

Behind this significant achievement are two dedicated FTAAAD employees whose collaboration turned an opportunity into a reality: Kathleen McLaughlin and Tracy Buckles.

Kathleen McLaughlin: Finding Opportunities That Make a Difference

Since joining FTAAAD in 2017, Kathleen has made it her mission to identify funding opportunities that expand services and improve lives. Her experience in grant writing and securing outside funding has helped bring innovative programs and one-time initiatives to FTAAAD that otherwise may never have been possible.

When asked what accomplishment she's most proud of, Kathleen doesn't point to a single project. "All of the grants I've been able to bring in to support ongoing and one-off FTAAAD projects that would not have been possible without this outside funding."

Kathleen also appreciates the collaborative culture at FTDD.

"All my previous jobs have been in private sector industries—advertising and technology. This organization lacks the cutthroat atmosphere and belief that you can only succeed if someone else fails."

That spirit of collaboration was essential throughout the grant application process.

Outside of work, Kathleen has an incredible story from her teenage years. While living on the Marine Corps base in Quantico, Virginia, she regularly babysat for the children of an Israeli military officer participating in the U.S. Marine Corps Personnel Exchange Program. That officer, Shaul Mofaz, would later become Chief of Staff of the Israeli Defense Forces and eventually Israel's Minister of Defense.

Tracy Buckles: Serving Seniors Through Partnership

Recently celebrating 14 years with FTAAAD, Tracy Buckles serves as Healthy Aging and Nutrition Coordinator. Her passion lies in connecting directly with older adults through senior centers, nutrition programs, and evidence-based health workshops.

"The best part of my job is being out at the senior centers holding workshops or monitoring our meal sites and getting to interact with the members of the senior centers and the participants in our programs," Tracy said.

For Tracy, teamwork extends far beyond the office walls.

"Teamwork is essential for what I do. That includes our team in the office making sure our older adults are getting the services they need. But it also includes community partners. Without our nutrition providers and volunteers, we could never deliver over 1,100 meals a day through our congregate and home-delivered meals nutrition programs."

Her words perfectly capture why this grant matters. Funding alone doesn't feed seniors—it takes dedicated staff, volunteers, nutrition providers, and community partners all working toward the same goal.

When she's not serving the region's older adults, Tracy enjoys exploring the small towns of Appalachia, supporting local businesses, hunting for antiques and vintage treasures, and spending time with her family. She proudly says that being "Aunt" is her favorite title and enjoys spoiling her two great-nieces and great-nephew whenever she can.

Better Together

While Kathleen's expertise in pursuing funding and Tracy's firsthand knowledge of the region's nutrition programs brought different strengths to the table, it was their teamwork that helped secure this grant. Their collaboration represents the very best of our organization: employees combining their talents to create opportunities that improve lives throughout Northeast Tennessee.

The impact of this award will be felt far beyond the office. It means more home-delivered meals for seniors who need them most, greater food security for vulnerable older adults, and continued support for individuals who depend on these services to remain healthy and independent.

Congratulations to Kathleen and Tracy on this outstanding accomplishment. Their partnership is a reminder that when dedicated people work together with a shared purpose, the results can make a lasting difference for the communities we serve.