These contributions create long-lasting value by strengthening public safety, expanding digital access, and positioning communities for future success
Twin Lakes, the leading broadband provider in the Upper Cumberland, is honored to announce the recipients of the 2025 Twin Lakes Difference grant.
By investing over $127,000 and assisting more than 26 local organizations, this initiative highlights Twin Lakes’ dedication to enhancing digital access throughout rural areas of the Upper Cumberland. These community-based organizations range from schools, senior centers, fire departments, economic development groups, museums and more.
“We are proud to uphold our commitment to advancing community growth through our technology grants”, says Jonathan West, General Manager and CEO of Twin Lakes. “Through these grants, rural Upper Cumberland communities gain stronger connectivity, improved educational access, and new pathways for economic development.”
These contributions create long-lasting value by strengthening public safety, expanding digital access, and positioning communities for future success. Twin Lakes is excited to see how these investments will continue to positively shape our local communities.
The community grant program is offered annually through Twin Lakes to maintain and enrich the quality of life in rural America. If you, or an organization you know, are interested in applying for grant funding, please contact your local Twin Lakes office for more information.
List of Awardees:
Baxter Primary School PTO – Marvin Long, Amanda Forgy, Becca Brown, Brian Paramore, Marsha Wyatt, Tonya Robinson, Emily Gibson, David Price.
Baxter Primary School PTO – Putnam County
Awarded $5,000 to purchase iPads and a charging station to develop technology independence for kindergarten students who experience fine motor complications when using touchpads to work the computer
Casa of the TN Valley – Emily Gibson, Stephanie Hawkins, Marvin Long
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children) of the TN Valley – Putnam County
Awarded $5,000 to purchase 5 computers and 2 hotspots to have Wi-Fi for events and fundraisers
Celina Police Department – Clay County
Awarded $5,000 to purchase radios to expand communication to improve officers and public safety
Clay County High School – Clay County
Awarded $5,000 to purchase TI-84 Plus Graphics calculators for students to use during classroom instruction, state standardized testing and ACT testing for college entrance
Fentress County 911 – Fentress County
Awarded $5,000 to purchase and install digital portable radios, digital license software and conduct training workshops for dispatchers
Fentress County EMS – Fentress County
Awarded $5,000 to upgrade to DMR capable radios to provide medical care to Fentress County
Fentress County Fire Department – Fentress County
Awarded $5,000 to purchase and install digital portable radios for firetrucks to increase communication within the agency
Friends of Public Safety – Overton County
Awarded $4,699 to purchase a laptop from personnel to use responding to emergencies, helping with navigation, access to call information and preplanning
Granville Museum – Jackson County
Awarded $4,990 to purchase 2 sets of portable media equipment including Bluetooth speakers
Granville Senior Center – Jackson County
Awarded $5,000 to purchase iPads and an air printer
Granville Volunteer Fire Department – Jackson County
Awarded $5,000 to purchase radios, with batteries and a charging station
Heart of the Cumberland – Emily Gibson, Tammy Wilson, Dianne Callahan, Marvin Long
Heart of the Cumberland – Putnam County
Awarded $5,000 to purchase on-demand training videos for BEST group grief curriculum for children
Jackson County Airport – Jackson County
Awarded $4,245 to purchase broadband including equipment and installation
Jackson County School Blue Devil Network – Jackson County
Awarded $5,000 to purchase a Pixellot camera to be placed at JCMS to give the ability to stream home volleyball and basketball games
Jackson County EMA – Jackson County
Awarded $5,000 to purchase 135 Weather Radios for citizens in Jackson County
Leslie Town Centre – Emily Gibson, Kathyrn Molina, Mavin Long
Leslie Town Centre – Putnam County
Awarded $5,000 to purchase a Vibe board to enhance event planning efficiency and improve customer service for successful event execution
Livingston Academy – Overton County
Awarded $5,000 to install a multifunctional copier to improve admin efficiency
Livingston Academy Soccer – Overton County
Awarded $5,000 to install internet access at the soccer field, replace the PA system, and update the scoreboard
Livingston-Overton County Chamber – Overton County
Awarded $5,000 to develop a website that promotes Overton County businesses and tourism, as well as podcast equipment and video content development
Overton County Rescue Squad – Overton County
Awarded $4,559 to bring their command trailer up to date with modern technology to establish a command center on an emergency callout
Putnam Education Partnership Foundation – David Price, Lisa Bumbalough, Emily Gibson, Katelyn Steakley, Grace Johnson, Marvin Long
Putnam Educational Partnership Foundation – Putnam County
Awarded $5,000 to equip the new office with technology to host and connect community partners including a MacBook Pro and Samsung TV
Rickman Volunteer Fire Department – Overton County
Awarded $5,000 to purchase communication radios, remote speakers/microphones, and a speaker/amplifier for the fire engine
Upper Cumberland FCA – David Price, Jeff Lacy, Stephanie Shearer, Sheri Pharris, Kevin King, Emily Gibson, Marvin Long
Upper Cumberland FCA – Putnam County
Awarded $5,000 to expand FCA’s digital reach and storytelling capabilities by purchasing a drone, camera, studio equipment, software and maintenance
Upperman Middle School PTO – Marvin Long, Becca Brown, Nikki Smith, Debrah Martin, Lisa Jared, Ashlynn Roberts, Amber Campbell, Emily Gibson, Lacy Loggins.
Upperman Middle School PTO – Putnam County
Awarded $5,000 to purchase Chromebooks and a Smartboard for a UMS classroom
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post – Overton County
Awarded $5,000 to establish a permanent admin workstation and Veteran Service Officer Hub, expanding access to public-service support, VA benefits, and digital outreach for Veterans and their families
York Elementary – Fentress County
Awarded $5,000 to purchase 2-way radios for classrooms to improve communication and ensure faster, safer responses during weather emergencies and crisis situations
Twin Lakes is a leading communications provider serving the Upper Cumberland region with a full suite of advanced services, including broadband internet, mobile, voice and managed IT solutions. With a mission to deliver world-class communications and a vision to improve the quality of life in our communities, Twin Lakes combines cutting-edge technology with local support.
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