Meet Our Staff
The UP™staff is diverse on many levels, bringing a unique mix of skills and talents. All staff members have the same priority—the kids. Whether it is building a new bathroom, cooking a meal, tutoring, mentoring, or raking leaves, it is all done to help a kid become self-reliant.
Jeff Newton, Founder, Interim Executive Director
jeff is the founder of KUO, a business owner, a podcaster, an author and a retired pastor.. His contributions to social activism and human development earned him the Mayor of Kokomo’s Faith in Action Award, the Prevent Child Abuse Imagine Award, and the Human Rights Award from the United Nations Office. KUO has been honored with induction into the Howard County Hall of Legends and has twice won the Kokomo Chamber of Commerce Greatest Impact Award for a nonprofit. He presented the Key to Kokomo by Mayor Moore in 2024, Jeff conducts workshops on the "Missional Church" and "Working with the Materially Poor." He is also an author of three books, Life on The Porch, Bragging About God and co-authored, The Talking Toolbox.
A native of Kokomo, Indiana, Jeff holds a degree in Nonprofit Leadership and Youth Development from the University of Indianapolis (1978) and a Master of Divinity from Christian Theological Seminary (1988). Married to Christine for 45 years, they have three adult sons and seven grandchildren. Jeff's dedication to church and outreach work has positively transformed countless lives.
Kareen Dunn, Up™ Mentor, Program Director & Co-Founder of MiniUP™ (February 2017)
Kareen began his journey with the Up™ program as a volunteer. Having grown up on the streets, he deeply understands the culture that surrounds many of the youth in the program. Kareen is a tough individual with a big heart. In his role as Program Director, he manages both the UP™ and MiniUP™ programs, along with the staff and volunteers. He engages with students in schools throughout the community and recruits children for the program. Kareen co-wrote the G.R.I.N.D. Resiliency program and serves as an ambassador for the UP™ Program, speaking at churches and civic group meetings. Additionally, Kareen is the co-author of the children's book, "The Talking Toolbox."
Deanna Ancil, Director of Operations andUp™ Mentor(October 2009)
Deanna brings extensive non-profit experience to Outreach, having served as the Director of Marketing for both the American Cancer Society and the Girl Scouts. Her commitment to the community is evident in her year of volunteer service with Outreach prior to joining the staff.
Deanna's expertise is instrumental in the success of UPCreations and Urban Farms, two micro-businesses within Outreach. She is also the driving force behind Outreach's highly successful fundraising events.
In addition to her leadership roles, Deanna provides administrative support to both staff and students, ensuring the smooth operation of Outreach programs. Her email is kuoeat@gmail.com
Ken Schweter, Executive Assistant and Maintenance and Up™ Mentor, (June 2020)
Ken manages all financial aspects as well as maintaining records of data such as registration and attendance. He contributes a valuable array of skills to the UP™ program, including construction, electrical work, and auto repair. Ken educates the youth in building, wiring, painting, among other skills, and leads the woodshop microbusiness. His role has been crucial in the renovation of the UP™ facility. Pastor Ken is also the pastor of Northside Village Church.
Tina Wiggins, Up™ Mentor, Youth Specialist (March 2020)
Tina brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by children in the UP Program. Highly respected for her dedication and compassion, Tina has volunteered at Outreach for three years, where she has honed her skills in mentorship and support. In 2020, Tina transitioned to a full-time staff member, further solidifying her commitment to the program.
As a mentor and crew member for the UP Program, Tina plays a vital role in the daily lives of the children. She leads mealtime during MiniUP, ensuring a nurturing and enjoyable experience for all, and takes pride in maintaining the cleanliness of the UP building. Tina's unwavering commitment to the well-being of the children makes her an invaluable asset to the program.
Kurtis Hinton, Up™ Mentor and Crew Leader(2022)
The UP Program has been an integral part of Kurtis's life since he was twelve years old. Having personally experienced the transformative power of the program, Kurtis joined the staff as a mentor and crew leader in 2022, eager to give back to the community that shaped him.
Kurtis embodies the 4 Rs of the UP Creed - Respectful, Responsible, Reliable, and Ready - serving as a shining example to the younger participants. His dedication extends beyond the program, as he is an Eagle Scout and is currently training to become an EMT. Kurtis's commitment to personal growth and community service makes him an exceptional role model and a cherished member of the UP Program team.
Morgan Odom, Administrative Assistant and UP™ Mentor, (December 2023)
Morgan's journey with KUO began in the fall of 2023 as a dedicated volunteer, driven by her unwavering passion for community outreach. She holds a degree in Human Services from Ivy Tech, with a concentration in addiction studies, bringing a unique perspective and valuable expertise to her work.
She collaborates closely with Deanna on fundraising events, secures essential grants, and contributes to the thriving UPCreations Microbusiness. Morgan's multifaceted talents and dedication make her an invaluable asset to the KUO team.
A woman of long-term recovery, Morgan is honored to serve the Outreach and the community in any capacity. Her personal experiences fuel her commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others. As a loving mother to twins Lennox and Baron, and wife to Shaun, Morgan understands the importance of strong family bonds and supportive communities.
Brad Williams, Up™ Mentor, Program Directors Assistant
Brad is thrilled to be a part of the KUO team, where he finds joy in both learning from and teaching the kids. As an avid outdoorsman, Brad is particularly eager to share his love for nature with the children, fostering a strong work ethic through hands-on experiences in the great outdoors.
A devoted family man, Brad is a loving husband and father of seven. In his spare time, he and Kareen Dunn operate Bando Bullies, a well known business in the American Bully world. Brad's personal experiences and deep understanding of the challenges faced by the kids in the program make him a compassionate, yet no nonsense and relatable mentor. His partnership with Kareen extends beyond Bando Bullies, as he also serves as his assistant in the Program, creating a united front in their commitment to helping kids.
Andrew Schweter, UP™ mentor and Crew Leader
Andrew has been part of the program for about 6 years. He successfully graduated in February 2024 and currently serves as a crew leader. With his extensive experience, Andrew possesses a deep understanding of the program and plays a vital role in guiding and supporting others within the organization. He lives at home with his parents and his dog Aurora.