Our Community

John Sterner strongly believes in giving back and enriching lives through community involvement.


Northside Neighborhood House logo

John has been honored to serve on the board of directors and finance committee for the Northside Neighborhood House in Chattanooga, TN. This organization promotes independence through education and has a practical system in place to provide people with a chance to succeed and care for their families.

Over the years, John has supported the Northside Neighborhood House through Christmas toy drives, teaching financial literacy classes for children, and hands-on service of building a new playground. His active participation in various fundraising efforts has helped bring in thousands of dollars, which are sent back out to the community through strategic assistance for those in need. Since 2013, John has also been a member of the United Way Tocqueville Society, which is a major partner in the work of the Northside Neighborhood House. His wife, Liz, served as a faithful volunteer in their after-school tutoring program for several years. Together, they have experienced first-hand the significant impact being made on the Chattanooga community through this organization.

The Northside Neighborhood House was founded in 1924 by a group of women determined to help their community by teaching them life skills. For over 90 years, they have continued to serve the North Chattanooga area with their mission to offer a hand up, not a hand out, to those in need. Learn more at www.nnhouse.org.


Alex's Lemonade Stand logo

John is proud to partner with Northwestern Mutual to raise money for childhood cancer research through Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF). ALSF emerged from the front-yard lemonade stand of cancer patient Alexandra “Alex” Scott (1996-2004).

In 2000, four-year-old Alex announced that she wanted to hold a lemonade stand to raise money to help find a cure for all children with cancer. Since Alex held that first stand, the Foundation has evolved into a national fundraising movement.

Northwestern Mutual has given more than $20 million to the cause and funded more than 240,000 hours of research to fight childhood cancer.