Empower UC Hopeful State Pursues Program Long-Term
UCHRA leaders are pleased with the roughly four-year Empower UC Pilot program, with hopes the state will continue to fund new initiatives designed to reduce poverty. UCHRA Executive Director Mark Farley said the program was designed as a research-based pilot, with findings expected to help shape future policy. He said a third-party evaluation is still […]
FilterFab Cookeville Is Newest Empower Certified Employer
Cookeville’s FilterFab the latest local business to become an Empower Certified Employer. Workforce Connections Business Services Coordinator Mallory Copeland said Empower Certified Employers are businesses that understand barriers to financial success, but commit to help people get a fair chance to achieve economic stability. “These employers support families living under that 225 percent of the […]
UCHRA Working On Two New Programs To Help Families
UCHRA developing two new programs to further increase the quality of life for families throughout the Upper Cumberland. Executive Director Mark Farley said UCHRA plans to partner with the Putnam County Schools, pending funding, to assist the families of pre schoolers attending the new Early Learning Center. Farley said he hopes to assist these families […]
Empower UC Now Enrolling DeKalb Families
Empower UC is now enrolling DeKalb County families. Empower UC Director Megan Spurgeon said the program is not a handout, but provides resources to lift people from poverty. Spurgeon said Empower UC can enroll up to ten more Dekalb County families. “We know that there is a need in DeKalb County,” Spurgeon said. “And we’re […]
UCDD; State Officials Discuss Empower UC Successes
UCDD Officials shared the successes and opportunities of the Empower UC Program with state counterparts this week. UCDD Executive Director Mark Farley said despite rising income and lower unemployment, poverty rates are still high in some areas. Farley said some people in poverty want to get back to work, but others fear re-entering the work […]
Empower UC Expanding To Four New Counties, Surpass 700 Families
Empower Upper Cumberland will double the reach of its Circles program in the coming weeks, expanding to four more counties. Empower UC Director Megan Spurgeon said the program will branch out to Overton, Cannon, Warren, and Smith counties. She said the program focuses on helping low-income families create plans for long-term success. “Once we have […]
Highlands Training Center Anticipating Grand Opening On January 24th
Empower Upper Cumberland making swift progress on initiating the Highlands Training Center. Center Executive Director Ryan Barnhart said the 5,500-square-foot building on Spring Street has space for classrooms to handle the 8-week program that covers resume building, emotional intelligence, and core skills. He said the grant funding was awarded officially in November, and the center […]
Empower UC Seeking Community Input On Needy Families Survey
The Empower UC Collaboration wants community input. The group is finishing the preparation for a $25 million dollar grant to reimagine how UC families in need are served. Project Director Megan Spurgeon said that the opportunity came about through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Opportunity Act. She said that their goal is to bring […]
