UCDD Secures $200K Additional State Funding For Region
UCDD secured an additional $200,000 in state funding following the most recent budget cycle to expand regional programs and services. Executive Director Mark Farley said the organization worked closely with the governor’s office and the General Assembly to increase appropriations for the Upper Cumberland. Farley said the new money is a direct appropriation that can […]
UCDD Invites Community Representatives To Policy Council
The LBJ Community Action Agency seeking letters of interest from residents across 12 counties to serve as community representatives on its Head Start Policy Council. Program Operations Manager Katie Rogers said the agency accepts letters of recommendation annually so that members can be elected to serve a one-year term. Rogers said these representatives act as […]
Upper Cumberland Unites For Historic Declaration Readings
Upper Cumberland communities are preparing to join a nationwide celebration of America’s 250th birthday, but the part will not end Saturday night. Public readings of the Declaration of Independence will take place across the region Wednesday. UCDD Public Historian Mark Dudney said the regional initiative was inspired by th National Park Service as a way […]
New Agency Strategic Plan To Cultivate UC Self-Sufficiency
UCDD/UCHRA implementing a new strategic plan designed to help regional residents achieve self-sufficiency through innovation and leadership. Executive Director Mark Farley said the agency spent approximately six months developing the plan to serve as a guiding document for the combined operations of both agencies. “Our mission is to help the citizens of this region cultivate […]
UCDD Honors Thurman For 37 Years Of Community Service
UCDD and UCHRA officials honored Administrative Services Director Sherry Thurman Wednesday for 37 years of service to the region. UCDD Director Mark Farley said it is fitting to recognize individuals whose commitment and dedication have strengthened the organizations and enriched the communities they serve. “Since joining UCDD in 1989, Ms. Thurman has faithfully served in […]
UCDD Dashboards Detail Impact Of Regional Services
UCDD Officials highlighted the growing reach of regional community programs as officials reviewed quarterly impact data during Wednesday’s meeting. Executive Director Mark Farley said the agencies utilize dashboards to track the effectiveness of services ranging from senior healthcare assistance to housing and economic development. Farley said the Aging Department recently assisted 4,104 individuals with Medicare […]
Home Rehab Program Returning To Clay, Help Large Need
Clay County residents could soon see much-needed home improvements aimed at helping those living in unsafe or substandard conditions. UCDD Community Development Planner Megan Reagan said the program last served the county in 2019. This year, Clay County received an estimated $540,000 grant from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency. Reagan said the program is designed […]
UCDD: Overton Childcare Plan Likely Impresses State
A UCDD Official said Overton County’s proposal to repurpose the county’s current health department building into a childcare facility has a strong chance of gaining state support. UCDD Empower UC Assistant Director Rosa Smith said Overton County is considered a childcare desert within the Upper Cumberland region. She added that, given the county’s need for […]
UCDD Area Of Aging And Disability Forming 4-Year Plan
UCDD’s Agency for Aging and Disability is developing a new four-year area plan aimed at addressing the evolving needs of older adults across the region. Aging and Disability Assistant Director Kelly Clarkson said the agency is required to create the plan under the Older Americans Act. Clarkson said the plan serves as a roadmap to […]
Experts Target Policy Solutions for UC Housing Next Week
Public officials and community leaders will gather in Cookeville next month to examine the causes of rising home prices and identify local government tools to address the issue. Sycamore Institute President Brian Straessle said next Thursday’s event aims to educate attendees on specific actions county commissions and city governments can take. He said the organization […]
