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 […]
UCHRA Testifies On Program Helping Local Poverty Families
UCHRA Executive Director Mark Farley said the agency has been very successful in helping local impoverished families through a one-time grant three years ago. Farley said the agency received an estimated $25 million grant in 2022 to fund a three-year initiative aimed at helping families move out of poverty. Farley said program navigators have worked […]
UCHRA Conducting Assessment To Understand UC Needs
UCHRA set to launch a new region-wide survey to better understand the needs of communities across the Upper Cumberland. UCHRA Deputy Director LaNelle Godsey said the agency conducts a community needs assessment in all 14 counties every three years. That is required for use of the Community Block Grant program. She said UCHRA then uses […]
UCHRA Receives Grant To Install Vehicle Wash Bay
The Upper Cumberland Human Resources Agency (UCHRA) has received a grant to install a new vehicle wash bay at its maintenance facility to reduce the costs of third-party wash facility use. The agency received the estimated $100,000 grant from that state’s IMPROVE Transit Investment Grant. The grant contributes to reducing congestion, increasing ridership, promoting economic […]
Local Food Pantries Gear Up For Rush With SNAP Hold
With SNAP benefits reduced by the ongoing government shutdown, local food pantries said hey anticipate the region to have a bigger need for food access. Van Buren County Food Outreach Founder Kevin Bivins said he expects to see a more significant need, especially in the more rural counties. “I would say so if people can’t […]
Weatherization Program Ready To Save Residents Money
Protect yourself from the elements in the upcoming colder months by weatherizing your home. UCHRA Weatherization Manager Tommy Simcox said the agency’s program saves clients money on their energy bill. Total household income is the main qualifying factor for the program. Simcox said the program seals the outside and the inside of the home. “Number […]
UCHRA Launches New Home Repair Program For Seniors
UCHRA has launched a new home repair program to help senior citizens throughout the Upper Cumberland. Executive Director Mark Farley said the program is designed to help with handyman home repairs that senior citizens cannot do on their own. Farley said the agency wanted to provide a trustworthy home repair service. “You know, one of […]
UCHRA Promoting Regional Foster Care And Inmate Initiatives
UCHRA will promote foster care and inmate mentorship initiatives to increase participation in the region. The Governor’s Faith-Based and Community Initiative office presented its work Wednesday during a UCHRA Policy Council meeting. Middle Tennessee Regional Director Cammy Aguilar said Every Child Tennessee is an initiative designed to mobilize Tennesseans to help care for foster kids […]
Financial Exploitation Of Elderly Relative Not Uncommon
The arrest of a Fentress County couple for the financial exploitation of an elderly relative not an uncommon occurrence, according to a UCHRA expert. UCHRA Advocate Trent Carter said that in most cases, it is a family member financially exploiting an elderly relative rather than a stranger. Carter said that usually a grandparent feels responsible […]
UCHRA Completes Final Regional Food Distribution
The UCHRA food commodities program has begun its shut down after making its final food distribution. The food commodities program provided food to families in need for decades. The state decided to move the program to regional food banks. UCHRA Putnam County Coordinator Mistie Johnson said now that the final distribution has been delivered, she […]
