Ride to Recovery Program Preparing Care Bags To Help
A mandate from management to see how UCHRA’s Public Transportation Program could help serve local residents dealing with substance abuse issues led to the Road To Recovery Program. Mobility Manager Ryan Henry said the program team decided to create care bags to help someone interested in recovery take the next step. The package includes a […]
UCHRA Public Transportation Looking At EMS Agreement
UCHRA considering agreements with local EMS departments to ensure that residents can receive transportation services during extreme weather. Executive Director Mark Farley said during the early January storm, UCHRA Public Transportation did not have vehicles equipped to travel safely on local roads. He said many residents missed medical appointments without the service. “It could be […]
New Wood Shop Opening To Help Fund Local Non-Profit
The founders of the non-profit organization This Is Living Ministries are opening a wood shop as a way to raise funds for the organization. Executive Director Lindsay Holloway said the shop will sell refurbished furniture and jewelry made by at-risk women staying with the organization. Holloway said the women were originally taught the skill so […]
All 14 UC Counties Above State Average In Abuse & Neglect
A report from the Department of Child Services revealed that all 14 Upper Cumberland counties rank higher than the state average in abuse and neglect in the household. Kristi Paling is Upper Cumberland Coordinator for The Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth. Paling said these numbers have been trending upward. She said many of the […]
UCHRA Looking For New Water Assistance Funding
UCHRA looking for new money sources for its water assistance program after federal funds dried up. UCHRA Deputy Director LaNelle Godsey told the UCHRA Policy Council Wednesday morning that the money went to help residents pay off past-due water charges if a resident’s water had been shut off. She said the available money left for […]
UCHRA Fatherhood Initiative Taking Next Steps Through Partners
UCHRA has partnered with local agencies to develop a three-focused approach to its new Fatherhood Initiative. Director of Economic Development Megan Choate said she has been connected with resources and data through a partnership with Tennesseeans for Quality Early Education and the Brightstart program. She said the information they have shared has shaped the goal […]
New DeKalb Shelter Open With Space For People Who Need Warmth
A new homeless shelter in DeKalb County has opened earlier than expected, with plenty of space left for people trying to stay out of the elements. The non-profit organization Live and Let Live started the shelter, opened ahead of schedule on Sunday. Vice President Lillie Johnson said there are over sixty homeless people in the […]
Fentress Senior Center Named AAAD Provider Of The Year, Goals Remain
The Fentress County Senior Citizens Center has been named the UCHRA’s Area Agency of Aging and Disabilities Provider of the Year. Senior Center Director Kelly Young said this award was one of her biggest goals when she took over. She said she attributes the award to her outstanding staff and immense community support. “Some people […]
UCHRA Public Transit Fleet Adds Two Electric Vehicles
Two Ford Electric SUVs have joined the UCHRA public transportation fleet. UCHRA Transportation Director Holly Montooth said the vehicles were purchased through a $90,000 IMPROVE grant from the state. She said working alongside Tennessee Tech has helped the organization see the benefits of going electric. “Of course, we want to do all we can to […]
Upper Cumberland Surpassed $45 Million In Grants In 2023, All Time High
The Upper Cumberland received a record-breaking $45 million in grant money this year. UCHRA Executive Director Mark Farley said that number does not include grants through private consultants, so the total amount is even higher. He said looking into the future to anticipate needs before they happen, has been key. “We sit between three metropolitan […]
