Poverty affects 15% of people living in Tennessee.
Over 100,000 low-income individuals and families found support and assistance at Community Action Agencies in FY2008. Programs are operated through a comprehensive network of 20 Community Action Agencies (CAAs) that geographically encompass the entire state.
CAAs not only provide a wide variety of services, such as nutrition assistance, transportation, employment training and education, they also integrate and coordinate the delivery of these services throughout their local communities. This multi-faceted approach maximizes the likelihood that the individuals and families who participate will move toward independence and self-sufficiency.
| Community Action Agencies in Tennessee have a long history of assisting the poor and near-poor, beginning in 1964. Basic funding for the programs is provided through the federal Community Services Block Grant, supplemented by other federal, state and private sector contributions.
As the Promise of Community Action states, "Community Action changes people's lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other."
For information on contacting a local CSBG agency, please see our page on Member Agencies.
|
