LOW-INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LIHEAP)

TO TRANSITION TO TENNESSEE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (THDA)

NASHVILLE – New Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) applicants will need to apply on October 1 instead of July 1. Administration of the federal program designed to assist households of low income pay utility bills will be transferred from the Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS) to the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) effective October 1, 2013.

NASHVILLE – In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), Gov. Bill Haslam has issued a proclamation acknowledging WEAAD and reminding Tennesseans that “seniors are valued members of society, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure they live safely and with dignity.”

WHAT: The Tennessee Department of Human Services will conduct three (3) public hearings to receive comments on the state’s proposed Child Care and Development Fund plan to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families for funding the Fiscal Year 2014-2015.

More than 70 TRC students will graduate with new skill sets preparing them for the workforce

NASHVILLE  — The Tennessee Rehabilitation Center (TRC) in Smyrna, Tenn., will honor more than 70 graduates – students whose disabilities include traumatic brain injury, intellectual impairments and blindness. Graduates have chosen specific occupational paths and put forth much hard work and effort to become more self-sufficient and career ready. Through classroom and hands-on training that ranges from auto maintenance to business education and from food service to building maintenance, the graduates have learned skills to prepare them for success in the workforce. The commencement program will be held on Friday, April 26, 2013.

NASHVILLE‑‑The Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS) announces the availability of funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the 2013 Summer Food Service Program (SFSP).  This program is intended to assure that children and individuals with disabilities, who rely on free and reduced price meals during the school year, have access to nutritious meals during the summer.  DHS needs partners, especially in underserved areas, to help meet these needs.  New sponsors and sites are invited to partner with this initiative.

More than 75 TRC students will graduate with new skill sets preparing them for the workforce

NASHVILLE  — The Tennessee Rehabilitation Center (TRC) in Smyrna, Tenn., will honor more than 75 graduates – students whose disabilities include traumatic brain injury, intellectual impairments and blindness. Graduates have chosen specific occupational paths and put forth much hard work and effort to become more self-sufficient and career ready. Through classroom and hands-on training that ranges from auto maintenance to business education and from food service to building maintenance, the graduates have learned skills to prepare them for success in the workforce. The commencement program will be held on Friday, December 14, 2012.

NASHVILLE – Weighing in at just over four pounds, one of the newest residents of Tennessee isn’t just premature, he’s dependent on addictive drugs. Within a few hours of the delivery, hospital staff members knew by his seizures, high-pitched cries, tremors, fever and vomiting this innocent baby was another tragic case of neonatal abstinence syndrome, a condition caused when an unborn child is exposed to powerful drugs used legally or illegally by a mother during pregnancy.

Events Across the State Highlight Abilities of People With Disabilities

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam is designating October as Disability Employment Awareness Month to generate awareness about the talents and abilities of Tennessee citizens with disabilities.

“A Strong Workforce is an Inclusive Workforce: What Can YOU Do?” is the theme of the 2012 National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The theme calls attention to a potentially untapped personnel resource in Tennessee and across the country – persons with disabilities.

SNAP issuance dates will balance food supply for all tennesseans

NASHVILLE —  Effective October 1, 2012, the day in which Tennessee Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants receive benefits may change depending on the last two digits of their Social Security Number(SSN). The Tennessee Grocers & Convenience Store Association (TGCSA) has requested that SNAP benefits issuance dates be extended to help accommodate demand on grocers and provide all Tennesseans more access to a complete selection of food items.

 More than 75 TRC students make strides toward a new beginning and independence after graduation

 NASHVILLE  — The Tennessee Rehabilitation Center in Smyrna, Tenn., will honor more than 75 graduates – students whose disabilities include traumatic brain injury, mental retardation and blindness. Graduates have chosen specific occupational paths and put forth much hard work and effort to become more self-sufficient and career ready. Through classroom and hands on training ranging from auto maintenance to business education and from food service to building maintenance, graduates have learned skills to prepare them for success in the workforce. The commencement program will be held on Friday, August 31.