State Earns Performance Bonus for Getting Benefits to Needy Citizens

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Department of Human Services this week was recognized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for having one of the nation’s top Food Stamp programs. Food Stamps, now called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (or SNAP), help low-income families put food on the table each month. Tennessee was cited as giving its eligible citizens the best access to the program and earned the top performance award of $3.3 million.

Events Highlight Abilities of People with Disabilities Scheduled Across State

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

“Expectation + Opportunities = Full Participation” is the theme of the 2009 National Disability Employment Awareness Month.  Disability Employment Awareness Month will recognize the vital role that expectations play in our successes as individuals and as a society.

Web Site Smoothes Eligibility and Application Process for Assistance Programs

Thousands of Tennessee Families Will Qualify For Weatherization Aid

NASHVILLE – The federal government today released the second installment of Weatherization Recovery funds for Tennessee.  More than $99 million is allocated to the Volunteer State under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).  Today’s award of $39.6 million will  be spent to improve the energy efficiency of thousands of homes across the state through measures that include insulation, weather stripping and window replacement to qualified Tennesseans.  The U.S. Department of Energy is releasing the funds incrementally, based on a state’s performance.  

SMYRNA, Tenn.– Dozens of young men and women with significant disabilities, including traumatic brain injury, mental retardation and blindness, accepted their graduation certificates from the Tennessee Rehabilitation Center (TRC) in Smyrna today. All of the students are determined to improve their lives and enter or return to the workforce. 

Smyrna, Tenn. -- More than 70 young men and women with significant disabilities will don cap and gown and walk or roll their wheelchairs across the stage during graduation exercises at the Tennessee Rehabilitation Center (TRC) in Smyrna this week. While at the TRC, students were trained in various fields to help them enter or return to the workforce and attain a better quality of life. Business Education, Food Service and Groundskeeping are just a few of the programs offered at TRC.  The 74 graduates represent communities from all over Tennessee—from Cornersville to Clarksville, and Mosheim to Memphis.

Needy Seniors and Families to Receive Help Through Community Services Block Grant

SPRING CITY, Tenn.—  The Strawberry Patch Group Child Care Home at 158 East Rhea Avenue in Spring City has done what no other child care agency in the state has ever been able to do—score a perfect “7” on its annual assessment.   Along with the perfect score, Strawberry Patch has also earned a “3-Star” rating in the Tennessee Star-Quality Child Care Program.   Strawberry Patch has consistently earned 3-stars since opening its doors in 2001.

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Department of Human Services collected more than $557 million for children though its child support program over the last state fiscal year, surpassing the previous year’s record of $530 million.   

“Children depend not only on the emotional support from their parents, but their financial support as well,” said DHS Commissioner Gina Lodge.  “DHS and our child support partners across Tennessee are committed to improving the lives of children and ensuring that they receive their court-ordered support.”