Agricultural and forestry businesses are on track to strengthen and expand operations thanks to an innovative new program. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture has announced the first round of recipients for the Tennessee Forestry, Agriculture and Rural Markets (FARM) cost share.
The FARM cost share is designed to stabilize and strengthen the agriculture and forestry supply chain. Businesses that receive financial assistance through FARM are not required to repay the funds. In this first period, more than $18 million was awarded to 20 agricultural, food, forestry and nonprofit entities in Tennessee.
Each application was scored independently by three different TDA staff members and then reevaluated by a larger group of TDA staff with agribusiness expertise.
Scores were based on weighted criteria including the economic designation of the county of origin, operational increase expected from the completed project, anticipated impact on Tennessee’s food and fiber supply chain, readiness and evidence of financial capacity to complete the project, and demonstration of collaboration with industry and community partners.
An independent consulting firm assisted with the process by advising on the application, the score card and data management.
An estimated $15 million will be awarded in the second round of FARM funding. That application period is Nov. 1-30.
Jenkins named United Way campaign chair
United Way of Greater Chattanooga has announced Dionne Jenkins as the 2023 Campaign Cabinet Chair.
As current vice president of diversity and inclusion at Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union, Jenkins has a unique perspective and insight into the challenges facing the community.
“Dionne is the embodiment of living united,” says Terran Anderson, United Way’s vice president of community and corporate engagement. “She inspires, challenges and brings laughter in every room she walks into, and we’re honored to have her leadership driving our shared mission in the community this year.”
The campaign chair works alongside volunteers and staff to drive the mission of connecting people and resources and engaging the people they serve at every level.
“Showing up is important, but it’s not always enough,” Jenkins explains. “Truly engaging with your community is asking how you can help. Chattanooga is a beautiful place with such generous people, and I am honored to be in the position to affect real change with the United Way team.”
McNabb Center opens new therapeutic playground
The McNabb Center recently celebrated the ribbon cutting of the playground for its Therapeutic Preschool in Chattanooga.
The Therapeutic Preschool program provides early intervention services to children ages 4-6 who have been abused or neglected, or who have experienced trauma of any kind. The program helps children learn to manage difficult feelings and make safe choices.
“We are grateful for the addition of this playground to the Therapeutic Preschool program,” says Gayle Lodato, McNabb Center vice president. “The playground will provide extra enrichment for the children and gives them an outlet to stay active and return to healthy development.”
Children enrolled in the Therapeutic Preschool will attend three and a half hours per day, four days per week for 10-12 weeks. During this time the children will learn to identify emotions and how to effectively express them in everyday situations.
The children will also learn how to identify safe adults to utilize in a time of crisis. The program mirrors a regular preschool or day care setting in order to provide the best treatment environment possible, which includes time playing outside.
Funding for Chattanooga’s Therapeutic Preschool program and playground was made possible by the Helen Ross McNabb Foundation, Chattanooga Community Foundation, Martin Family Foundation, Pete Frederick, UNUM, McKee Food Fund, Robert Findley Stone Foundation and Schillhahn-Huskey Foundation.
The McNabb Center is the region’s leading nonprofit provider of mental health, substance use, social and victim services. By focusing on an individual’s “Well Mind, Well Being,” we provide a quality and compassionate approach to care from infancy through adulthood.
Since 1948, the Center has proudly served individuals with the most needs and fewest resources. Today, the McNabb Center delivers support to more than 43,000 people throughout East Tennessee each year. For more information, visit www.mcnabbcenter.org or call 1-800-255-9711.