United Way of Greater Knoxville

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news & events

4.24.07
UNITED WAY OF GREATER KNOXVILLE ANNOUNCES COMMUNITY INVESTMENTS

United Way of Greater Knoxville’s Board of Directors has awarded a venture grant totaling $200,000 to The University of Tennessee Families First Program to provide workforce support to approximately 50 individuals who are working but no longer eligible for public assistance. The grant is expected to extend over a one year period and assist these individuals with services such as employment training, vision and dental care, childcare and transportation.

“Funds for United Way’s venture grant program were approved by the board in order to identify new community projects that will help bring about true lasting change,” Sharon Pryse, United Way’s Chairman of the Board, said. “United Way is focused on helping people achieve their potential for self-sufficiency. By supporting unique initiatives like the workforce grant, hopefully we are allowing these individuals to have more time to make progress toward becoming independent.”

Over the one year period, the expectation is that those served will have more time to establish steady employment and progress within their jobs in order to increase their earning capacity. In addition, steady employment leads to better chances for promotion opportunities and job satisfaction. The grant will be the first time support will be available beyond the 18 month Families First programming to prevent these individuals from returning to the public support rolls.

Since the passage of welfare reform in 1991 and the formation of Tennessee’s Families First Program, The University of Tennessee has been a contractor providing assessment, employment services, job skills training and job placement to Knox County residents. Over the past year, the program has served over 1,200 individuals and worked to secure employment for more than 800 of those clients. United Way funds will work in collaboration with that effort to serve those individuals that do not exceed 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. For an estimated $4,000 investment directed toward helping an individual remain employed or advance in their employment, there is a savings of $20,000-$23,000 in public funding needed to provide training and to find initial employment.

United Way of Greater Knoxville is a local, independent organization dedicated to improving lives by building a better community. In partnership with 49 agencies, local business, community leaders and ordinary citizens, United Way tackles issues that matter most. By working together, we provide a network of services addressing Knoxville's most basic needs while working toward lasting change.

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