Tennessee Governor Bill Lee (R) opened applications this week for the Tennessee Strong Families Grant Program to support expecting mothers and families.
According to the press release, the $20 million program aims to increase resources for moms, kids, and families while improving maternity healthcare access. It aids local nonprofit organizations across the state, including pregnancy centers.
Lee said that strong families are central to strong communities, and he is proud to prioritize resources for Tennesseans in need.
“Being pro-life is much more than protecting the lives of the unborn – it’s also about protecting the dignity of every human being. Strong families are central to strong communities, and we’re proud to partner with the General Assembly to prioritize resources for local partners that serve Tennesseans in need,” Lee said.
The governor and General Assembly included $20 in the Strong Families Grant Program funding in the state’s FY23–24 budget. It allows charitable organizations to collaborate with the government to offer specialized services to moms, kids, and families.
Some of these services include direct services for pregnancy support, which can include medical, mental health, or other counseling services. Other things offered include support for Tennesseans who are considering adoption, workforce assistance to prepare new moms for self-sufficiency, housing assistance to help moms in crisis find a safe and stable place to live, and additional wraparound services to support vulnerable mothers and their children.
According to the press release, along with the grant applications, webinars, training, and technical support are all also accessible online. The grant effort, which got over $600 million in the state’s FY23–24 budget, is a smaller component of the larger governor’s Strong Tennessee Families initiative.
Lee encouraged any Tennessee organization that serves expecting mothers and families to apply for these grants.
“We welcome any Tennessee organization that serves expecting mothers and families to apply for these critical grant funds,” Lee said.
The Tennessee Departments of Health, Children’s Services, and Human Services carried out a prenatal needs assessment survey in collaboration with the Family Advocacy Unit in the Department of Finance and Administration. A committee made up of these organizations manages the grant program.
The Department of Finance and Administration’s Office of Criminal Justice Programs will manage the awards. As they have expertise in issuing and overseeing grants to non-profit organizations. . The Tennessee Strong Families Grant Program is a component of the state’s initiatives to promote families and enhance maternal health.
The Tennessee Star contacted Lee for comment but did not receive a reply before press time.
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Hannah Poling is a lead reporter at The Ohio Star, The Star News Network, The Arizona Sun Times, and The Tennessee Star. Follow Hannah on Twitter @HannahPoling1. Email tips to [email protected]
