TDHS Launches “Leg-Up” Child Care Payment Assistance Pilot with Pellissippi State Community College

The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) announced the launch of a new public private partnership with Pellissippi State Community College (PSCC) called Leg-Up. The Leg-Up program offers child care payment assistance and mentoring to single parents while they continue their education or training in order to reach independence and self-sufficiency. The new partnership is a part of the department’s “2G for Tennessee” initiative focused on a two-generation approach to creating cycles of success and is aligned with Governor Haslam’s Drive to 55.

The participants will be selected and mentored by an area community group led by Ms. Joy Bishop. Ms. Bishop is a Blount County community advocate who has devoted her time and efforts to the needs of many forward-thinking projects in her community.

“We are thrilled to be a part of this project and we believe it will not only help our community, but the entire state of Tennessee,” said Joy Bishop. “We have been working on the project for over a year and we are looking forward to its beginning.”

The program is slated to start in the fall of 2016 and will be administered by Pellissippi State Community College (PSCC). The program’s goal is for 80% of participants to complete their education and training objectives with a combination of intensive case management and supportive services provided by a dedicated PSCC case manager.

“Pellissippi State is proud to partner with TDHS and community leaders to create opportunities for single parents to provide a better quality of life for their families,” Dr. Anthony Wise, President of Pellissippi State Community College said.

State Senator Doug Overbey from Maryville, Tennessee was a leader in bringing each group together to discuss the idea.

“It is amazing what great results can be accomplished when folks come together to help their community and state.  I commend Joy Bishop, Commissioner Hatter, and Dr. Wise for making the dream of the Leg-Up program a reality.  Without doubt, the Leg-Up program will help to make a positive difference in the lives of these single parents,” Senator Doug Overbey, R-Maryville said.

The selected participants will have access to quality child care placements within and around their community to assist with completion of their educational and professional goals.

“The Leg-Up child care pilot program is an example of when a community and state government come together to partner with single parents. It is an innovative way to support them in reaching self-sufficiency while improving the well-being of the entire family,” DHS Commissioner, Dr. Raquel Hatter said. “Leg up meets the key components of 2G for Tennessee which are education, economic support, health and wellbeing, and social capital. We are so excited for these Tennessee Families. A special thanks to Ms. Bishop, Dr. Wise and Senator Overbey. This is what we do!”

For more information on the Leg-Up child care program please call 615-313-3893.

To learn more about DHS’ two generation strategy, 2G for Tennessee, visit: http://www.tn.gov/humanservices/topic/2gen-approach.